starting a build

Hey guys and my name is Clayton I'm thinking about picking up a late 70`s model kz650. I want to ,make into more of a new street bike style. Is there major thing I should be looking for? I don't know much about bikes but Im pretty mechanical inclined. I just really need some input on how I should go about the build

Welcome to the forum! There's a lot of information on here, and a lot of guys who do really good work.

I'm working on my 650 build right now, check my build link:

kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/573616-650-mods-78-fighter-build

And here's another member's finished 650 build.

kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/552156-kz6...street-fighter-build

Hopefully these builds are along the lines of what you're going for.

Devin

That is exactly what I want my build to end up like. I have a few questions tho. Did you guys have to custom build the front forks, and rear sway arm? Or were they just off of a newer bike?

welcome to kzr

poohbear wrote: That is exactly what I want my build to end up like. I have a few questions tho. Did you guys have to custom build the front forks, and rear sway arm? Or were they just off of a newer bike?

The only thing that's custom about the forks is the steering tube. Sometimes you can get lucky and order a bearing kit from AllBalls that is a direct fit for the new fork tube to the KZ steering stem. Other times you have to lathe/weld/modify the KZ stem to take the new stem. It's a bit of massaging, but really not that bad. My front end is off a 2001 Buell Lightning 1200. Just had to customize the stem from the Buell forks to take my KZ bearing tubes.

The rear end is also a plug and play type build. I'm using a swingarm off a '98 ninja 600 (converting to monoshock). Depending on the arm, you'll have to either widen your frame a little at the pivot tube mount, or mill down the swingarm. then you have to make tophat spacers to fit the KZ pivot bolt to the diameter on the arm. Just takes some good measurements and a skilled machinist.

Keep us updated on the build.

is there alot of benifits from changing the swing arm? i know that the new forks will add a lot of handling and thats my main concern. i mean if there isnt much pay off from doing the swing are should i even bother.

It's totally your call on whether you want to do the ass end at the same time. I'd do it because you gain better suspension in the back to complement the front. Switching over to the monoshock with the ninja rear end stretches the wheel base by 3.5 inches, and gives you a much smoother, more adjustable rear suspension. Again, your call with how much work you're wanting to get into. The other thing you could do is upgrade your rear shocks to a good high-end set if you're wanting to keep the stock swinger on there.