1980 Kz440 ltd sprocket size change

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19 Feb 2012 13:21 #505054 by AngloBiker
1980 Kz440 ltd sprocket size change was created by AngloBiker
Hello, I'm new here, and I would like to know if any one has change either the front or rear sprocket for better highway cruising, semse the bike was made when speed limits wher 55mph. I know the bike will do 65mph no problem but o'm looking for better fuel economy seeing I comute 120 miles plus a day. Dose any one know what sprockets will fit from other bikes to help me achieve this?
Thanks ahead of time for your input.

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19 Feb 2012 13:41 #505062 by Patton
Replied by Patton on topic 1980 Kz440 ltd sprocket size change

AngloBiker wrote: Hello, I'm new here, and I would like to know if any one has change either the front or rear sprocket for better highway cruising, semse the bike was made when speed limits wher 55mph. I know the bike will do 65mph no problem but o'm looking for better fuel economy seeing I comute 120 miles plus a day. Dose any one know what sprockets will fit from other bikes to help me achieve this?
Thanks ahead of time for your input.

Hello, AngloBiker, and WELCOME to KZr! :cheer:

If a replacement countershaft sprocket with one more tooth is available, could install it and test run.

Acceleration will suffer, but cruising rpm might feel more relaxed.

Am doubtful about any significant difference in fuel consumption.

Would bear in mind that these engines were designed and meant to spin happily at rpm's below redline.

Better fuel economy might be better achieved by careful attention to engine maintenance (spark plugs; valve clearances; ignition timing; clutch push rod adjustment; etc.) and carb tuning (clean air filters; fuel level; etc.) and chassis maintenance (tire pressure; no brake drag; chain lubed and kink-free; wheel bearings; etc.)

Good Fortune! :)

1973 Z1
KZ900 LTD

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19 Feb 2012 20:56 #505151 by bountyhunter
Replied by bountyhunter on topic 1980 Kz440 ltd sprocket size change
I doubt it will inrease mileage much if any (did not on my 750 twin). It will cruise smoother.

1979 KZ-750 Twin

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  • and a little Kaw shall lead them
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20 Feb 2012 20:22 - 20 Feb 2012 20:35 #505319 by Rainman
Replied by Rainman on topic 1980 Kz440 ltd sprocket size change
AngloBiker, I put a 16 tooth (+1) front sprocket on a 81 440 and it dropped about 400 RPM at 65 MPH.
I got the front sproket from Z1Enterprizes P/N SS515-16 (about $17.00).

Good luck, And Welcome
Jim

80 KZ750 H1 - the Kaw calf
79 KZ750 Twin - Miss Nov 2008 KZR calander
79 KZ750 Twin parts bike
78 KZ650 C2 Parts Bike
75 KZ400 Wife's old bike sold
81 KZ440 A2 LTD Wife's new bike
84 Honda 450 Rebel Wife's newest bike
Jim
Quincy,IL
Last edit: 20 Feb 2012 20:35 by Rainman.

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20 Feb 2012 22:15 #505352 by MFolks
Replied by MFolks on topic 1980 Kz440 ltd sprocket size change
Use www.gearingcommander.com when changing the engine or rear wheel sprockets.

1982 GPZ1100 B2
General Dynamics/Convair 1983-1993
GLCM BGM-109 Tomahawk, AGM-129A Advanced Cruise Missile (ACM)

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21 Feb 2012 02:34 - 21 Feb 2012 02:34 #505425 by bountyhunter
Replied by bountyhunter on topic 1980 Kz440 ltd sprocket size change

AngloBiker wrote: I know the bike will do 65mph no problem but I'm looking for better fuel economy seeing I comute 120 miles plus a day.

Not often considered, but a good fairing which reduces drag will significantly increase highway mileage. Not a vertical windshield which acts like an air brake but something that punches a hole in the air for the bike. It also will improve your comfort.

1979 KZ-750 Twin
Last edit: 21 Feb 2012 02:34 by bountyhunter.

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  • Rainman
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  • and a little Kaw shall lead them
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21 Feb 2012 02:53 #505434 by Rainman
Replied by Rainman on topic 1980 Kz440 ltd sprocket size change
This works fairly well, about 60+ MPG highway



Good luck,
Jim

80 KZ750 H1 - the Kaw calf
79 KZ750 Twin - Miss Nov 2008 KZR calander
79 KZ750 Twin parts bike
78 KZ650 C2 Parts Bike
75 KZ400 Wife's old bike sold
81 KZ440 A2 LTD Wife's new bike
84 Honda 450 Rebel Wife's newest bike
Jim
Quincy,IL
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21 Feb 2012 05:16 #505442 by bountyhunter
Replied by bountyhunter on topic 1980 Kz440 ltd sprocket size change
I recognize the backside of a KZ750 twin over there to the right with stock exhaust...... takes me back to when mine was new.

1979 KZ-750 Twin

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21 Feb 2012 19:04 #505527 by AngloBiker
Replied by AngloBiker on topic 1980 Kz440 ltd sprocket size change
Thank you everyone for your input. Think I will get a windscreen to add for comfort and I will also check the valves and make sure carbs are tuned and working well before I change the front sprocket

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21 Feb 2012 19:13 #505530 by hypnohio
Replied by hypnohio on topic 1980 Kz440 ltd sprocket size change
nice looking bike. what kind of saddlebags are those, and were the rear turn signals moved? thanks.

1982 KZ440 LTD
2003 EN500 C
2006 Virago 250

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  • Rainman
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  • and a little Kaw shall lead them
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22 Feb 2012 02:50 - 22 Feb 2012 02:51 #505599 by Rainman
Replied by Rainman on topic 1980 Kz440 ltd sprocket size change
hypnohio, the bags are Willie & Max Compact Braided Slant Saddlebags, Dennis Kirk P/N 50-5933.
Yes the turn signals were moved to the rear light bracket


80 KZ750 H1 - the Kaw calf
79 KZ750 Twin - Miss Nov 2008 KZR calander
79 KZ750 Twin parts bike
78 KZ650 C2 Parts Bike
75 KZ400 Wife's old bike sold
81 KZ440 A2 LTD Wife's new bike
84 Honda 450 Rebel Wife's newest bike
Jim
Quincy,IL
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Last edit: 22 Feb 2012 02:51 by Rainman.

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22 Feb 2012 09:28 #505617 by Patton
Replied by Patton on topic 1980 Kz440 ltd sprocket size change
Rear signals relocated to simple bracket fitted between tag and mount.

For easy fitment of soft bags.
Also handy for bungee cord hooks.





Good Fortune! :)

1973 Z1
KZ900 LTD
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