ZEPHYR 400/550 Zephyr 550/400 – Three months after purchase! Finally took it for a test ride (´ω｀) The 550 runs surprisingly well.

10 July 2023

I was planning to register it on a “lucky day” but…
Today was the only time I had available

Under the harsh sun, wearing a cooling vest and riding a scooter to the JSDF base

The cooling vest is surprisingly nice…

It’s not cool, but it’s not hot either. That feeling

Once you wear it, there’s no going back…
You can’t quit it this season! Maybe?
I might want long sleeves for going out…

Finally took the bike for a test ride (*´ω｀*)

What? You haven’t changed the oil yet?

Oil change before riding. Yes, before riding…
Fresh in Tokyo now is it?

When I opened the drain
oil as black as ink came pouring out.

Thanks to the forced decompression
“Thunk! Thunk!”
An onomatopoeia that those familiar with decompression will understand?

Opening the hose and letting it drain generously.

Oil filter cover? Plate comes in two types
Be careful.

I’m not very knowledgeable about Kawasaki either.
But these two types exist.
For the oil filter
Type that sits on top
Type that sits on bottom

How to tell the difference: Whether it has a recessed machining or not

In other words: “Don’t put the bottom-type on top!” Because there’s no clearance
That’s what it means (*´ω｀*)
*Zephyr 550 is bottom type.

I have the impression there’s a difference somewhere around 750cc and above.
*I’m not very knowledgeable about this.

Drain is M12-P1.5 = Honda HRC

M12-P1.5 90081-NX4-000
It’s not expensive and the “iron” wire ring with a hole is the best for peace of mind.

The engine oil is my favorite
Shell ADVANCE 4T ULTRA 15W-50 that’s what it is.

Physically difficult throttle ( ；∀；)

It slides back and rubs against the plastic.
The pull is equally difficult…

Seeking layout flexibility
I wanted to route the cable as much as possible on the switch side…

But
The cable direction has no flexibility
When it gets old, it snaps from the adjustment part.

In the history of OEM holders
The most difficult to layout, the adjustment plastic breaks easily, and there’s lots of friction
A subtle design… *This is my opinion.

I doubt many people have adapted this…

While I had it off, I learned something.
Knowing this kind of work data becomes a huge asset.
Well, if time permits…

The spool diameter on the Zephyr 550 is 32φ
I also cleaned the inside of the handlebar nicely and lubricated it.

For the handlebar/throttle area “Grease” is a no-go.
It will definitely get heavier.

The license plate this time is 555 (’ω’)

Is there some kind of trick?
Actually…
Back in the day, it was possible.
If you asked the office staff, they’d tell you what number was available.
*Those were good times (*’ω’*)

Nowadays, I think you need to have a pretty deep connection.

In other words, this time it just happened to be a repeating number.
Maybe?

The Zephyr was a symbol of a turning point? or something…

Engine start → First gear with a clunk! STOP

A common thing with older bikes.
Well, but it seems more common with Kawasaki.

The clutch has stuck and won’t disengage.
Put it in first gear, engage the clutch, and rock it back and forth – usually it’ll come free.

I had a feeling about it
Steering bearing/race needs replacement

From the first turn, it feels terrible…
Well, I’ll fix it when I have time.

Caliper overhaul and master cylinder replacement
And with sintered metal pads, even stock provides plenty of braking power.
Not bad (*’ω’*).

What’s the 550 really like?

I only rode it around the neighborhood a bit
but it runs better than expected.

It would be even more fun with a bit more snap in the acceleration.

Honestly
I thought the performance was “better than expected.”
*I had a pretty bad image of it…

It’s light, not too hot, and quietly fun ♬
Maybe when I get old, a nice middleweight could be fun too.

But for customers to buy and fix up to ride, it might cost too much…