Hello everyone. I am new to the group. Also new to owning a motorcycle. I recently aquired a 1980 KZ550(C)LTD. I've gone through most of the bike; and have found most everything to be in order. I have now moved onto adjusting the drive-chain. My question is, how much slack should I have for this bike?

Also, I am having a hard time finding a link or pdf for an owners manual for this bike. Everything I find is always for the KZ550(A). In fact i couldnt even find my bike listed on the Kawasaki webpage.

Also any info that you think I should just be aware of, specific to this bike would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks everyone for the help and info.

 

About the only active discussions on this forum revolve around KLX 250S bikes. You may have better luck at this forum:

Kawasaki Motorcycle Forums

 

Ok thanks

 

If you want to know for sure, get the bike on the center stand, then remove the shocks, block the wheel up until the counter shaft sprocket, swing arm pivot, and rear axle are in line. Adjust the chain to have about 1" of play in it. Put the shocks back on, measure the slack in the chain so you know next time without all this effort. That is the best way to know for sure you have it right.

One more comment, loose is far better than too tight. A good chain will not come off if a bit loose, but a chain that s too tight can damage the chain, the countershaft bearing, wheel bearings.. Chains are not meant to be run with any tension on them.