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Project Sharkey, 1978 KZ650C2
- rstnick
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It's screwed in where the yellow reflector screws in.
Have taken a picture I will post shortly...
Rob
CANADA
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1978 KZ650 C2, 130K kms, Delkevic ex, EI, CVK32, PMC easy clutch, ATK fork brace, steering damper, braced swingarm, 18" Z1R front wheel.
2000 ZRX1100
2011 Ninja 250R
2005 z750s
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- 650ed
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Hi Nick, would you have a pic of the steering damper mount you used on the frame, I'm just about to fit a damper to my sons 650 and are looking at mount solutions..
Why? Ed
1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)
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- 750 R1
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Thanks Nick, the damper I have has heim joints at both mounts, I'm interested in what you put between the frame and the mount on the damper, The hole in the frame puts the damper to close to the engine if not using something to bring the mount further out, does that make sense ?I was considering using a short piece of tube with a bolt welded in one end and a nut welded in the other....
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- 650ed
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I asked because some folks believe they are a cure for speed wobbles even though the speed wobbles may be an indication of a serious problem that needs to be addressed. My 1977 KZ650 developed bad speed wobbles several years back. The problem ended up being bad Michelin Macadam tires. I found the problem after replacing the swing arm bushings, steering stem bearings, shocks, etc., etc. Replacing all those items slightly dampened the problem, but replacing the tires made the problem absolutely go away at any speed. It appears that the bike in question does not have any wobble so the damper is not being installed to try to correct an existing problem; that's good. That's why I asked. EdHi Ed, I know from reading previous posts of yours you don't think they are needed, yes the 650 is very stable, I have fitted dampers to every bike I've owned that didn't come stock with them. Have you ever had a tank slapper ? I have, one bad enough to dent my tank with my thumb, broke the steering lock tab on a 750 Honda back in the early 1980's at speed, frightened the poop out of me, have used them ever since, Think of them as an insurance policy... Besides this is my sons first bike, just being over cautious...
1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)
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- Skidmark
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Retired gearhead
'81 KZ-750 E2
'87 Suzuki Savage 650 Street Tracker (lost in the shop fire)
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- 750 R1
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I get where you're coming from Ed. The 650 has new stem bearings, wheel bearings, brakes, it uses my 750R1 forks that were completely rebuilt just before I bought it, {pulled them down to check them and found everything perfect}, which was a pleasant surprise, new rear brakes and all set up almost right, I need a little more preload in the front forks but apart from that, it rides and stops very well, actually I'm impressed just how well these 650's handle. I'm definitely not trying to hide any handling gremlins....
I asked because some folks believe they are a cure for speed wobbles even though the speed wobbles may be an indication of a serious problem that needs to be addressed. My 1977 KZ650 developed bad speed wobbles several years back. The problem ended up being bad Michelin Macadam tires. I found the problem after replacing the swing arm bushings, steering stem bearings, shocks, etc., etc. Replacing all those items slightly dampened the problem, but replacing the tires made the problem absolutely go away at any speed. It appears that the bike in question does not have any wobble so the damper is not being installed to try to correct an existing problem; that's good. That's why I asked. EdHi Ed, I know from reading previous posts of yours you don't think they are needed, yes the 650 is very stable, I have fitted dampers to every bike I've owned that didn't come stock with them. Have you ever had a tank slapper ? I have, one bad enough to dent my tank with my thumb, broke the steering lock tab on a 750 Honda back in the early 1980's at speed, frightened the poop out of me, have used them ever since, Think of them as an insurance policy... Besides this is my sons first bike, just being over cautious...
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- rstnick
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There's a lock nut to keep the Heim joint in one spot.
I also have steering dampers on my bikes because I like the feel of them, and the added stability they give.
Rob
CANADA
Need a key for your Kawasaki? PM me
1978 KZ650 C2, 130K kms, Delkevic ex, EI, CVK32, PMC easy clutch, ATK fork brace, steering damper, braced swingarm, 18" Z1R front wheel.
2000 ZRX1100
2011 Ninja 250R
2005 z750s
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- rstnick
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Been to a few Meets:
Yesterday I balanced the carbs, CVK32s.
They were all over the place on the synch tool to start, but some adjustments brought them all to the same level, balanced.
Took a test ride and she is running even better.
Still waiting on my painter to finish the bodywork and fairings.
Some other bikes at the Meets:
Rob
CANADA
Need a key for your Kawasaki? PM me
1978 KZ650 C2, 130K kms, Delkevic ex, EI, CVK32, PMC easy clutch, ATK fork brace, steering damper, braced swingarm, 18" Z1R front wheel.
2000 ZRX1100
2011 Ninja 250R
2005 z750s
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My painter buddy is not going to have the fairing and bodywork done come this Spring, so have decided to put regular handle bars on and move the headlight back to the original position.
I did find riding her last season was uncomfortable with the low Clubman style handle bars.
I will get this gas tank repaired and painted to match these side covers and tail.
Rob
CANADA
Need a key for your Kawasaki? PM me
1978 KZ650 C2, 130K kms, Delkevic ex, EI, CVK32, PMC easy clutch, ATK fork brace, steering damper, braced swingarm, 18" Z1R front wheel.
2000 ZRX1100
2011 Ninja 250R
2005 z750s
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- rstnick
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Rob
CANADA
Need a key for your Kawasaki? PM me
1978 KZ650 C2, 130K kms, Delkevic ex, EI, CVK32, PMC easy clutch, ATK fork brace, steering damper, braced swingarm, 18" Z1R front wheel.
2000 ZRX1100
2011 Ninja 250R
2005 z750s
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.