1981 KZ750 LTD four questions
- bluejacobs
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Re: 1981 KZ750 LTD four questions
07 Jun 2021 11:30
So then what did I take apart? I'll snap a photo in a bit to upload, but I was able to get the plate off with a screwdriver and a little effort.
1981 Kawasaki KZ750 LTD - running strong but undergoing cosmetic surgery after a crash 4/15/24
1980 KZ750 - 7k on the clock been sitting 30 years - possible donor for 1981
1981 KZ440 A - was running until the end of 2022, sitting in a barn for now
1981 KZ440A - donor bike
1980 KZ750 - 7k on the clock been sitting 30 years - possible donor for 1981
1981 KZ440 A - was running until the end of 2022, sitting in a barn for now
1981 KZ440A - donor bike
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- Mikaw
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Re: 1981 KZ750 LTD four questions
07 Jun 2021 12:08 - 07 Jun 2021 12:09
I do know of master links the are a force on friction fit, but I don’t think there were ever used on motorcycle chains, mostly power transmission in machinery. If the link you have required a clip then the open end of the post will have groves cut into it to retain the clip. If it’s a crimp on master the open end of the post will be peened over. It should have taken more than minimum force as you described to remover it.
1976 KZ 900 A4
kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/613548-1976-kz-900-a4
1976 KZ 900 B1 LTD
1978 KZ 1000 B2 LTD
1980 KZ 750 E1
Kowledge Speaks, But Wisdom Listens.
Jimi Hendrix.
1976 KZ 900 B1 LTD
1978 KZ 1000 B2 LTD
1980 KZ 750 E1
Kowledge Speaks, But Wisdom Listens.
Jimi Hendrix.
Last edit: 07 Jun 2021 12:09 by Mikaw.
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- bluejacobs
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Re: 1981 KZ750 LTD four questions
07 Jun 2021 12:28
Yeah it looks like it's got the grooves for a clip, they definitely were not peened over. It required some effort, more than most master links I've encountered but not what I would consider "a lot"
1981 Kawasaki KZ750 LTD - running strong but undergoing cosmetic surgery after a crash 4/15/24
1980 KZ750 - 7k on the clock been sitting 30 years - possible donor for 1981
1981 KZ440 A - was running until the end of 2022, sitting in a barn for now
1981 KZ440A - donor bike
1980 KZ750 - 7k on the clock been sitting 30 years - possible donor for 1981
1981 KZ440 A - was running until the end of 2022, sitting in a barn for now
1981 KZ440A - donor bike
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- Mikaw
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Re: 1981 KZ750 LTD four questions
07 Jun 2021 12:44
I’d say it lottery ticket time. You got lucky. Now there is a huge debate over clip master vs crimp master. Hopefully this won’t turn into another one. I run clip style without issue, my choice. You do what your safety level tells you. But if you run a clip style it’s important to orient the clip correctly. If installing the master in the top side of the chain place the open end of the clip facing the rear. Opposite if your installing the master into the bottom of the chain.
1976 KZ 900 A4
kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/613548-1976-kz-900-a4
1976 KZ 900 B1 LTD
1978 KZ 1000 B2 LTD
1980 KZ 750 E1
Kowledge Speaks, But Wisdom Listens.
Jimi Hendrix.
1976 KZ 900 B1 LTD
1978 KZ 1000 B2 LTD
1980 KZ 750 E1
Kowledge Speaks, But Wisdom Listens.
Jimi Hendrix.
The following user(s) said Thank You: bluejacobs
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- bluejacobs
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Re: 1981 KZ750 LTD four questions
09 Jun 2021 09:27
Yeah I've seen a few of those debate threads. Can't find a 630 link anywhere local but dammit do I hate to pay Z1 10 bucks to ship a link...
1981 Kawasaki KZ750 LTD - running strong but undergoing cosmetic surgery after a crash 4/15/24
1980 KZ750 - 7k on the clock been sitting 30 years - possible donor for 1981
1981 KZ440 A - was running until the end of 2022, sitting in a barn for now
1981 KZ440A - donor bike
1980 KZ750 - 7k on the clock been sitting 30 years - possible donor for 1981
1981 KZ440 A - was running until the end of 2022, sitting in a barn for now
1981 KZ440A - donor bike
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- Mikaw
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Re: 1981 KZ750 LTD four questions
09 Jun 2021 18:34
I have never used a replacement link. Myself I’d have some reservations about mixing a them. There could be minute differences in side plate thickness, dimensions might be different. If it were mine I’d buy a new chain with a new link. Just my opinion. I’d be concerned the aftermarket link would not fit exactly and potentially come loose.
1976 KZ 900 A4
kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/613548-1976-kz-900-a4
1976 KZ 900 B1 LTD
1978 KZ 1000 B2 LTD
1980 KZ 750 E1
Kowledge Speaks, But Wisdom Listens.
Jimi Hendrix.
1976 KZ 900 B1 LTD
1978 KZ 1000 B2 LTD
1980 KZ 750 E1
Kowledge Speaks, But Wisdom Listens.
Jimi Hendrix.
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- bluejacobs
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Re: 1981 KZ750 LTD four questions
10 Jun 2021 14:42
I could see that, but why sell replacement links then?
1981 Kawasaki KZ750 LTD - running strong but undergoing cosmetic surgery after a crash 4/15/24
1980 KZ750 - 7k on the clock been sitting 30 years - possible donor for 1981
1981 KZ440 A - was running until the end of 2022, sitting in a barn for now
1981 KZ440A - donor bike
1980 KZ750 - 7k on the clock been sitting 30 years - possible donor for 1981
1981 KZ440 A - was running until the end of 2022, sitting in a barn for now
1981 KZ440A - donor bike
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- Mikaw
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Re: 1981 KZ750 LTD four questions
10 Jun 2021 14:53
They might be replacement for their band chain.
