83 550 LTD specs

I saw a 1983 550 LTD for sale close by my house and went to look at it. I don't know exactly what the model is but it has a drum brake in the rear and single disc on the front. I looked on the web for specs before I went and the info I saw said dual disc on the front. On the right fork there are mounting holes for a dual disc setup. Do you suppose they were removed or did some only come single disc on front and kawasaki only used one fork for both model? Anyway she can't get a title for it so unless she wants to sell cheap, she can keep it.

Post edited by: pumps, at: 2006/07/29 14:20

There is only one disc on 550C models.

Crap..delete this one please

Post edited by: DasTeufel, at: 2006/07/29 17:40

yep, just one disk on my '82, but the hub AND the fork both have provisions for dual disk, the hub is just concealed.

IMO, a 550 doesn't need dual disks, any braking force thats powerful enough to let the rear of the bike get off the ground if you crush it, is too much (again, just my opinion) If you were going to be seeing triple digits on a vertual daily basis, or figured on the bike weighing in at 900+ lbs regularly then I could see the need, but my 550 wont even hit 100 with my lead ass planted on it.

I bought my 550 in good running, OK cosmetic condition, not as nice looking as that one, with no title, for $100, and got a bonded title for it. You may be able to apply for a lost title, or go through the hassle and expense of a bonded title, or use one of those companies that gets a title essentially by "buying" your bike or car in a state that doesn't require a title, then selling it back to you, which allows you to title it in your state.

Had an 82 550LTD and it scooted. Nice 6 speed and would have it today if it fit my wookie body. Plenty stopping power with the single disk up front. It's still in the gallery. If it fit me I would have one in a second that engine is great! Good gas milage too. I don't know if it would hit 100 but it ponyied up to 80 no prob and seemed to cruise at 70 without effort.

The one above has a few issues. Some shallow dents in the tank. Needs fork seals as there is oil on the tube.Petcock reportedly leaks..or at least something near there. It has the vacuum? type similiar to the one on my 650 and I would most likely try to rebuild it if it was the issue. I would like a 6 speed and feel on the highway my SR could use a 6th gear. The emblems for the side covers are in the saddlebag. The wife might kill me if I brought home another one....but I think it's going to happen... sometime.Maybe she'll only kill me halfway.

Gris it would be fine for me as I am 5'7" and 165 lbs.

Werewolfx: I am in MO also...whats a bonded title cost?

Post edited by: pumps, at: 2006/07/30 20:44

Post edited by: pumps, at: 2006/07/30 21:00