KZ Fender Versatility

Hello KZ riders, first time poster here. I have referred to this forum many a time throughout the many snags I have encountered in my current project. With that said, I recently encountered a question I could not find a straight answer for involving fenders. I figured this would be a relatively easy question for you guys, so here I go!

I have never been crazy about the stock front fender on my '82 KZ550. I don't think it looks bad on the bike, it's just not the look I'm going for on the project.



I have always liked the look of the classic fenders of the 70's. Long and slim with fender braces. Not unlike the one on this '79 KZ650.



So my question for you guys is how versatile are the fenders on these bikes? I have been contemplating buying a fender off a similar late 70's 650 variant such as the one above, and swapping it for the stock one on my 550 LTD. Would it be a direct bolt on, or would it require a lot of work. If the 650 is not a compatible candidate, what about the 440 LTD, or other similar models? I'm looking for a relatively easy solution, but if there is none and I have to get out the big guns, so be it. I would rather go with OEM parts than aftermarket universal fenders, but if there are any decent kits out there I am all ears. Thank you!

I don't know about the alignment of the mounting holes up near the top of the fender, but for sure your forks won't have the mounting points for the fender braces (see pic below). Ed

I thought that would be a problem at the very least. Switching out the bottom fork tubes might work, but I have no idea if that would mess with the ride height/rake in a negative way (if they would even fit to begin with). I may be getting in over my head here...

Unfortunately, I don't think swapping the bottom fork tubes with those from a KZ650 is an option. The KZ550 fork cylinder inside the tube is not the same as that of a KZ650, so you would probably need to swap the whole fork or at least the top and bottom tubes together. Ed

Thank you for the help so far, Ed. You've already saved me from a lot of trial and error. I think I can live without the fender braces. Now I just need to figure out if the mounting holes on the forks of my KZ550 will line up with the fender bracket of a KZ650. I found this one on eBay off of a '78. Not bad, just needs a matching coat of paint.

Maybe this will help some. A couple pics of a 1977 KZ650-C1 fender mount. Ed

Looks pretty close! I think I'm going to go ahead and order it. Can't thank you enough for your help, Ed.