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Swing arm wear strip
- Malcolm
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77 KZ750B twin runs reasonably well but there is a pretty significant vibration from the drive train. I've researched this a bit and discovered this is normal if no mechanical problems are found.
I've discovered that leaving the chain quite slack - three or four inches of travel between high and low- really helps reduce this phenomenon.
The down side is the chain rubs against the swingarm.
I've had dozens of bikes- they all had some type of wear strip in this location. This bike has none.
I know I'm not the first to want this improved. Should I fabricate something? Has anyone else tried this?
Ideas?
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- TexasKZ
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You say that it runs reasonably well. That suggests to me that something else needs attention, and that running so much slack is just compensating for an unaddressed problem.
1982 KZ1000 LTD parts donor
1981 KZ1000 LTD awaiting resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough
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- gavroyer
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1980 KZ440-A1 LTD
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- TexasKZ
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I would then carefully scrutinize motor mounts to be sure they are properly tightened, and swingarm bearings or bushings for looseness, and wheel bearings and shock absorbers. Is the cush drive in good shape?
How many miles on the drive chain? Any stiff sections in it?
1982 KZ1000 LTD parts donor
1981 KZ1000 LTD awaiting resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough
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- 650ed
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Malcolm wrote: Please consider this proposal and provide advice.
77 KZ750B twin runs reasonably well but there is a pretty significant vibration from the drive train. I've researched this a bit and discovered this is normal if no mechanical problems are found.
I've discovered that leaving the chain quite slack - three or four inches of travel between high and low- really helps reduce this phenomenon.
The down side is the chain rubs against the swingarm.
I've had dozens of bikes- they all had some type of wear strip in this location. This bike has none.
I know I'm not the first to want this improved. Should I fabricate something? Has anyone else tried this?
Ideas?
Are you kidding us???? Holy cow, that definitely is NOT normal! You need to identify and correct the problem, and believe me leaving that much slack in the chain definitely is NOT the solution! I urge you not to ride until you really fix the problem as doing so may get you seriously hurt.
Notice the clip below from the KZ750 Twin Kawasaki Service Manual specifies 25 -35mm = 1.0 - 1.4 inches of drive chain slack. 3 - 4 inches is WAY too much slack! Ed
1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)
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- Malcolm
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The assembly is mechanically sound, square and aligned. New chain and sprockets. The risk is zero.
Vibration and noise in mechanical systems is stress. I've got quiet and smooth.
Thanks for your replies but you'd agree if you were me.
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- 650ed
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1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)
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