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primal
12-02-2008, 12:18 AM
Picked up the bike that I bought on eBay (after checking it out in person, twice, of course ;) ) today. Pictures to come soon!

I'm planning on ratting it out a bit. I ordered some superbike bars and bar end mirrors today. I'll be repainting the tank and rims, and any other bodywork flat black. Also bought some new tires and a new chain and sprocket set.

Water Warrior 2
12-02-2008, 11:32 AM
Good for you. The Kz was one of the best out of the box bikes back in the 80's.

patrick_777
12-02-2008, 12:13 PM
Awesome job. Congrats. I hope you keep a progress thread going with pics here. I'd love to see the work on it.

primal
12-02-2008, 04:23 PM
Thanks everyone.

I'm kind of wishing now that I'd gone with Clubmans. After sitting on the bike today I realized that I would be able to reach clubmans fairly easily and still be pretty comfortable due to the bike's geometry. Might look into that at some point down the road.

primal
12-03-2008, 06:29 PM
Clickable thumbnails:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/insignia100/KZ550/th_DSC00111.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v104/insignia100/KZ550/?action=view&current=DSC00111.jpg)http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/insignia100/KZ550/th_DSC00113.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v104/insignia100/KZ550/?action=view&current=DSC00113.jpg)http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/insignia100/KZ550/th_DSC00114.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v104/insignia100/KZ550/?action=view&current=DSC00114.jpg)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/insignia100/KZ550/th_DSC00115.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v104/insignia100/KZ550/?action=view&current=DSC00115.jpg)http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/insignia100/KZ550/th_DSC00116.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v104/insignia100/KZ550/?action=view&current=DSC00116.jpg)http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/insignia100/KZ550/th_DSC00117.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v104/insignia100/KZ550/?action=view&current=DSC00117.jpg)

This one is interesting:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/insignia100/KZ550/th_DSC00112.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v104/insignia100/KZ550/?action=view&current=DSC00112.jpg)

Department of Defense? I think I might keep that on there instead of painting for the forks like I'd planned. I kinda like the historical aspect of it.

My plans:

- Replace the old handlebars with superbike bars
- Repaint rims. Keep the parts that are black now black, but the silver parts will be red.
- Repaint tank flat black
- Remove exhaust, sand off the rust, and repaint with heat-resistant grill paint
- Add ammo can saddle bags and relocate rear turn signals
- Possibly paint front brake caliper at some point
- Repaint as much of the chrome as I can flat black
- Eventually add some old school style fork guards (you know, those rubber accordian looking things)
- I'd really like to paint the engine, but I think that will be too complex a job and will prevent me from riding for several weeks most likely.

Easy Rider
12-03-2008, 07:57 PM
My plans:

- Replace the old handlebars with superbike bars


Well I'm sorry but I feel I just HAVE to say this:

You have a classic bike there that appears to be in EXCELLENT condition. I think it would be a grevious mistake to do all (any) of the things that you propose.

Really. Seriously. :cry:

Why not just ride it and enjoy it ......and do just what NEEDS to be done to maintain it.

But then I am biased. I just don't understand spending all that time and money on perceived "bling", if you only have one bike and not a lot of money to throw around.

Now, if it was a rat bike to start with, that would be a WHOLE different story.........and there are a LOT of mid-80's KZ550's that ARE rat bikes.

patrick_777
12-03-2008, 09:11 PM
It would be a rat after I got done with it. I honestly hate the bars on it right now, so I'm all about new ones.

BTW, I'm not so sure about the red on the mags, but I can't really visualize it either, so I'll have to mock it up in Photoshop and see.

primal
12-03-2008, 09:27 PM
Well I'm sorry but I feel I just HAVE to say this:

You have a classic bike there that appears to be in EXCELLENT condition. I think it would be a grevious mistake to do all (any) of the things that you propose.

Really. Seriously. :cry:

Why not just ride it and enjoy it ......and do just what NEEDS to be done to maintain it.

But then I am biased. I just don't understand spending all that time and money on perceived "bling", if you only have one bike and not a lot of money to throw around.

Now, if it was a rat bike to start with, that would be a WHOLE different story.........and there are a LOT of mid-80's KZ550's that ARE rat bikes.

The tank has a spot of rust about the size of a quarter on the right side right under the Kawasaki logo. It NEEDS to be repainted so it doesn't rust through. Since I don't have the time or funds to do a proper paint job it's getting ratted out. There's a lot more rust on the bike (exhaust especially) than you can really see from the pictures.

primal
12-03-2008, 10:00 PM
It would be a rat after I got done with it. I honestly hate the bars on it right now, so I'm all about new ones.

