Motorcycle Segment:
Mid-size sportbike/standard motorcycle, popular for its blend of performance and versatility.
Contemporary Competitors:
Honda CB550/CB650, Yamaha XS500/XS650, Suzuki GS550/GS650.
Design Philosophy:
Kawasaki's focus on performance and distinctive styling for the era, offering a capable inline-four engine in a relatively manageable package.
Engine Components:
Cylinder block, cylinder head, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, camshafts, valves, valve springs, timing chain, oil pump, oil filter housing.
Fuel System Components:
Carburetors (e.g., VM series), fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel tank, fuel cap, petcock, air filter assembly.
Transmission Components:
Gearbox, clutch assembly, shift drum, shift forks, drive gears, driven gears, output shaft, input shaft, clutch plates, clutch springs.
Electrical System Components:
Ignition system (CDI, coils, spark plugs), charging system (stator, rectifier/regulator), starter motor, battery, wiring harness, lights (headlight, taillight, turn signals), instrumentation (speedometer, tachometer).
Chassis Components:
Frame, swingarm, front forks, rear shock absorbers, steering head bearings, front hub, rear hub, spokes, rims, tires.
Braking System Components:
Front and rear brake calipers, brake discs, brake pads, master cylinders, brake lines, brake levers, brake pedals.
Exhaust System Components:
Exhaust pipes, mufflers, gaskets, mounting hardware.
Bodywork And Trim:
Fuel tank, side covers, seat, fenders, fairings (if applicable), instrument cluster housing, mirrors, emblems.
Parts Identification:
Detailed illustrations and diagrams showing the location and relationship of all components. Each part is assigned a unique part number.
Assembly Overview:
Visual guidance on how components fit together, crucial for correct assembly after disassembly.
Part Supersession:
Identification of superseded part numbers, ensuring the correct, most current part is ordered.
Technical Detail Level:
High. Focuses on exact part numbers, quantities, and diagrams essential for accurate parts ordering and component identification for maintenance and repair.
Engine Type:
4-stroke, DOHC, Inline-4 Cylinder, Air-cooled
Displacement:
553 cc (33.7 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
59.0 mm x 60.2 mm (2.32 in x 2.37 in)
Compression Ratio:
9.0:1 (Typical, may vary slightly by sub-model)
Horsepower Est:
50-55 HP @ 8500-9000 RPM (Estimated)
Torque Est:
30-35 lb-ft @ 7000-7500 RPM (Estimated)
Carburetion:
Twin CV Carburetors (e.g., Mikuni VM26SS or similar)
Fuel Capacity:
14.0 L (3.7 US gal)
Ignition System:
Digital CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition)
Lubrication System:
Forced lubrication (Wet sump)
Instrumentation:
Analog speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip meter, neutral indicator, oil pressure warning light, high beam indicator.
Brakes Tech:
While early models featured a single front disc and rear drum, later variants or aftermarket upgrades might include dual front discs or even rear disc brakes.
Electrical Charging System:
AC generator (stator) with a solid-state rectifier/regulator system.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 km (1,800-3,000 miles) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 6,000-10,000 km (3,700-6,000 miles).
Chain Lubrication Inspection:
Every 800-1,000 km (500-600 miles) and after riding in wet conditions.
Engine Oil Type:
API SE/SF or higher, SAE 10W-40 or 20W-50 recommended (check specific manual for precise recommendation).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 2.4 L (2.5 US qt) with filter change.
Fork Oil Type:
Kawasaki KAF234H (10W) or equivalent SAE 10W fork oil.
Fork Oil Capacity:
Approx. 155 ml (5.2 US fl oz) per fork leg.
Carburetor Issues:
Varnishing of jets and passages due to old fuel, leading to poor idling and performance. Diaphragm wear in CV carbs.
Electrical System Reliability:
Aging wiring harness components, stator coil failure, and rectifier/regulator issues can occur.
Cam Chain Tensioner:
Can become noisy with age, requiring adjustment or replacement.
Rear Shock ABSorbers:
Deterioration of damping and sealing over time.
Crucial Parts Commentary:
While many common wear parts are available, some specialized components may be harder to source for older models.
Kawasaki Motorcycle Division:
Kawasaki Heavy Industries has a long history in motorcycle manufacturing, known for performance-oriented bikes.
Kz Series Introduction:
The KZ series was Kawasaki's mainstream motorcycle line in the 1970s and 80s, succeeding the older 'H' series models.
Kz550 Introduction Period:
The KZ550 was introduced in the late 1970s (e.g., 1979-1980) as a successor to the KZ500, offering more power and updated features.
Kz550 Variants:
Included standard models (e.g., KZ550-A1, A2, A3) and sportier versions like the LTD (Luxury Touring Deluxe) and GPz (performance-oriented) variants.
Production Years:
Circa 1979 to 1983 (exact end varies by market and variant).
