Kawboy's restoration/conversion of a 1980 KZ13

A big shout out to MCG  www.z1300.de     for reproducing those tough to get parts for the KZ1300, Z1300 and the ZN1300 that are no longer available. Where would we be without guys like these helping out this very small niche of lovers of one particular not so popular bike in the big picture of motorcycles. Thank you !!!
Please consider buying from them and supporting their business because if they don't thrive and go under, we'll have lost a great resource that I'm sure we'll all need in the future.

I would like to say Amen to that statement!

I was stuck for time today since I have an online meeting to attend at 3 pm. While I'm lounging around waiting for the meeting, I decided to open up the Service Manual and just see what's written about the timing chain. Well blow me down and call me Dusty - There is a spec for the stretch on the timing chain. 20 links not to exceed 128.9mm (page 191 in the Service Manual). So it would have been nice to know what a new chain would be but no, why would Kawasaki give you that info??
So, as I've said previously, the chain for all intense purposes measures out to be a #25 chain which has a .250" pitch x 20 links = 5" which = 127mm. So Kawasaki is allowing 1.8mm of stretch  on a measured 20 links before replacement.
I went out to the shop and measured my timing chain at 128.3 mm so I'm .6 mm (.024") away from needing replacement. Good thing I decided to replace the chain. Bad thing I didn't check the frigging manual for a spec first. Why in Hell do we have Service Manuals for if we don't reference them??

Kawboy wrote:

Why in Hell do we have Service Manuals for if we don't reference them??

 

Checking the manuals is the first sign of 'giving up'. 

Bucko wrote:

Kawboy wrote:

Why in Hell do we have Service Manuals for if we don't reference them??


 

Checking the manuals is the first sign of 'giving up'. 

The first sign is to ask in the forum, if you don't get a response or solution, check the manuals.

Bucko wrote:

Kawboy wrote:

Why in Hell do we have Service Manuals for if we don't reference them??





 

Checking the manuals is the first sign of 'giving up'. 

The first sign is to ask in the forum, if you don't get a response or solution, check the manuals. Oh boy, here we go.

In this day and age, the internet is full of facts. Some are true, some are fake and they all spread like wildfire. Recently,  Google has adopted AI. Try asking Google a question and Google will generate an answer based on AI.

Artificial Intelligence- Artificial- Something made up by a human being.
Being- The nature or essence of a person.
Bang those 2 together and you get " something made up by the essence of a person"
Last year I thought "fake news" was bad. Now I have to figure out if the shit I find on the internet is AI generated or Fake News. Either way, can I trust ANYTHING I find on the internet. Take everything with a grain of salt and a spoonful of sugar.
I have more faith in a 40 year old manual, written back in the day when you put pen to paper and signed it.
Love the internet for ideas and opinions and a chance to share experiences.

Christmas came early thanks to Helmut at www.Z1300.de   . I recieved the new \Oil Pump Drive Gear. Looking forward to installing it.

I also think I found a source for the water pump drive chain. I've sent the seller a message to confirm the sizing of this chain.