BTW, I'm not so sure about the red on the mags, but I can't really visualize it either, so I'll have to mock it up in Photoshop and see.

Ask and ye shall receive! I actually like this idea more now that I see look at my (badly done) MSPaint mockup.

http://www.postimage.org/gx18UIIi.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=gx18UIIi)

mrlmd1
12-03-2008, 11:22 PM
Photoshop the rims and exhaust black and let's see how it looks.

primal
12-04-2008, 12:09 AM
Here's a better idea of what I was thinking, though I'm not to sure about some of the design decisions (I wish I was artistic!).

http://www.postimage.org/aV2hJjwi.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=aV2hJjwi)

And here is a mockup where the rims and exhaust are painted just black.

http://www.postimage.org/Pq2xJkZS.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=Pq2xJkZS)

Water Warrior 2
12-04-2008, 04:23 AM
You got a major nice bike there. I would be tempted to just do the necessary repairs and clean up. Stock bikes of that age are hard to come by. Ride it for a while before any changes. Get on a couple Kaw forums and see what others are doing to keep them pristine and stock or making changes for added comfort and reliability.

primal
12-04-2008, 07:29 AM
Like I said, I don't have the time or money to do a decent restore job and I'd rather not do a half-assed one.

goneoutflying
12-04-2008, 07:31 AM
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/insignia100/KZ550/th_DSC00112.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v104/insignia100/KZ550/?action=view&current=DSC00112.jpg)

Department of Defense? I think I might keep that on there instead of painting for the forks like I'd planned. I kinda like the historical aspect of it.

ely.

Nothing really historical about it. It was just owned by someone in the military or a civilian who worked on a military instillation. It is a decal that must be put on the vehicle before you can drive on base usually with two other decals one with the date it expires and one with the base name. :cool:

Although it is supposed to be removed if the vehicle is sold. :whistle:

primal
12-04-2008, 10:33 AM
Nothing really historical about it. It was just owned by someone in the military or a civilian who worked on a military instillation. It is a decal that must be put on the vehicle before you can drive on base usually with two other decals one with the date it expires and one with the base name. :cool:

Although it is supposed to be removed if the vehicle is sold. :whistle:

Yea, yea, I know. I meant historical in terms of the bike's history. Kind of like suitcases with stickers from every country it has been to, that sorta thing.

mrlmd1
12-04-2008, 10:48 AM
I too like the bike better au naturale but it's all yours so do what you like and think is best for you. I personally don't care for the red rims but that's just my taste. I think there's more appeal (and probably more value) in just having a classic older piece of machinery in tip-top shape cleaned up and in good running condition rather than ratting it up. And the cost and time spent in customizing it would maybe be more than restoring or cleaning it. Maybe only change the bars if the new ones fit you better. Only my opinion. But , nice bike, good luck. Send in more pictures when you ever finish it.

primal
12-05-2008, 12:20 AM
Oh well. At least I've got patrick_777 on my side! :)

patrick_777
12-05-2008, 12:31 AM
Totally. Hell, I'm looking at an 82 Honda GL500 for the same purposes right now.

primal
12-05-2008, 12:41 AM
I was looking at one of those myself before I got the KZ550. It was a bit too tall for me though, and a lot heavier than the KZ. I still may have gotten it if it hadn't needed the carbs rebuilt. Oh well, I think the KZ was a better choice... there's a lot more parts out there for them than the GL500.

Badbob
12-12-2008, 07:14 AM
For everyone that seems opposed to mods......this is a paraphrased quote from car guys.

"Anyone can restore a motorcycle....it takes a real man to cut one up"

You haven't modified/customized anything unless you have been cutting and welding.

primal
03-07-2009, 08:55 PM
Well, I'm back, and now that winter is starting to leave us I've been able to get some work done on my bike.

So far I've:

- Replaced the handlebars with superbike bars (MUCH more comfortable)
- Replaced the chain, front, and rear sprockets
- Replaced front and rear tire (by myself!)
- Spray painted the front fender and chain guard black
- Relocated the front blinkers to the back (mounting issues with the new bars)
- Replaced brake shoes on the rear brake

Still to do:

- Change brake fluid and oil
- Refinish tank (or at least stabilize it so I can refinish next winter)
- Install new front blinkers (on order)
- Waiting on a chain tool so I can install the master link clip on the new chain (no worries, I'll be taking it to the shop to have the rivet link installed)

And finally...

