TOPIC:

I put in stiffer springs in the front which raised it slightly, then I put on stiffer shocks in back to match the slight raise. But I think the bike was sagging a lot to begin with, so I'm not sure if it's really higher than stock. I also welded in a larger stop to reduce the amount of steering travel (not that it affects handling), but I had to do that in order to use a steering damper. Otherwise the steering damper would be the steering stop, which could damage it. I used a 5/8" shaft collar for that. It has a set scew to hold it in place while welding it to the factory stop.

I actually have 3 bikes. On one of them I cut down the stock front springs to get a stiffer rate, and I think I might like that one the best, but it is a slightly stiffer ride than the other two, which are using an older version of Works dual-rate springs for a Kz750 in front. They are also stiffer than stock. However, the last time I bought a dual rate kit (the same one as the other two), the springs were way stiffer, so I could not use them, which is why I decided to experiment with cutting down stock springs. I had a few of them laying around anyway.

The reason I originally did all that was my first gpz went into a mad tank slapper at around 100 mph. After further research, I think that may have been due to a worn rear tire. I notice, now, when the rear starts to get squared off, the bikes get more wiggle when going over pavement transitions etc at high speed.

Great info! Thanks for sharing!

Now I have another dilemma.

I have a slightly damaged Kerker off a GPz (pic 1). I also have a pic of what's claimed to be a Kerker off another GPz550 (pic 2). The headers are significantly different. Thots?


Pic 1:

Pic 2:

I'm going to try to get over tonight to check them out in person.

Well, their both 550 pipes. I think I figured out the difference. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

Pipe 1 is the "street" version, to accommodate the retention of the centre stand.

Pipe 2 is the "race" version, no centre stand.

The main thing is the length of the pipes. They should be the same or close for max power. I like #1.
Steve

Well, pipe 1 is good but has a rotted out mid-pipe. It'll need a new mid-pipe.
Pipe 2 is a 'no go' with several holes in the header down at the collector.
I now have a 3rd contender!

Yoshimura, off a friends vintage racer. Bolt on and go.

So... Kerker or Yosh? Opinions?

Yosh looks good and no muss no fuss.

You will be scraping the exhaust on the right side, just as it comes out from under the rearsets, and eventually the flywheel cover on the left. If you run engine guards, then they will scrape first, decreasing your lean angle.





Looks like you have a set of Raask Rearsets in that picture. I have run Tarozzi Universal Rearsets, and love them. Parts are available if needed. Fast From The Past's, Jim Hinshaw will assist you.
www.fastfromthepast.com/99-0011

+1 on the fork brace.

Have fun.

CoreyClough wrote: You will be scraping the exhaust on the right side, just as it comes out from under the rearsets, and eventually the flywheel cover on the left. If you run engine guards, then they will scrape first, decreasing your lean angle.

Looks like you have a set of Raask Rearsets in that picture. I have run Tarozzi Universal Rearsets, and love them. Parts are available if needed. Fast From The Past's, Jim Hinshaw will assist you.
www.fastfromthepast.com/99-0011

+1 on the fork brace.

Have fun.

Thanks Corey! You obviously know what you're talking about!

My kz/GPz is just a "have fun" trackday bike, so I doubt I'll be in serious danger of dragging hardparts too soon! If I do, I'll be pm'ing ya for some advice.

Xl ED wrote: Yosh looks good and no muss no fuss.

Good call!

I have it in my paws... it's as good as new! Well, it does have one scrape on it, but really nice overall. THIS is where we start!!

Only a week and a half until the first trackday, so we need to get a move on here!

We have a pipe on there that works. Not the most ground clearance, but we'll live with it for now. The wheels, sprockets and chain are on, work well and look great. The engine starts and runs, doesn't leak or make any troubling noises.
The seat is nearly finished and, along with the freshly painted tins, should be on the bike this Saturday. At that time the front fender and new front tire will also be mounted.

Now there's just the foot pegs to go back on, a few other details and we're ready for the track inspection. Kinda nice that the head of this particular tech inspection team will do the final once over for me before it leaves his shop.

Nearly there boys.

Looks pretty good. Where are you going for track days? Cayuga,shannonville?