'77 KZ650 won't go into 1st gear at a stop

  • ckotul
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'77 KZ650 won't go into 1st gear at a stop

22 Sep 2009 12:07
#323250
Whenever I come to a complete stop in neutral on my '77 KZ650, I can't get it into 1st gear without rolling the bike a little. I thought it was just the clutch, but I just had it replaced and it's still doing it. Is this normal?

Thanks!
1977 KZ650C1

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  • YUKABODOS
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Re: '77 KZ650 won't go into 1st gear at a stop

22 Sep 2009 12:29
#323253
It is normal. As far as I know it happens with a lot of bikes. I usually roll mine about a foot and it drops into gear.

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  • baldy110
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Re: '77 KZ650 won't go into 1st gear at a stop

22 Sep 2009 13:10
#323263
That is normal. Most bikes do not use synchros in the tranny so they all do that. Don't worry about it.

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  • Locozuna
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Re: '77 KZ650 won't go into 1st gear at a stop

22 Sep 2009 13:20
#323266
Not normal on my bikes. Not neutral to first anyway. :huh:
KZ900LTD, KZ750LTD, KZ650, 72'Triumph Trident
"Over the Mountains
Of the Moon,
Down the Valley of the Shadow,
Ride, boldly ride,"
The shade replied
"If you seek for Eldorado!"

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  • Old Man Rock
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Re: '77 KZ650 won't go into 1st gear at a stop

22 Sep 2009 13:42
#323270
Can't speak for the KZ650 but for KZ900... Not normal...

It would be normal not to be able to shift above 2nd at a dead stop but to first....

Bluemeanie and kawasakiman have KZ650's as well, ask them for this doesn't seem right where you'd have to roll it a foot for 1st engagement.... Maybe I'm wrong....:blush:

OMR
1976 KZ900-A4
MTC 1075cc.
Camshafts: Kawi GPZ-1100 .375 lift
Head: P&P via Larry Cavanaugh
ZX636 suspension
MIKUNI, RS-34'S...
Kerker 4-1, 1.5" comp baffle.
Dyna-S E.I.
Earls 10 row Oil Cooler
Acewell 2802 Series Speedo/Tach
Innovate LC1 Wideband 02 AFR meter

Phoenix, Az

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  • RonKZ650
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Re: '77 KZ650 won't go into 1st gear at a stop

22 Sep 2009 14:56
#323283
All mine go right into first from neutral. I always shift to neutral at stops and just tap down and they go right in gear.
321,000 miles on KZ's that I can remember. Not going to see any more.

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  • bill_wilcox100
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Re: '77 KZ650 won't go into 1st gear at a stop

22 Sep 2009 15:00
#323284
I have a '77 KZ650-B1... it always goes into 1st gear from neutral... it may clunk hard, but it always goes in gear.

In my case, if it does not go into gear then my clutch is not adjusted correctly. It needs adjustment to separate the clutch plates more when the clutch lever is all the way in.

First, I'd suspect improper adjustments and second, tired clutch cables or cable housings that are stretching when pulled so as to prevent the clutch plates from fully separating.

Best of success. :)
Bill
1977 KZ650-B1 (Stock)
Upgrades:
- Dyna S Electronic Ignition (DS2-2)
- Dyna 3 Ohm Coils (DC1-1)
- Coil Repowering Mod
- Progressive Springs Front & Rear
- Saddlemen Seat Cover
- New Metallic Red Re-Paint & Repro Badges.
Montreal, Canada

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  • Old Man Rock
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Re: '77 KZ650 won't go into 1st gear at a stop

22 Sep 2009 18:22
#323357
Wait a minute...

You guys must have the Fred Flintstone model....:blink:
1976 KZ900-A4
MTC 1075cc.
Camshafts: Kawi GPZ-1100 .375 lift
Head: P&P via Larry Cavanaugh
ZX636 suspension
MIKUNI, RS-34'S...
Kerker 4-1, 1.5" comp baffle.
Dyna-S E.I.
Earls 10 row Oil Cooler
Acewell 2802 Series Speedo/Tach
Innovate LC1 Wideband 02 AFR meter

Phoenix, Az

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  • keith1
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Re: '77 KZ650 won't go into 1st gear at a stop

22 Sep 2009 18:32
#323360
that puppy is smokin'....she be jetted right dave?....

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  • Old Man Rock
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Re: '77 KZ650 won't go into 1st gear at a stop

22 Sep 2009 18:36
#323363
Naw... still burning a little on the rich side....

Damn Gunson Carb tuner....
1976 KZ900-A4
MTC 1075cc.
Camshafts: Kawi GPZ-1100 .375 lift
Head: P&P via Larry Cavanaugh
ZX636 suspension
MIKUNI, RS-34'S...
Kerker 4-1, 1.5" comp baffle.
Dyna-S E.I.
Earls 10 row Oil Cooler
Acewell 2802 Series Speedo/Tach
Innovate LC1 Wideband 02 AFR meter

Phoenix, Az

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  • 650ed
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Re: '77 KZ650 won't go into 1st gear at a stop

22 Sep 2009 18:49
#323367
My '77 KZ650C1 has always shifted from neutral to 1st at a dead stop with no problem other than a bit of a "clunk." I'm betting your clutch needs adjustment. The Kawasaki factory service manual describes how to do this correctly. Do you have this manual for your bike? Ed
1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)

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  • Locozuna
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Re: '77 KZ650 won't go into 1st gear at a stop

22 Sep 2009 18:51 - 22 Sep 2009 18:53
#323368
Wilma fell off........again :lol:

KZ900LTD, KZ750LTD, KZ650, 72'Triumph Trident
"Over the Mountains
Of the Moon,
Down the Valley of the Shadow,
Ride, boldly ride,"
The shade replied
"If you seek for Eldorado!"
Last edit: 22 Sep 2009 18:53 by Locozuna.

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