- Get the darn thing started. It's been too cold to get it started after having been sitting for a few months. I've drained the gas and hopefully next week I'll run out and get some fresh gas to put in it.

patrick_777
03-07-2009, 09:36 PM
http://www.idlerants.com/graemlins/worthlesswithoutpics.gif

primal
03-08-2009, 10:51 PM
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/insignia100/th_DSC00183.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v104/insignia100/?action=view&current=DSC00183.jpg)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/insignia100/th_DSC00182.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v104/insignia100/?action=view&current=DSC00182.jpg)
Painting the front fender with BBQ/stove paint.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/insignia100/th_DSC00188.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v104/insignia100/?action=view&current=DSC00188.jpg)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/insignia100/th_DSC00185.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v104/insignia100/?action=view&current=DSC00185.jpg)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/insignia100/th_DSC00184.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v104/insignia100/?action=view&current=DSC00184.jpg)

New chain (x-ring type) and rear sprocket. I've also painted the chainguard (not shown) black like the fender.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/insignia100/th_DSC00187.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v104/insignia100/?action=view&current=DSC00187.jpg)
Used the mounting hardware from the front blinkers (which were mounted to the handlebars) to mount the rear blinkers to the passenger handlebars.

dan_
03-09-2009, 12:47 AM
I'm digging the black rims and the handle bars but it seems to be missing something in the front.. you should look into a small like.. crotch rocket looking windshield i think it would bring the bike together nicely.. balance it out and stuff.. but otherwise cool dude.

primal
03-09-2009, 01:03 AM
I was considering a cafe-style windshield, but $70 is a lot for a purely cosmetic addition. I might look into it this summer, though, who knows?

patrick_777
03-09-2009, 01:46 AM
I was considering a cafe-style windshield, but $70 is a lot for a purely cosmetic addition. I might look into it this summer, though, who knows?

Jonathan might still have his lying around...you might want to email him and ask.

greenhorn
03-09-2009, 11:23 AM
This one is interesting:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/insignia100/KZ550/th_DSC00112.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v104/insignia100/KZ550/?action=view&current=DSC00112.jpg)

Department of Defense? I think I might keep that on there instead of painting for the forks like I'd planned. I kinda like the historical aspect of it.

. Definitely!!! Do you know what the story on that is?

GH

caroledee1
03-09-2009, 03:33 PM
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/insignia100/KZ550/th_DSC00112.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v104/insignia100/KZ550/?action=view&current=DSC00112.jpg)

Department of Defense? I think I might keep that on there instead of painting for the forks like I'd planned. I kinda like the historical aspect of it.

ely.

Nothing really historical about it. It was just owned by someone in the military or a civilian who worked on a military instillation. It is a decal that must be put on the vehicle before you can drive on base usually with two other decals one with the date it expires and one with the base name. :cool:

Although it is supposed to be removed if the vehicle is sold. :whistle:


This answer was on the first page of this thread and I know from experience it is correct.

primal
03-09-2009, 05:14 PM
Yea, well like I said, I still think it's neat. How many bikes out there have Department of Defense parking stickers on them? ;)

Update:

My chain tool came in the mail today (as did some new brake fluid) and I finally got the clip on the master link installed. First order of business when I get the bike up and running, of course, is to take it to the shop and have them install the rivet master link that came with the chain.

primal
03-10-2009, 06:42 PM
Well, I got her started up today! I'd been trying to start her all winter, but I guess all she needed was a decently warm day and some fresh gas. She started up IMMEDIATELY, even faster than my car starts. Not too bad for having set since November without running, eh?

The only bad thing is it seems like she's only running on 3 cylinders. Tomorrow I'm gonna swing by Advance Auto and see if they have spark plugs for her. Gonna go ahead and replace those since they're probably the originals anyway. If that doesn't fix the problem, I might take her to the shop and ask their opinion, since I'm not sure if I wanna tackle tearing down and rebuilding 4 carbs. ;)

patrick_777
03-10-2009, 06:47 PM
Keep it simple at first. Plugs and wires, then check fuel delivery to the "bad" cylinder. I'm really digging that bike.

primal
03-10-2009, 07:21 PM
I might check the auto parts store and see if they have any spark plug testers so I can test the wires. I'm pretty sure that, at the very least, the carbs will need synced (throttle is a bit laggy and the revs drop slowly). I've got about $1000 in this bike so far, and $600 left to spend from where I sold my GZ, so I shouldn't have too much trouble getting it up and running.

primal
04-01-2009, 08:42 PM
Here's a video of my bike after cleaning the carbs:

[youtube:pcama300]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86cR-JGlKBM[/youtube:pcama300]

It's a bit noisy at idle, probably because the pilot circuit on one of the carbs is still a bit clogged causing one of the cylinders not to fire. I wasn't able to soak all of the carbs because, honestly, I wasn't too keen on having to resync them and repaint them. It seems to fire on all 4 when revved (and the noise on the right side goes away). That video is about a week old. I finally got a chance to change the oil today (Shell Rotella-T 15w-40 conventional) and the engine is actually quite a bit quieter now.

