Z200 specifications

[gardener]

Hello All

I have a Kawasaki Z200 A4 and I am currently replacing the head gasket, and having only a work shop manual for the A1-A2   I ask a friend if I could look at his work shop manual for the A4.  On looking at the specifications I noticed that there have been some changes with the frame from the A1 to the A4
I would be grateful if some one could explain to me the meanings of the words, Castor, and Trail  referring to the frame.
Castor, on the A1 is 64 and on the A4 is 26. this seem to be a big jump to me?.
Regards Gardener.

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[guest564]

I think 64 is a mistake.

[Propellor]

It's probably not a coincidence that both figures added together equal 90 degrees. I think they are saying the same thing. It's just that one is has the datum at vertical and the other at horizontal.

[Propellor]

I've always believed the caster angle to be referenced from vertical, as in rhinoman's attached drawing. But a look around seems to suggest it is also occasionally referenced from horizontal. Just to keep us on our toes!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle_and_motorcycle_geometry

For even more fun with this, take a look at the Telelever design.

[J.Y.Kelly]

Hello All

I have a Kawasaki Z200 A4 and I am currently replacing the head gasket, and having only a work shop manual for the A1-A2   I ask a friend if I could look at his work shop manual for the A4.  On looking at the specifications I noticed that there have been some changes with the frame from the A1 to the A4
I would be grateful if some one could explain to me the meanings of the words, Castor, and Trail  referring to the frame.
Castor, on the A1 is 64 and on the A4 is 26. this seem to be a big jump to me?.
Regards Gardener.

I had one of these bikes in 1979/80 for commuting. As I remember, the changes were minor, and were confined to the engine area. I do remember the oil filter was a pain to change on the early bikes, but this was modified to enable replacement without removing the kick-start lever.
Even though mine ate spark plugs, I loved this little bike. Any pics ?

[gardener]

Thank you Rhinorman and Propellor for your reply to my question.
Rhinorman the attached drawing has been very informative and eases to understand.
Propeller I think you are right the two caster angles are saying the same thing,
On the A1-A4 the Trail measurements (88mm) are the same and the Wikipedia motorcycle geometry is worth a read.

Jy kelly  The Z200 is an excellent bike for commuting, I have only manage to put 200 miles on the clock (been riding SRX-6) before I decided to replace the head gasket, it had a slight weep at the head. On removing the head I discovered that the exhaust valve had a crack on it. Finding parts for these old bikes, is a mission. I am waiting for the head to come back from the engineering shop. This has given me time to give the bike the once over, I have greased the swing arm, head stock and wheel axles. The swing arm inner sleeve was seized, I think the bike has had little maintenance in it’s life. Cannot wait to get back on the little thumper. 

Hear are some pics,  regards Gardener.

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[Propellor]

I think 64 is a mistake.

What, I wonder, is the relevance of radius of torus? To us and the motorcycle?

[002]

What, I wonder, is the relevance of radius of torus? To us and the motorcycle?

Sounds like a load of bull to me 

Jethro

[Propellor]

What, I wonder, is the relevance of radius of torus? To us and the motorcycle?

Sounds like a load of bull to me 

Jethro

He he.

I'll set em up.....

[Propellor]

I think 64 is a mistake.

What, I wonder, is the relevance of radius of torus? To us and the motorcycle?

Maybe it's better I hadn't asked.....

http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=rJTQxITnkbgC&pg=PA3&lpg=PA3&dq=motorcycle+geometry+radius+of+torus&source=bl&ots=DYiTIdgNnB&sig=SALIaNQyXCHnwUQdrBwBO46zkdk&hl=en&sa=X&ei=wf-qUuiFFcOshQfW84HgBQ&ved=0CCoQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=motorcycle%20geometry%20radius%20of%20torus&f=false

I get a better idea now. Doesn't the radius of torus depend on perfect circles? If it does, then how do we allow for the fact that tyres aren't perfect circles?

If that book wasn't so expensive I might have a go at trying to understand it. Looks tough going, although I think I kind of understood the bit involving the radius of torus (if it's actually there).