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Jordan,
This is a very nice piece of work. Just a quick question: with your skills, have you considered addressing the front end with something more late model? Just wondering. Again, nice work.

-KR

PS> Could you post some more detailed pics of your top rear shock mount? Thanks.

yeah, i did debate this and I still think it is prolly gonna happen. The biggest problem is that newer forks, rim, triple tree, etc. seem to be very expensive. Once the bike is running i would feel better about spending the money. Is mounting a front end from a newer sportbike difficult, and does it require any frame mods? Money builds up slowly when you work part time at a grocery store while going to school.

Great project you have going. I plan on building a 810 or 880 some day for my streetfighter, my 716 will have to do for now. No frame mod needed. I have a ZX7 front on my 650, I removed the stem from the ZX and KZ triples cut the end off the ZX stem and pressed the 650 stem into the ZX stub then pressed the modified 650 stem back into the ZX triple.
Mark

Hey Jordan,
First off: congrats on not falling into the whole "buy now, pay later" gimme that plastic 2008 GS/ZX/CB-RRRRRR trend of current riders near your age. I've noticed that most of the guys here came from the 'old school' way of purchasing what you can afford...this is a strong indicator of an 'enthusiast' and not a 'tool'.
Secondly: as a former 'box boy' I know what you mean. Paying one's dues is a bit easier when you see those who have gone before you have suffered through much of the same...and I think most around this forum see what you're going thru and support your dedication and committment.
Lastly: The front end swap is best done as a complete clip. My first attempt was to pick up the individual parts on the cheap and then apply my assembly skills once I had it all. Mistake. Too many little parts, too much wasted time, and nobody has that knowledge (except maybe Solumnruss ). I've done the front end conversion several times and the way to go is to press the steering stems out of both trees, then put your KZ stem into the late-model bottom yolk (you will most likely have to have a bushing made to shim up the difference in diameter...same with the top clamp) and weld it up and *poof*, it's on. You will most likely have to weld in some tabs for steering locks so that you don't smack your tank with your new forks. After that the mounting of the headlight/fairing/gauges is up to you on bracket-fabrication.
Several guys here have done this, and I'll tell you now that it is worth it. Give a hollar if you decide to go after it and you have any questions.
Keep up the good work.
-KR

Thanks alot everyone. Never in my life have I met a nicer group of people, always willing to share their knowlege.