Kawasaki KZ650 inherited its clutch actuation system from its older and bigger Z-brothers. This means that clutch actuator is placed on left (sprocket) cover and momentum from it to clutch spring (release) plate transmitted through drive shaft via the rod and clutch pusher. Instead of release bearing (of needle or ball type) this system has the only steel ball between rod and pusher.
The lack of release bearing is obviously a weak point of this system and, luckily, there is a cure for this issue. KZ650 clutch pusher has part number identical to Z900 pusher and for Z900 one could easily find aftermarket pushers equipped with needle bearing. I, as usual, chose solution from PMC. As I intend to do some engine upgrades and use stiffer clutch springs, this pusher is “must have” item.
That’s how it looks and works:
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