Difference between revisions of "Kawasaki Z500/Z550"
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This series was a scaled-down version of the Kawasaki KZ750. It used a double-cradle steel ([[Norton]] featherbed-style) frame with a transverse-mounted [[air-cooled]] 4-cylinder engine--a classic [[ | This series was a scaled-down version of the Kawasaki KZ750. It used a double-cradle steel ([[Norton]] featherbed-style) frame with a transverse-mounted [[air-cooled]] 4-cylinder engine--a classic [[Universal Japanese Motorcycle]]. This series was replaced by the water-cooled Kawasaki 600R "Ninja" in 1986. | ||
'''Z500/Z550 (KZ550)''' - This was the first of the line, with a 500cc engine, later bored out to 553cc's. Early models (1979-1981) had a single [[disk brake]] in the front and a [[drum brake]] in the rear, with a conventional [[swingarm]] using twin [[shock absorbers]]. Later models (1892-1983) had improved brakes (twin disks in the front, with a single disk in the rear) and electronic ignition. | '''Z500/Z550 (KZ550)''' - This was the first of the line, with a 500cc engine, later bored out to 553cc's. Early models (1979-1981) had a single [[disk brake]] in the front and a [[drum brake]] in the rear, with a conventional [[swingarm]] using twin [[shock absorbers]]. Later models (1892-1983) had improved brakes (twin disks in the front, with a single disk in the rear) and electronic ignition. | ||
Revision as of 19:24, 4 February 2007
This series was a scaled-down version of the Kawasaki KZ750. It used a double-cradle steel (Norton featherbed-style) frame with a transverse-mounted air-cooled 4-cylinder engine--a classic Universal Japanese Motorcycle. This series was replaced by the water-cooled Kawasaki 600R "Ninja" in 1986.
Z500/Z550 (KZ550) - This was the first of the line, with a 500cc engine, later bored out to 553cc's. Early models (1979-1981) had a single disk brake in the front and a drum brake in the rear, with a conventional swingarm using twin shock absorbers. Later models (1892-1983) had improved brakes (twin disks in the front, with a single disk in the rear) and electronic ignition.
ZX550 (GPz550) - Introduced in 1981, this was a slightly more aggressive version, with improved brakes, larger valves, more aggressive tuning, and a bikini fairing. A monoshock rear swingarm was introduced in 1983, along with updated bodywork.
Living with the Z500/Z550 These make excellent city bikes, very easy to manage at parking speeds and very agile in urban traffic. They have safe, neutral, tossable handling and a flexible engine, making them fun to drive without being too intimidating for first-time riders. These machines are also very easy to work on, with ample engine access, a simple electrical system, and a very reliable drivetrain.
Early models suffered from inadequate brakes and bad clutch cable routing; these issues were resolved with the twin-disk models, which also featured a simplified clutch cable and electronic ignition.
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