1978 KZ1000 A, Mild Mods

Thanks Les. So we know a 1/2" offset will need some clearance. Did you remove the insulating foam from inside the sprocket cover?

sbc1320.....that's what Leon thought it might be for. I'm wondering if that spot is the balance point of the whole frame...maybe it was used to carry the frame on the assembly line? I just don't know....I've always wondered about it. I think I'll move it to its own thread...we'll see if we can get some more people looking at it. Check out the thread here:
kzrider.com/forum/5-chassis/592533-what-...-on-the-frame#619995

I had to remove a bit from the inside of sprocket/clutch actuator (or front chain" cover") in order to have it clear my 1/4" offset sprocket on my '73 Z1-900. Plus I added washers to the inside of "engine sprocket cover" so that it too would clear the 1/4" offset sprocket.

I put mine on a diet, not needed, gone so I really couldn't tell you if the sound deadening would have been in the way. The ZZ2 drag chain I'm running is wider than most o-ring chain and my chain just touches the frame on occasion. To be honest it's a 12mm offset so it's less than a 1/32 of an inch closer to the motor. .472 vrs ,500 of an inch. People in america can visualize 1/2" better than 12mm


Les Holt

i run a 3/8's offset 520 o-ring chain and had to remove the sound deadener and clearanced the back edge of my countershaft sprocket cover .

leon

I just have to say that I am in love with your bike! It is damn sexy and can't wait to see it finished!

Cory

Wow, haven't updated in quite a while.

I decided to go with an aftermarket clutch release kit to get the needed front sprocket clearance. Started off by polishing it:



Got it installed (not a great picture):


Also made much progress on the GS conversion...it's buttoned up and ready to go. I'll probably mod the chain guard at some point to lower it down:

I also got the rear fender eliminator installed. I decided to go with a Z1 tail light...I like how they look when they're tucked up real tight against the tail:


I also started on the front end project. I found a nice aluminum front rim so I'll have aluminum front and rear...it is way lighter. I started with a used hub, polished it, replaced all bearings and seals and had it laced to the rim with Buchanan's SS spokes. The front rim is just a little wider too at 2.5".





Also got the rear turn signals back on with shorter stems:

I bought one of those Eastwood tin zinc plating kits and it works pretty well. The rear brake m/c push rod and bolts look much better now:

So I have the front wheel all together with a new tire and all but don't have a picture of it yet. While I have the front wheel off, I'd like to replace the fork seals, polish or paint the lower fork legs, install a dual disc set up and replace the steering stem bearings. I also have plans to remove and restore the handlebar switches and will probably change the handlebars while I'm at it. I also have new tank and side cover emblems all around as well as some other nice goodies yet to go on. I also have to clean and polish the engine....haven't been able to get to that yet. Until next time.....

very nice.

leon

Nice work!

Great job, looking SWEEEEET !!
I like that look too, with the Z1 tail light & fender eliminator !!
what did you use for the eliminator ? & how did you mount the light ?
Pete