Newb with an '81 LTD550
- tulsawalk
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I presently ride a 2007 GL1800 Goldwing but this will be a retirement project and hopefully a fun around town scoot.
I don't know anything about Kawasakis so have some initial questions:
1. Is this a KZ550 with the LTD being a "trim" model?
2. I have found some reference on the web to KZ550 A1, A2, A3 or A4. What does that refer to?
3. I found the following manual online: KZ500/550 & 2x550 1979-1985 SERVICE REPAIR MAINTENANCE. Is this applicable?
4. Where might I find carb kits for this beast?
My wife is gonna' love this. I now have yet another motorcycle forum to take up my time!
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2007 Goldwing
1981 LTD550 (soon to be in work)
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- mtbspeedfreak
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To answer a few of your questions:
Yes, LTDs are "trim" cruiser models. With that being said, if you have a Goldwing, I'd take that in a heartbeat for true "cruising."
KZ550A# are the base KZ's, LTD550s are actually KZ550C#, I want to say my LTD was a KZ550C2 or C3. A quick giveaway is the front fender (LTDs have a smaller fender) and seat (LTDs have a stepped seat).
That manual should help you out. I believe someone scanned a Clymer manual and posted it on here somewhere, I'll have to do some digging.
Check out Z1 Enterprises ( www.z1enterprises.com/ ) for anything and everything related to older Kawasakis. They have most everything in stock and I have never dealt with nicer folks my entire life.
Good luck!
2000 ZRX 1100
1976 KZ 900- Daily Driver
1980 LTD 550- Dalton Highway survivor!
If it has tits or tires, it'll give you problems!
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- tulsawalk
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Does that apply to the engine only or other options on the bike in general?
I'm assuming that will be important to know at some point for parts purchasing?
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2007 Goldwing
1981 LTD550 (soon to be in work)
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- Patton
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The following links are courtesy of KZr Member loudhvx.
FSM home.comcast.net/~loudgpz/KZ5mnl.pdf
home.comcast.net/~loudgpz/GPZweb/index.html#home
Good Fortune!
1973 Z1
KZ900 LTD
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- tulsawalk
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2007 Goldwing
1981 LTD550 (soon to be in work)
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- mtbspeedfreak
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tulsawalk wrote: It has the LTD badging on the side cover, so it is a KZ550 C? - Where / how do I figure that out?
Does that apply to the engine only or other options on the bike in general?
I'm assuming that will be important to know at some point for parts purchasing?
Correct, your side cover badges should say LTD 550. Your engine is the same as a KZ550 (a GPz550 has a modified engine).
2000 ZRX 1100
1976 KZ 900- Daily Driver
1980 LTD 550- Dalton Highway survivor!
If it has tits or tires, it'll give you problems!
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- martin_csr
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- Proxy
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- 80% Human 20% Nuts/Bolts
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Take it from me cuz I found
If you leave it then somebody else is bound,
To find that treasure, that moment of pleasure,
When yours, it could have been.
1977 KZ650 B1 Being restored to original (Green)
1977 KZ650 B1 Original (Red) Sold
1977 KZ650 B1 Donor Bike for Parts
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- tulsawalk
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2007 Goldwing
1981 LTD550 (soon to be in work)
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- Patton
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- tulsawalk
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You're right, it's no Goldwing, I call mine the FatGirl, but it was free, I am recently retired and going crazy and think it will be a fun bike to tool around town on from time to time.
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2007 Goldwing
1981 LTD550 (soon to be in work)
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- Proxy
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- 80% Human 20% Nuts/Bolts
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Take it from me cuz I found
If you leave it then somebody else is bound,
To find that treasure, that moment of pleasure,
When yours, it could have been.
1977 KZ650 B1 Being restored to original (Green)
1977 KZ650 B1 Original (Red) Sold
1977 KZ650 B1 Donor Bike for Parts
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.