Hi Everyone.
New to the club 'cos I've just had a 1991 Z550 G7 GIVEN! given to me :711 .
I'm just completing a renovation on a 1965 Honda CB72 (I used to have one back then) but know nothing about the Kawasaki. It has'nt been run for about 3 years but was ok then and is still in relativly good nick!
I'd like to strip and rebuild it and get it looking like new again.
Can y'all tell me what you know about them? All the good and bad stuff, handling ,performance, things to watch for (especially in the re-build).
I'll be internally gratefull.

Phil

The Z550 was a bigger version of the Z500, both were really good handling bikes with good performance in their day.
Because the bike has been stood for 3 years, the petrol will have turned to a brown lacquer consistency in the carbs. So they will need a good cleaning - as will the petrol tank.
I would recommend taking the spark plugs out and dripping some clean engine oil down the plug holes - so that you libe the cylinder walls (may be a good idea to leave overnight to soak), then remove crankcase cover and use a ring spanner on the end of the crank to try to turn the motor over. Start slowly with steady pressure - especially if you feel resistance, The engine may have "cold seized", and may need a bit of gentle persuasion to start to move freely.
Keep us posted as to how you are getting on. :D

PS Whats a H***A.?

Cheers Vinny. Lovely info. :rxz Sorry to offend about the other bike. I promise not to mention it again.

Will be back in touch on progress but after checking it's sound mechanically, I wont be touching it 'till winter for use spring 2009.

This Spring I'll be riding the....... I'll be doing something else.
Thanks again

Phil

I had a 1980 z550 and the camchain tensioner was known to stick.It was down the design and would need regular maintenance.