kz1000 streetfighter conversion w/zrx front & rear!

I recently finished my 1978 kz1000 streetfighter, it's got a complete front end: forks, triple trees, brakes & wheel from a 1999 zrx1100 ($500~600 on eBay) and a complete rear end: swingarm, shocks, brake & wheel from a 2002 zrx1200 ($600~700 on eBay). I guess I'll start with the front end. First get some good taper bearings and then press out the steering stem from the zrx triple, it presses out from the top by the way and then press out the stem from the kz1000 but grind down the weld first and press out from the bottom. Next press the kz1000 stem into the zrx bottom tree and then press on the rubber seal and bearing race onto the kz stem. And finish it off by drill & taping a 1/8in button head allen bolt through the bottom of the tree and make sure it goes through the stem pressed into the tree. Now for the top tree I milled off all of the "extra stock zrx stuff" and bored out the hole for the larger kz stem and then it bolt up just like the old kz trees. Next I made 2 mounts for insturment cluster on the lathe and welded them on to the top tree and poof just like that front end done!

OK! the rear end is much simpler, the zrx1200 swingarm pretty much bolts on after you cut off the stock kz1000 brake pedal mount and you will also have to lathe a inner sleeve to make up for the fact that the kz1000 swingarm axle is smaller than the zrx1200 swingarm axle. Now! for all you guys that think you have to use a "offset" sprocket to run a 180 sportbike tire you can just put that $150.00 back in your wallet I'm using a stock 16t sprocket from a kz650 which runs a 530 chain and it cost $15.00. I have had ZERO problems w/tire clearence or sprocket wear cuz the zrx swingarm is longer than a stock kz1000 swingarm. And last just make sure that you get the shocks as close to vertical as possible for the best suspension preformance. I just made some spacers for the top shock mounts to kick the top of the shock out closer to vertical.

Well, I guess thats it and please keep in mind that this is the way that I made the mods to my bike and I'm in no way suggesting that this is the best way or only way to make these mods it's just the way that worked best for me. And also I had full access to a lathe and mill and my best friend is an awesome welder which = free welding. Thanks for checking out my forum.



Post edited by: azjax, at: 2005/11/13 01:01

How about some pictures?

are you sure about the sprockets? the ZRX wheel carries the sprocket farther from centerline of the wheel than a 78 KZ1000 does... is your chain running straight on the sprockets? I will be doing a ZRX1100 swap soon(I hope) so I am very interested in how your chain/sprockets wear with your set-up.
later! Bob

Yes I'am sure about the sprockets I've been riding the bike daily sense June 05. But your right the chain dose not run perfectly stright on the sprockets but because the chain runs much longer 116 links vs the stock 92 links a difference of 24 links the extra length gives you just enough "wiggle" room. And also keep in mind that I'm also running the smaller 530 chain. If you want more info on this talk to Rob at cycle re cycle in Indianapolis,IN he's a real stright shooter no bullshit kinda guy.

Post edited by: azjax, at: 2006/01/25 03:36

Try again. The picture didn't come up in your first post about the pictures. Looks great! I like it.

Post edited by: ronboskz650sr, at: 2005/10/31 09:25

Here's another fine pic of my streefighter.



Post edited by: azjax, at: 2005/10/31 14:15

How 'bout them rearsets???? Bolt on or heavy mods needed? Looks way sharp there man......

p.s.......Where'd ya get that seat?? Nice!!!!!!!!

Post edited by: indykaw77, at: 2005/10/31 09:12

those look like stock rearsets off a newer bike..


plz do tell. im in need of sum rearsets

Azjax, Check your u2u..sorry for the confusion.

The rearsets are from a 2003 zx7r the pic below should explain how to mount them.





Post edited by: azjax, at: 2005/11/13 00:57

Here's one more cool rearset mounting pic.

I just love this pic. And yes the frog is a kids bike horn it's just a reminder that I'm a big kid havin fun.



Post edited by: azjax, at: 2005/10/31 14:39