I've recorded a video of it running today, and I'm uploading it to YouTube as I type.

My plan is, once I change the brake fluid, I'm gonna run a tank of gas with Berryman B12 Chemtool through the bike and see if that takes care of any further clogs in the carbs.

Easy Rider
04-01-2009, 09:27 PM
I'm gonna run a tank of gas with Berryman B12 Chemtool through the bike and see if that takes care of any further clogs in the carbs.

Here's a little trick that might help:
Figure, according to the directions, how much you should add to a whole tank of gas, then put that much into the tank when it is only HALF full. This results in double the strength of cleaner. Run it on that mix for a few miles, long enough to get it thoroughly warmed up; don't be surprised if it runs a little worse. Let it sit overnight and then fill the tank......getting the cleaner back to the recommended concentration.

Where did you get the Berryman's ?? Went looking for my Gumout today and couldn't find any; time to restock!

primal
04-01-2009, 09:30 PM
Thanks for the tip, Easy. I was actually wondering if I could use a higher concentration. I'll definitely give it a try.

I actually got my can at Wally World. They had a TON of it at one of them (and, of course, none at any of the others around here). I know Advance Auto sells it, too.

primal
04-01-2009, 10:22 PM
Here's the latest video:

[youtube:1pted6y8]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ioo3Fb29s4[/youtube:1pted6y8]

music man
04-02-2009, 09:00 AM
Thats where I get my Berrymans at too, at Wal-Fart.

Water Warrior 2
04-02-2009, 02:32 PM
The bike sounds a little healthier in the 2nd video but I have a question. What is the RPM set at for idle speed ? My ears tell me it should be a bit higher but that is just me.

Easy Rider
04-02-2009, 02:38 PM
My ears tell me it should be a bit higher but that is just me.

:plus1:

I am beginning to think one of two things is going on here:

1) A LOT more people than I thought don't really have a good appreciation for what a smooth idle sounds like.......

OR

2) The recording method somehow distorts the sounds, making the engine noises seem louder than they really ARE.

I suspect it is more #1. :roll:

patrick_777
04-02-2009, 02:52 PM
I agree with the above statements. The idle does seem low for an I4. Those engines aren't v-twins so they aren't supposed to have a lope at idle. They should be smooth as silk.

IMO, even most of the v-twins I hear are running too slow of an idle...

primal
04-02-2009, 07:31 PM
Yes, the idle speed was messed up where I removed the carbs to clean them. I haven't set it any higher because I haven't gotten the engine fully warmed up yet (i.e. I haven't gone for a ride on it yet). The idle speed for this bike is around 1100 RPM, and according to the tach (which is probably inaccurate at such a low speed) its in the 900-1000 range. I'm DEFINITELY going to set it higher once I get a chance to ride it, so don't worry. ;)

Speaking of which, I replaced the brake fluid and bled the brakes today, plus I corrected a clutch issue (I screwed up a bit when I replaced the front sprocket and the clutch actuator got off track). I do believe it is ready for its first test ride. Gonna go get some fresh gas tomorrow and give her a go. :)

Easy Rider
04-02-2009, 07:43 PM
I do believe it is ready for its first test ride. Gonna go get some fresh gas tomorrow and give her a go. :)

Take it easy.
Even though that bike only has about 2X the displacement of the GZ, you will swear that it has 4X the power!! Enjoy! :tup:

primal
04-02-2009, 08:03 PM
Oh, yes, it's a huge step up from the GZ. But its still a very forgiving bike. I'm looking forward to a summer of riding on it!

Easy Rider
04-02-2009, 09:27 PM
I'm looking forward to a summer of riding on it!

It will be interesting to see how your arse likes that modified banana seat. My Nighthawk 550 had one similar and I don't remember having any real problem with it.

primal
04-02-2009, 10:16 PM
Oh, man, it may be ugly, but its super comfortable from what I can tell so far. The seat, plus the upright seating position and new bars makes for a pretty darn comfortable bike (at least, that's the impression I get from sitting on it out on my patio ;) ).

