New Member and My KZ550!

Cool bike! Any plans of doing some upgrades in the near future?

Glad it helped!

Kawasaki really hit the nail on the head with that year color scheme, If they hadn't made a GPz, I would have bought the standard model.
What's the story on the bike, where/how did you find it?
 

wrote:

Cool bike! Any plans of doing some upgrades in the near future?

First things first, I want to replace the exhaust covers. The pipes themselves are solid, but the chrome covers have peeled and rusted, and they're a bit of an eyesore. Eventually, I may put on a shorty exhaust to try and get a better sound - although I do like the look of the stock mufflers, so I may leave them as is - haven't decided yet.

I might also look into some less conspicuous turn signals. Definitely gonna get some new grips too, my throttle grip is starting to tear near the bar end. I also need a new front tire - got any suggestions?
 

wrote:

Kawasaki really hit the nail on the head with that year color scheme, If they hadn't made a GPz, I would have bought the standard model.
What's the story on the bike, where/how did you find it?

 

Not a very interesting story, to be honest. I was looking on Facebook Marketplace for a Honda CB360/500 from the '70s. I found one that was mint and I really wanted it, but it sold the day before I was planning to head out and buy it. FB Marketplace was recommending me other bikes based on my searches, and this KZ popped up later that week. I had never even heard of a KZ before, but I saw the pictures and I was captivated by the styling. I immediately messaged the seller and made plans to pick it up. A couple days later, my friend and I drove his truck out to Gardner, MA, where I did a quick test ride, fell in love, and brought it home.

That color scheme is relatively rare.  I see more of the 1980 and 1981 color schemes.  That two-tone on black is very reminiscent of a black Gpz.