Woodhead's '77 KZ1000A resto mod attempt.

I thought I'd post some pics of my new seat, bike standing with shoes on and the new top clamp I tarted up a bit with some wrinkle paint. If anyone knows where to get some old school bend superbike bars, let me know. That will be next. 

Google "Renthal" they make superbike bars in various heights (must be a supplier in your part of the world) I have used them in the past and they were great quality



 

Hi all. Been a while since  =19.5pxI've worked on the ol Kawi. I have a big problem I need advice on how to correct. The swingarm is off of a Suzuki TL1000R. it has a six inch wheel and 190 tire. in order for the chain to clear the tire the left side of the swingarm is wider on that side. My problem is in order for the left shock to straight it is way out on the shock post and on the threaded portion. the right side is good though I would probably have to do the same modification to look symmetrical. The photos show my predicament. Any advice is most certainly welcome. 

Is there scope on the chain side to move the lower shock mount inboard without fouling the chain ?

Not really. The mount would hang over the edge of the swingarm. Plus, it measures .775 inches to far outboard. so, if =19.5pxI could move it inboard =19.5pxthat  =19.5pxfar, it would most likely hit the sprocket bolts. 

Unless you are going to offset the wheel to the right by 6mm or so from true central you will need scallop the frame around the swingarm pivot for chain clearance and fit a 7/8ths" offset front sprocket to fit a 190 tyre/6"rim and depending on the offset of the rear sprocket you may have to skim the sprocket carrier to move the rear sprocket inboard.
For the top shock mount you are either going to have to remove the original and weld in an extended version or extend the original with a screwed on section which is a common mod.
With the increased leverage exerted on the shock mount where it meets the frame it would be best to add a support tube which will also act as triangular bracing to the frame.


Extended (and laid down) shock mount with brace.
 

Scalloped frame for chain clearance.

 

Hey Zed. Not looking to put on a 6 incher. Mine is already set up for a 5.5 inch zx6 wheel. I did follow your advice and had the sprocket carrier milled down. Worked great. Perfect alignment with the offset sprocket. 

The problem is the too wide swingarm of the 6 inch wheel. I'm worried that I might have to revert to swapping out the TL1000 arm for a narrower zx6 or gsxr600 size one. But it might be easier than working this problem out. I would rather keep what I have going because I really like the look. But function over form!  All advice will make me look at things from another angle. 

Which ever way you go there will be “trade offs” most of the later swing arms are asymmetric like your current Suzuki unit (the GSXR600 unit on my build is) so fitting twin shocks symmetrically will be a challenge- you need to move things around to find the best compromise- I don’t think there are many symmetrical swing arms that will take that much tyre

Just a suggestion but if you off-set both lower shock mounts by half of your discrepancy (one inwards and one outwards) you could also buy shocks with spherical bearings (or replace the bushes in the shocks you have with bearings) you could then angle the shocks inwards at the top and keep the stock width

Looking at this pic though. If that shock is true vertical and the wheel and rear sprocket are in their final position there is a ton of room to move the shock inboard.
You will just have to reposition the mount on the swingarm.

Those shocks surely are not going to be what you're using in final assembly are they?? You can get shocks with an off-set lower collar. They used them in many bikes. An example shown, although slight in this case. These are the Mulholland shocks used on the LTD900/1000LTD's i'd rebuilt and had powdercoated. I suppose you could have a new collar welded on to the damper in the preferred location?    

Here is what the lower mount looks like. I don't see any way to move it inboard. Maybe some sort of offset bracket?  I'm thinking the top would be the best solution. I'm still doin' my gusintas (Jethro speak) on a plan for the top. I'll throw it up and see if it sticks later after more head scratchin'.