Easy Rider
04-02-2009, 11:02 PM
(at least, that's the impression I get from sitting on it out on my patio ;) ).

Oh man, that's just SAD! :cry:

primal
04-02-2009, 11:17 PM
I know, I knoooow!

mr. softie
04-02-2009, 11:28 PM
I just learned a new trick for cleaning carbs. Soak the carb bodies in white vinegar overnight, or 24 hours is better, then blow every hole out with compressed air. No need for Gumout, which eats the rubber, paint etc. The vinegar will dissolve any "varnish" etc. Vinegar is cheap and will not rot your brain like Gumout or other carb cleaners, wont hurt the environment as much, and is easier to handle etc.

There is also a way to balance your carbs with glass bottles, clear hose, rubber stoppers and water.
Let me know if you need a link to the how to, I will try to find it again.

Make sure the carbs are clean, the valves are adjusted and the plugs and wires are tip-top before you try to balance the carbs.

I am going to try running iridium plugs in my GL650I. The reports from users are that starting is easier, idle is smoother, power is better and gas mileage is up using these plugs. Supposed to last 150,000 miles, and don't need re gapping, just an occasional cleaning with a soft brass bristle brush.

Easy Rider
04-03-2009, 11:08 AM
I just learned a new trick for cleaning carbs. Soak the carb bodies in white vinegar overnight,

There is also a way to balance your carbs

I am going to try running iridium plugs in my GL650I. The reports from users are that starting is easier, idle is smoother, power is better and gas mileage is up using these plugs.


Carb cleaning: If one uses a GOOD in-gas cleaner about twice a year, there is no need to take the carb OFF the bike........and vinegar doesn't mix good with gas in the tank. :biggrin:

I don't think anybody with a GZ will need to worry too much about balancing multiple carbs. :roll:
OOPS! Guess that comment was aimed at the 550. :)

I'd be interested to hear what you think of the plugs. I have no doubt that they will last longer but for the other claims........VERY skeptical. A spark is a spark, after all.

Water Warrior 2
04-03-2009, 02:13 PM
Vinegar doesn't mix with gas ! Come on Easy, you can read, that is why you take off the carbs and soak them in vinegar. Vinegar has a PH of 4.0(7.0 in neutral)and is somewhat acidic and is good on spinach.

alantf
04-03-2009, 06:26 PM
and is good on spinach.

No, no, a thousand times no! NOTHING can make spinach edible!

alanmcorcoran
04-03-2009, 06:30 PM
I like my spinach sprinkled with a little Berryman's served with some Rotella-T on the side. Dee-lish!

Easy Rider
04-03-2009, 08:42 PM
Vinegar doesn't mix with gas ! Come on Easy, you can read,

It was a JOKE.......old Mr. Grouch. Notice the BSEG smiley ??? :poke2:

Water Warrior 2
04-04-2009, 12:47 AM
[quote="Water Warrior":fj1hla6u]Vinegar doesn't mix with gas ! Come on Easy, you can read,

It was a JOKE.......old Mr. Grouch. Notice the BSEG smiley ??? :poke2:[/quote:fj1hla6u]

I have no excuse...............oh wait, I missed my morning nap and had a brain fart.

primal
04-04-2009, 04:13 PM
Alright guys, I just got back from taking the KZ out for a shake down ride. Man, does this bike pull! And that's WITH twice the amount of recommended Berryman B12. I mean, yea, its only 55 HP @ 9000 RPM (didn't even get close to that), but its still impressive. After riding this bike, I think the only reason I might ever want something more powerful would be to get the same performance at a lower RPM range.

There are a few gremlins that still need worked out (anyone wanna send me a gremlin bell!? ;) ), though. The brake light switch on the master cylinder popped out on me before I took it out for a ride. It's held in place by little snaps on the switch, but the plastic is brittle so I don't know how well it will stay. Also, at some point in the last mile of my ~7 mile ride the tach cable unscrewed itself from the engine. Luckily it didn't come all the way out, else I would have lost the screw on cap. Once the engine cools down a bit I'm gonna go out and try to put it back in.

Now all that I need to do to make my bike legal is get it inspected.

Water Warrior 2
04-04-2009, 09:37 PM
Primal, you are just getting a taste of why the Kawi 550 was the best mid sized racer in it's day. A lot of riders cut their teeth on this bike on the track with little or no modification.

primal
04-04-2009, 10:22 PM
Indeed. It really is an impressive bike from what I can tell so far. Not as fast as modern 600cc sport bikes, but MORE than enough get up and go to last me for quite some time.

