Learn me on Kasawamasaki GT550

[m0l0t0v]

Righto peoples, this is my first shaftie. Hopefully, only too. But it is my workhorse, but a fun workhorse of sorts.


Anyways, what's the deal with shaft drive? Guessing there's no real TLC needed compared to C&S, but at least some form of care?

I think the brake shoes need replacing so I'm guessing I'll have a looksee at the mythological shaft drive thingy. So anything I should look out for?


Oh and I aim to do an oil change... but I can't seem to find any english manuals for the bike and err... no visible oil filter

I bought 4 litres of Hein Gericke and from what I see on the side it takes 3 litres? The guy also said I get a free oil filter... but there was nothing on the catalogue for a GT550... Only a GT550 Kardan. Whatever that is. He seemed to think it's an type of oil filter that I can take out and jut clean with paraffin. This correct?


And if anyone can find me a link for an english manual that'd be great. Ta.


Oh and.... I'm not sure if it's the clutch slipping or if it happens with shafties as well but sometimes at speed, mainly over bumps and stuff it seems to "slip" and sometimes get a weird feeling thing from the rear... So I tend to assume it's the shaft drive?

Just to make sure, it's a '92 J reg Kawasaki GT 550...

Much love
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'99 Hornet 600 , VFR 400 NC30 '92 , Kasawamasaki GT 550 , '98 Hornet 600
**\Tarmacsurfer/** said: It's that immaculately manly coiffure of yours isn't it. One glimpse of your virile locks and the punters can't wait to buy whatever it is you suggest, as it might let them be just a little bit like the Adonis that is our very own Molly Doovydoo said: Its not my fault I can't get it up properly, I just wasn't blessed

[Itchy]

You need to replace the oil in the shaft drive periodically, I never owned my GT550 long enough to do this and it spent most of its life in a lockup, and whenever I changed it on me NTV it always came out clean.

I betcha its been couriered though, they all have.

You may want the thicker discs on the front which Sickie sells conveniently too and some new carb rubbers too.
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Spain 2008France 2007Big one 2009 We all die. The goal isn't to live forever, the goal is to create something that will. In the end, your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it is worth watching.

[m0l0t0v]

Awesome. I may do the discs. I want to give the front end a full service. Brakes( stripped apart, etc) and forks. Might as well get discs... but I'll have to check on monies first.

Shaft drive oil? Any recommendations? How much oil to use and is it obvious where to put it in?


It probably has. 80k miles and counting.

Anything on how much oil they take and oil filter thing?
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'99 Hornet 600 , VFR 400 NC30 '92 , Kasawamasaki GT 550 , '98 Hornet 600
**\Tarmacsurfer/** said: It's that immaculately manly coiffure of yours isn't it. One glimpse of your virile locks and the punters can't wait to buy whatever it is you suggest, as it might let them be just a little bit like the Adonis that is our very own Molly Doovydoo said: Its not my fault I can't get it up properly, I just wasn't blessed

[temeluchus]

Could possibly be a clutch issue.

Use 80 weight gearbox oil in the shaft hub (the big thing the back wheel bolts too, youll spot the oil filler cap. There is a drain bolt in the bottom to get the old oil out). Dont remember the precise amount.
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Some shite cruiser. Now with guns and FREEDOM!

[m0l0t0v]

Gearbox oil then? I'll have a looksee. And I'll find out how much. Ta
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'99 Hornet 600 , VFR 400 NC30 '92 , Kasawamasaki GT 550 , '98 Hornet 600
**\Tarmacsurfer/** said: It's that immaculately manly coiffure of yours isn't it. One glimpse of your virile locks and the punters can't wait to buy whatever it is you suggest, as it might let them be just a little bit like the Adonis that is our very own Molly Doovydoo said: Its not my fault I can't get it up properly, I just wasn't blessed

[yen_powell]

I think you'll find the oil filter in it's own housing on the underside of your engine. You use a ring spanner or socket on the centre bolt to undo the housing. Inside will be a throwaway paper filter. Make sure you don't throw away any springs, O rings or washers that are part of the housing.

Never take advice from Hein Gericke, they are clothing salesmen and should only be asked to repeat the words 'suits you sir' at regular intervals!

Look for GPz550 in oil filter catalogues or Kawasaki GT750, they are bound to be the same.
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Blackmail is a nasty word........but not as nasty as phlegm!
XT1200Z and a DR350 in bits

[ZRX61]

Oil filter is the same as the Z650/Z750-4/Concours/ZRX1100-1200/ Z1000-J/ Gpz11/Z550-GPz 550 etc.

Part #16099-003

If you lose the washer, you failed...

[m0l0t0v]

Thanks for the info.

TBH, he did say he has no clue and it's best to check. Just on the oil filter catalogue there was no mention of my bike yet there were others

Meh. I'll get it sorted soon.
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'99 Hornet 600 , VFR 400 NC30 '92 , Kasawamasaki GT 550 , '98 Hornet 600
**\Tarmacsurfer/** said: It's that immaculately manly coiffure of yours isn't it. One glimpse of your virile locks and the punters can't wait to buy whatever it is you suggest, as it might let them be just a little bit like the Adonis that is our very own Molly Doovydoo said: Its not my fault I can't get it up properly, I just wasn't blessed

[temeluchus]

Its often listed as a "Z550GT" or "KZ550GT".

Anything for the Z550 and GPZ550 should also fit, engine wise.
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Some shite cruiser. Now with guns and FREEDOM!

[Paddy Blake]

When you change the oil at the back wheel you fill it to the level of where you are filling it while it is on the centre stand.

Check the front brakes often.The pads have a limit of wear and they stop working.
Then don't just keep working until they are all metal to metal.

[m0l0t0v]

[yen_powell]

[temeluchus]

https://rs516.rapidshare.com/files/145529884/Kawasaki_KZ500_550_GPZ_ZX_550_79-85_Service_Manual_ENG_By_Mosue.pdf

check page 251 for servicing the shaft drive unit.
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Some shite cruiser. Now with guns and FREEDOM!