Changing 1982 KZ550 LTD Front Sprocket

[ajg5006]

Hi,

I just bought new front and rear sprockets to replace the worn ones for my bike. Unfortunately, its not as easy as I hoped and I am having trouble removing the front sprocket. Once I moved the front cover there is a weird washer in the center that is holding it on. Any ideas on how to remove it without damaging it? Thanks.

[MFolks]

It is a type of lock washer that fits over the nut holding the front sprocket nut to the engine output shaft. A cold chisel and a hammer can be used to straighten out the locking tabs so you can access the sprocket nut.

A tip; leave the chain on until the sprocket nut is loose as it will be really tight. Use help by having somebody apply the rear brake while you try to loosen the sprocket nut. I use a big socket that fits the nut and my 18" long 1/2" drive breaker bar every time I change the chain and sprockets

[A2 turbo]

Originally Posted by MFolks

It is a type of lock washer that fits over the nut holding the front sprocket nut to the engine output shaft. A cold chisel and a hammer can be used to straighten out the locking tabs so you can access the sprocket nut.

A tip; leave the chain on until the sprocket nut is loose as it will be really tight. Use help by having somebody apply the rear brake while you try to loosen the sprocket nut. I use a big socket that fits the nut and my 18" long 1/2" drive breaker bar every time I change the chain and sprockets

+100000000! do it like this and no worries!

[Andy the gringo]

Sorry guys but the 550's do not attach like that. Once you have the cover off and you can see the sprocket, clean off all the built up goo. You will find 2 6mm bolts that go through an odd shaped washer and thread into the sprocket itself. Remove these two bolts and slide the washer off. Once you do this the sprocket will slide right off. They are really much easier to remove than the larger bikes with the huge nut and bent tab washer set up.

[Elspode]

Does anyone know the proper tooth count for a stock '82 KZ 550 LTD C model? I need a new one, but Old Bike Barn has like three different kinds listed for this year/model, and the repair manual doesn't seem to specify how many teeth I should have. Although I suppose I could count them, but the bike's at the mechanic's, and I need to order online asap.

[Bill Frazier]

Stock is 16 teeth per the Dennis Kirk catalog.

[Elspode]

Sorry, I was stupid...I need to know the tooth count for the *rear*.

[Bill Frazier]

Rear is 38 tooth- same source.

[Elspode]

Thank you!

[kawpaul]

Never knew it was so hard to remove a countershaft sprocket.

[klx678]

Originally Posted by Andy the gringo

Sorry guys but the 550's do not attach like that. Once you have the cover off and you can see the sprocket, clean off all the built up goo. You will find 2 6mm bolts that go through an odd shaped washer and thread into the sprocket itself. Remove these two bolts and slide the washer off. Once you do this the sprocket will slide right off. They are really much easier to remove than the larger bikes with the huge nut and bent tab washer set up.

Ditto on the set up for the Zephyr - same basic engine. Simple and fast to change out. I went with a 17 on it

Do you, by chance, know or have heard of Sam Williams? He lives in the Akron area. Sam's racing some early Kaws in vintage racing and I think WERA races. I delivered one of my manual tensioners to him, at Mid Ohio this summer, for one of his Kawasakis. He's got a GPz 550 and an ELR 1000 he races in the middle and heavy weight superbike classes. Big guy you'd not think would be racing... and going quite fast!

[sheldonbourgeoi]

Originally Posted by Andy the gringo

Sorry guys but the 550's do not attach like that. Once you have the cover off and you can see the sprocket, clean off all the built up goo. You will find 2 6mm bolts that go through an odd shaped washer and thread into the sprocket itself. Remove these two bolts and slide the washer off. Once you do this the sprocket will slide right off. They are really much easier to remove than the larger bikes with the huge nut and bent tab washer set up.

I had a 550, and that is exactly how the front sproket is attached. It is VERY simple to remove.