And I'm not gonna lie... it'll be nice to smoke all those Harley riders that blew past me while on my GZ. ;)

mr. softie
04-05-2009, 03:50 PM
Props for getting the Kawi out on the road primal! Your efforts getting it running right will repay you with miles of smiles. Well worth your while I'm sure.

primal
04-23-2009, 05:42 PM
So, as much as I hate to say this, I'm beginning to think that an inline-4 isn't for me. Or, at least not this one. I do like the bike, but I've been getting annoyed with the high revving engine. So, I think I'm gonna put it up for semi-sale and keep my eye out for a v-twin bike this summer.

Easy Rider
04-23-2009, 06:06 PM
So, as much as I hate to say this, I'm beginning to think that an inline-4 isn't for me. Or, at least not this one. I do like the bike, but I've been getting annoyed with the high revving engine.

I can see how you would have that feeling.....coming off a 250 where you NEED to twist the throttle vigorously to get moving at all BUT (assuming it is running right), that 550 has enough low end torque to make for a pleasant and interesting ride without rev'ing the engine so high. Try limiting yourself to 50-60% of the red line and see how it feels.

(If you are doing that already, then "never mind" and we can talk about small Vtwins! Then you will be back to wishing it WOULD rev higher; there doesn't seem to be a happy median.)

primal
04-23-2009, 06:39 PM
Well, see, its more about the gearing of the bike than the engine I guess. The bike was definitely geared for the double-nickel era. In 6th gear at 55 MPH it cruises at 4.5k RPM. I took the interstate for the first time today and at 70 MPH the engine was running at 6k RPM. I actually do try to keep the bike at 50-60% redline. When I'm really getting on the throttle I shift at around 7k since I don't want to over rev the engine.

I also kinda want something a bit lower. I can wrangle this one around find, but it would be sooo much easier if it was a bit lower.

Easy Rider
04-23-2009, 08:43 PM
In 6th gear at 55 MPH it cruises at 4.5k RPM. I took the interstate for the first time today and at 70 MPH the engine was running at 6k RPM.

OK, given that, I agree that an I4, non-touring bike may not be for you. The revs you report are about right for a small 4, even today. If it's a shaft, you're stuck; if it is a chain you could do the sprocket trick like the 16T for the GZ.

I must admit that riding a 550 Honda and a 600 Kawi for about 10 years, I never did get totally comfortable with the "scream" of the high revs. I think I'm gonna be much more comfortable with the little Vtwin.....even with a 4 speed. :cool:

And I did notice a difference in handling too. Both my I4's needed a firm hand but, I think, were more precise. Both the GZ and the VTX seem much easier to handle but end up being a little "sloppy" if you don't pay real close attention when manuvering.

primal
04-23-2009, 09:00 PM
Yea, I'd thought about swapping the front sprocket out, but the accepted swap according to the guys at the KZRiders forum would only yield a 500 RPM drop in cruising RPM.

Oh well. I posted an ad on Craigslist. If I find a buyer, cool, if not, I might be able to scrounge up enough cash this summer for another bike.

primal
04-24-2009, 07:24 PM
So, I may have spoken too soon yesterday. I was a bit annoyed with the bike and its somewhat iffy performance. However, I think it may have been some bad gas. I filled up yesterday and calculated 41 MPG. After filling up the bike ran quite a bit smoother, and when I filled it up today I calculated 54 MPG, which is where the bike should be. The smoother running engine was much nicer on the interstate today.

Still, though, now I've got it in my head that I want a different bike (I'm sure some of you know the feeling), so I'm still keeping my eye out.

BTW, here are some up-to-date photos:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/insignia100/KZ550-2/th_Zi6_0101.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v104/insignia100/KZ550-2/?action=view&current=Zi6_0101.jpg)http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/insignia100/KZ550-2/th_Zi6_0102.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v104/insignia100/KZ550-2/?action=view&current=Zi6_0102.jpg)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/insignia100/KZ550-2/th_Zi6_0099.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v104/insignia100/KZ550-2/?action=view&current=Zi6_0099.jpg)http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/insignia100/KZ550-2/th_Zi6_0103.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v104/insignia100/KZ550-2/?action=view&current=Zi6_0103.jpg)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/insignia100/KZ550-2/th_Zi6_0107.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v104/insignia100/KZ550-2/?action=view&current=Zi6_0107.jpg)