kz650 1978 Q/A
- Scirocco
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Re: kz650 1978 Q/A
29 Apr 2021 11:26 - 29 Apr 2021 11:27#1 use the tensioer with the stronger spring. Maybe a manual tensioner mod would be an option..
#2 do install the seal in the same orientation and use a good permanent grease on the shaft agianst wear, moisture and corrosion.
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
Last edit: 29 Apr 2021 11:27 by Scirocco.
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- katit
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Re: kz650 1978 Q/A
29 Apr 2021 11:43#1 use the tensioer with the stronger spring. Maybe a manual tensioner mod would be an option..
#2 do install the seal in the same orientation and use a good permanent grease on the shaft agianst wear, moisture and corrosion.
For #1 I'd rather not spend money yet if not needed. Is there issue with stock tensioner(s)? Bike is stock, not for racing.
For #2. What was an idea for 2 seals? You propose I do it like pictured (dang I didn't pay attention when disassembled). But to me sounds like #2 should be reversed. This way I can pack it with grease inside. No?
78 KZ650B2A - resto in progress
www.kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/615161...s-1978-kz650-project
Other bikes: 1978 BMW R100/7, 1978 Moto Guzzi T3, 2016 DRZ400s
www.kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/615161...s-1978-kz650-project
Other bikes: 1978 BMW R100/7, 1978 Moto Guzzi T3, 2016 DRZ400s
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- Scirocco
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Re: kz650 1978 Q/A
29 Apr 2021 13:01#1 use the tensioer with the stronger spring. Maybe a manual tensioner mod would be an option..
#2 do install the seal in the same orientation and use a good permanent grease on the shaft agianst wear, moisture and corrosion.
For #1 I'd rather not spend money yet if not needed. Is there issue with stock tensioner(s)? Bike is stock, not for racing.
For #2. What was an idea for 2 seals? You propose I do it like pictured (dang I didn't pay attention when disassembled). But to me sounds like #2 should be reversed. This way I can pack it with grease inside. No?
#1 you don´t need to spend money for the manual tensioner mod only some work to do by your self, pics follows...
#2 as you sketch up, position the seal like that to keep the grease into the shaft bore of the clutch case.
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
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- katit
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Re: kz650 1978 Q/A
29 Apr 2021 13:13Problem is - "INSIDE" is not sealed. It's a void where sprocket/etc is. To me makes sense to keep grease between seals.#1 use the tensioer with the stronger spring. Maybe a manual tensioner mod would be an option..
#2 do install the seal in the same orientation and use a good permanent grease on the shaft agianst wear, moisture and corrosion.
For #1 I'd rather not spend money yet if not needed. Is there issue with stock tensioner(s)? Bike is stock, not for racing.
For #2. What was an idea for 2 seals? You propose I do it like pictured (dang I didn't pay attention when disassembled). But to me sounds like #2 should be reversed. This way I can pack it with grease inside. No?
#1 you don´t need to spend money for the manual tensioner mod only some work to do by your self, pics follows...
#2 as you sketch up, position the seal like that to keep the grease into the shaft bore of the clutch case.
78 KZ650B2A - resto in progress
www.kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/615161...s-1978-kz650-project
Other bikes: 1978 BMW R100/7, 1978 Moto Guzzi T3, 2016 DRZ400s
www.kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/615161...s-1978-kz650-project
Other bikes: 1978 BMW R100/7, 1978 Moto Guzzi T3, 2016 DRZ400s
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- Scirocco
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Re: kz650 1978 Q/A
29 Apr 2021 13:42Problem is - "INSIDE" is not sealed. It's a void where sprocket/etc is. To me makes sense to keep grease between seals.#1 use the tensioer with the stronger spring. Maybe a manual tensioner mod would be an option..
#2 do install the seal in the same orientation and use a good permanent grease on the shaft agianst wear, moisture and corrosion.
For #1 I'd rather not spend money yet if not needed. Is there issue with stock tensioner(s)? Bike is stock, not for racing.
For #2. What was an idea for 2 seals? You propose I do it like pictured (dang I didn't pay attention when disassembled). But to me sounds like #2 should be reversed. This way I can pack it with grease inside. No?
#1 you don´t need to spend money for the manual tensioner mod only some work to do by your self, pics follows...
#2 as you sketch up, position the seal like that to keep the grease into the shaft bore of the clutch case.
Yes, you are right but KHI engineers didn´t thought like you and me but you can put a rubber boot or hose on the shaft to seal the inside....
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
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- KZB2 650
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Re: kz650 1978 Q/A
29 Apr 2021 14:44
If you decide on the 78 tensioner get a new nos spring on ebay for it............ BIG diff in tension.
1978 KZ650 b-2
700cc Wiseco kit 10 to 1.
1980 KZ750 cam, ape springs, stock clutch/ Barnett springs.
Vance and Hines Header w/ comp baffle and Ape pods, Dyna S and green coils, copper wires.
29MM smooth bores W/ 17.5 pilots, 0-6s and 117.5 main
16/42 gearing X ring chain and alum rear JT sprocket.
700cc Wiseco kit 10 to 1.
1980 KZ750 cam, ape springs, stock clutch/ Barnett springs.
Vance and Hines Header w/ comp baffle and Ape pods, Dyna S and green coils, copper wires.
29MM smooth bores W/ 17.5 pilots, 0-6s and 117.5 main
16/42 gearing X ring chain and alum rear JT sprocket.
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- katit
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Re: kz650 1978 Q/A
29 Apr 2021 15:01Ebay got springs for both newer and older.If you decide on the 78 tensioner get a new nos spring on ebay for it............ BIG diff in tension.

Any collective wisdom on which tensioner better? If they made a change - must be better if newer?
78 KZ650B2A - resto in progress
www.kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/615161...s-1978-kz650-project
Other bikes: 1978 BMW R100/7, 1978 Moto Guzzi T3, 2016 DRZ400s
www.kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/615161...s-1978-kz650-project
Other bikes: 1978 BMW R100/7, 1978 Moto Guzzi T3, 2016 DRZ400s
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- gordone
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Re: kz650 1978 Q/A
29 Apr 2021 15:35 - 29 Apr 2021 15:36
I have seen people have drilled whole in end off the tensioner and made some threads and used a long bolt to adjust with.
mod it to semi manual?
mod it to semi manual?
1981 KZ650-D4, with 1981 z750L engine (Wiensco 810 big bore).
Project:
www.kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/607213...sr-1981-z750l-engine
Project:
www.kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/607213...sr-1981-z750l-engine
Last edit: 29 Apr 2021 15:36 by gordone.
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