1976 KZ 900 A4
kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/613548-1976-kz-900-a4
1976 KZ 900 B1 LTD
1978 KZ 1000 B2 LTD
1980 KZ 750 E1
Kowledge Speaks, But Wisdom Listens.
Jimi Hendrix.
1976 KZ 900 B1 LTD
1978 KZ 1000 B2 LTD
1980 KZ 750 E1
Kowledge Speaks, But Wisdom Listens.
Jimi Hendrix.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- bluejacobs
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Re: 1981 KZ750 LTD four questions
17 Jun 2021 18:22
Okay so it appears all other threads on this have become irrelevant because I was just told by my local shop that 630 chains for bikes are being phased out industry wide. Since a clip 630SO connecting link that isn't made of cheap pot steel doesn't appear to be available anywhere my next option is converting to 530. I know this can be done, I know there are threads that touch on it but I can't seem to find the tool on Z1E for calculating the new chain size/length and necessary sprocket swap. Can someone help me out or provide a link / info on what to get if I want to stay as close to stock as possible? Dumb question but do new chains come with connecting links? Looking primarily at RK chains. Thanks!
1981 Kawasaki KZ750 LTD - running strong but undergoing cosmetic surgery after a crash 4/15/24
1980 KZ750 - 7k on the clock been sitting 30 years - possible donor for 1981
1981 KZ440 A - was running until the end of 2022, sitting in a barn for now
1981 KZ440A - donor bike
1980 KZ750 - 7k on the clock been sitting 30 years - possible donor for 1981
1981 KZ440 A - was running until the end of 2022, sitting in a barn for now
1981 KZ440A - donor bike
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- Mikaw
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Re: 1981 KZ750 LTD four questions
17 Jun 2021 19:59
Nessism and Scirocco are very knowledgeable in this category. Hopefully they will post.
1976 KZ 900 A4
kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/613548-1976-kz-900-a4
1976 KZ 900 B1 LTD
1978 KZ 1000 B2 LTD
1980 KZ 750 E1
Kowledge Speaks, But Wisdom Listens.
Jimi Hendrix.
1976 KZ 900 B1 LTD
1978 KZ 1000 B2 LTD
1980 KZ 750 E1
Kowledge Speaks, But Wisdom Listens.
Jimi Hendrix.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Scirocco
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Re: 1981 KZ750 LTD four questions
18 Jun 2021 00:49Most popular chain manufacturer, like D.I.D, RK, ENUMA, AFAM sold new chains incl. a clip or rivet master link.Okay so it appears all other threads on this have become irrelevant because I was just told by my local shop that 630 chains for bikes are being phased out industry wide. Since a clip 630SO connecting link that isn't made of cheap pot steel doesn't appear to be available anywhere my next option is converting to 530. I know this can be done, I know there are threads that touch on it but I can't seem to find the tool on Z1E for calculating the new chain size/length and necessary sprocket swap. Can someone help me out or provide a link / info on what to get if I want to stay as close to stock as possible? Dumb question but do new chains come with connecting links? Looking primarily at RK chains. Thanks!
Calculator for chain size/length and sprocket size.
www.rbracing-rsr.com/chainlength.html
My 1975 Z 1 B 900 Project
www.kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/605133...ears-deep-sleep-mode
www.kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/605133...ears-deep-sleep-mode
The following user(s) said Thank You: bluejacobs, Mikaw
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- Nessism
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Re: 1981 KZ750 LTD four questions
18 Jun 2021 06:28 - 18 Jun 2021 14:06
Stock sprockets in 630: 13T front and 32T rear for a 2.46 ratio.
Chain length = 84L
The 6 in 630 means there are 6/8" between links so your chain is 84 x 6/8" = 63" long
A 530 chain is 5/8 between links so you need 63" / (5/
= 100.8 (use 102 link 530 chain)
To maintain the stock sprocket size in front you need to add 3T to the stock size so 13 + 3 = 16T front sprocket
16T x 2.46 ratio = 39T in 530 for the rear sprocket
JTF513 Series - 16 Tooth front
JTR488 Series - 39 Tooth rear
Z1 sells conversion sprockets but I don't see a 39T rear. They have a 38 though which is close enough.
Chain length = 84L
The 6 in 630 means there are 6/8" between links so your chain is 84 x 6/8" = 63" long
A 530 chain is 5/8 between links so you need 63" / (5/

To maintain the stock sprocket size in front you need to add 3T to the stock size so 13 + 3 = 16T front sprocket
16T x 2.46 ratio = 39T in 530 for the rear sprocket
JTF513 Series - 16 Tooth front
JTR488 Series - 39 Tooth rear
Z1 sells conversion sprockets but I don't see a 39T rear. They have a 38 though which is close enough.
Ed
Carb O-ring Kits : www.kzrider.com/forum/3-carburetor/61807...-o-ring-kits?start=0
www.kzrider.com/forum/faq-wiki/618026-new-owner-things-to-know
1981 KZ750E2
www.kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/604901...z750e-project-thread
Carb O-ring Kits : www.kzrider.com/forum/3-carburetor/61807...-o-ring-kits?start=0
www.kzrider.com/forum/faq-wiki/618026-new-owner-things-to-know
1981 KZ750E2
www.kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/604901...z750e-project-thread
Last edit: 18 Jun 2021 14:06 by Nessism.
The following user(s) said Thank You: Mikaw
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