Freebyrd's 81 KZ1000 Build

freebyrd24 wrote:

Now I haven't made the cut yet on the zx-9 stem, but measuring from the bottom, I measure 28mm.
Now the bottom of that kz stem OD is about 30mm,
so I don't think pressing that bottom larger part in will work . What do I do now? Thanks as usual!

Just take the 2 pieces to a machine shop and have them turn down the kz 30mm stem until it will press into the zx9 stem. Have them clean up the top of the zx9 , so its flush, if necessary.
Simple.:laugh:
This is a good time to decide what u want to do to the trees as far as steering stops, gauge mounts bar mounts. get the machine shop to do what ever u can't.
if u want to raise the front end, u can get them to drill out the center of the top tree and weld in a thinner center. i will post a pic for u later, (from home).

:blush: It seems so simple in hindsight to my question! haha thats prob the best and easiest way to do it and I'll go that way

I'll look forward to your pictures for more visual ideas! Thanks Mark!

have u desided how u are going to mount the guages?. are u using stock guages? how about the bars, and what style of bars will u use?

I did the same thing with the zx9 steering stem, cut it flush at the lower triple and pressed my gpz750 steering stem in. I put the gpz stem in the freezer for a good night and when I was ready to press it in, I threw the zx9 triple in the oven at 500 degrees for 30 minutes or so. It actually went in fairly easy. I also added a set screw to be safe than sorry:



check out my write up:

kzrider.com/index.php?option=com_kunena&...=11&id=279698#279761

great write up schmol! And your bike turned out awesome!

Mark, you asking me about if I have decided on bars, gauges, etc.. has got me thinking.
Heres what I have and some of my dilemmas, and maybe people can give me some feedback.
I have a set of stock gauges, that are a little beat up. The speedometer doesn't work (i think its the unit in the wheel sensor), and I have an electronic tachometer (no cable tach drive on the motor). I think if I am changing the front end, the only way to go would be to an Acewell unit or something like that. I always liked how those looked and actually had almost bought one before anyway. I think that may be the way to go. Any opinions?

Also, I have not decided on a set of bars. I have considered after seeing in person a set of clubmans upside down (so they pull back, not hunched over like a cafe style), but I think I remember seeing on here that some people find them uncomfortable?

Any input or ideas are greatly appreciated!

I highly recommend the Acewell, it is what I have on my GPZ and love the look of it. It is small and has almost everything you need in a speedo/tach for less than $140...

here is a pic of my modified top tree.
i had the center bored out and a thinner disc inserted in its place. this allows the tree to sit down further, thus allowing the forks to go down and ground clearance up. i gained about 3/4" more ride height.




can u post a clear pic of the bottom of your tree , so others can see what i have cut away. i dont have a good pic.

I think this 1 is up to u bud. it is very much a personal taste thing. it has to look good to YOU.
I am torn between the acewell and stock. of the stock speedo worked well i would keep it, because i like the stock look. my stock speedo is out about 12% and it is a paint since the needle floats around.
I always ride 20KPR over the limit since i dont feel the cops will stop me unless i go over that. so riding on what i feel is the edge of the speed limit, i would feel better if i could trust my speedo.
The Acewell is a nice inexpensive option.
as for the bars, u just need to figure out how to mount them for now. search out your mounts so u can install them.

Mark, in that last picture you posted, what is that ou welded onto the frame? Is that like a steering stop?







There are some pics for you Mark, and so others can see the differences there from what you machined out.

I wanted to Acewell before, so I think now is the time to do it. When I convert the front end that is. I always like how it looked.

Any good places to look for misc parts, like the rubber mounted bar mounts you had? Or just ebay/find something and make it work? I'd love to buy a set that has the same diameter that will hold stock size bars. I assume thats the way I will be able to keep the stock LH and RH controls (starter, horn, turn signal buttons....)

I was hoping you could find a pic of the stock top tree, to compare to the pic's i posted.
The post in front of my tank, is for a steering damper that i have yet to install.No time for my bike right now, and a Low priority.
This is the mount i used. it is from a 78 RM125, but there are many many others out there just search Ebay.
Maybe others can chime in here. i think the fat bars(1")have 7/8" handles so that they will accept the stock grips, and controls?

Hoooly crap, I am an idiot! :blush: Sorry about that, I snapped a picture real quick before heading to bed last night and just wasn't thinking. I'll snap one tonight! Thanks for posting that pic as well, I'll have to do some creative searching!

OK here is the top of the triple tree!









You took a good amount off!