Freebyrd's 81 KZ1000 Build

Hi everyone I picked up a 93 zx-9 parts bike with a complete front end and swingarm setup. Has anyone made this conversion before? I want to transplant it onto my 81 1000k1. It looks like easiest way would be to press the kz stem out and put it in place of the zx-9 stem? Just looking for opinions and advice and knowledge on this swap as I have followed many other peoples conversions and think they look awesome!

Here are some pics of it...

I always forget, is it possible to do multiple pics in one post?

Anyone have any idea what size this Allen head is and where i could purchase it? Haha I don't have this size and not sure where the heck to find the right tool!

I'm pretty excited about this, got it for short money and would probably do the conversion over the winter. Is it worth the conversion? (I think it is just for the looks when completed!) and anything problems or hiccups I may run into to. Thanks everyone as always!

Freebyrd,
Looks like you got a good donor there. I like the swingarm. Let me try to answer all of your questions. I'm sure that all of the parts can be made to work with the proper modifications. Your on the right track with pressing out the zx stem and pressing in the KZ stem. To get the kz stem out you'll need to grind out the weld at the bottom. You will probably need to have a sleeve machined to adapt the diameter of the stem to the new triple clamp.

Hopefully the swingarm pivot is the same width or smaller than the KZ swingarm. Then you can have some bushings made to make the new swingarm to the original KZ swingarm pivot bolt. You will also need to weld mounts onto your frame for the lower shock linkage and the upper shock eye. Or you can ditch the monoshock and have dual shock mounts welded to your swingarm. Make sure that you take careful measurments of all of the original zx-9 mounting points b/c you'll need to attach as closely as possible to the original zx-9 locations.

As for posting multiple pics, the simplest method is to host your pics at photobucket. Then you copy the link next to "img" under your pic in your album. All you have to do is paste the link in you post where you want the picture to appear. I think that patton has a good tutorial under "How to post pictures."

As for that bolt, it ain't no allen head, boss. Looks like a larger Torx bolt to me. Not sure on the size, but look for Torx sockets at your fav. tool supplier. If I had to guess, I'd say its a T50 or larger.

When you get a chance, check out my build thread here: kzrider.com/index.php?option=com_kunena&...w&catid=11&id=340793
I'm currently working my way through a similar project, and already have all of the suspension bits mounted. OldManRock, porchev914, mark1122, thane, and others have similar mods. Plenty of helpful advice has been handed down to me, and I'm sure that the crew will happily lend you plenty of help.

Brother, if your gonna do a monoshock and USD fork conversion, that rolling chassis you have there is about the best deal you can get. By that I mean you have everything you need- no hunting down missing parts/bolts! As long as you either have the tools and knowhow to do the fabrication work or you can farm out what you can't do, you have all the parts you need right there to modernize your Z
As testarossa stated, there are lots of guys here that have done EXACTLY what you're proposing or are in the process, so knowledgable and experienced folks are here everyday to help you through it. Now the only thing you have to do is bust out the Sawsall and get crackin'!

Follow the link for the ZX636 conversion in my project...

Should give you some idea to what Testarossa was describing regarding the steering stem and other issues in a conversion/mono shock project...

Front End:
kzrider.com/index.php?option=com_docman&...d&gid=431&Itemid=108

SwingArm:
kzrider.com/index.php?option=com_docman&...d&gid=430&Itemid=108

Document (pictures) all phases of your conversion and do a write up as you go to share with others...

As always, we just LUV pictures here...

OMR

Thanks everyone for the kind words and advice! Testarossa, your thread is one I latched onto and have read a few times and will prob re-read quite a few more times. Excellent thread and buil you have there!

That picture is decieving, It really appears like an allen size to me, I have a set of torx I'll put up to it to verify, but I'm pretty sure its more like an allen. I'll have to really check it out.

porchev914 - I can't wait to get started! I actually have all the foot mounts, rear sets, brake lines and a bunch of extras in a box for this rolling chassis, which I'm excited I picked this all up.

OMR - I will definately be documenting and taking lots of pics! I know I love seeing the step by step and pics when I read on here as well. The plan for now is to ride as is most of the season to break in the motor and put some miles on it. I've been working on the 1000 for about a year or so, gathering information, putting together a 1075 kit, gathering all parts to complete the bike, so I have to get some miles on it!

Incredible write ups and details OMR! I skimmed through them as I am at work now, will read them carefully when I get home but that is incredibly helpful and detailed from what I saw thank you!

Man I love this forum!

it is an allen head(the picture is decieving).pull a metric bolt that looks right and check to see if the head fits in the hole then you can see what wrench fits it and you will know the size.i think it is 8mm (maybe 10).or measure it and do some math 25.4 mm =1".
the zx9 is the best (in my opinion)stuff to use for a conversion as the legs are long enough not to slam it on the ground.i have heard the swingarm is a pretty easy fit.you might shoot badkaw a pm as i believe he has that setup on one of his(many)bikes.hth,

leon

Leon did an excellent right up on a zx to kz tree conversion.
look here.
kzrider.com/index.php?option=com_kunena&...ew&catid=5&id=325862

here is mine

kzrider.com/index.php?option=com_kunena&...w&catid=11&id=103381
i just did another mod to my top tree yesterday to gain more ground clearance. it never ends. lol.

I have done the zx9 conversion as well. There is lots of help here, so jump right in. :woohoo:

Thanks everyone! Great idea for measuring that size blackbanshee!

MArk, how did the conversion go for you? I will check out those posts tonight for sure and just keep absorbing this knowledge. This is great stuff!