Fork Crazy!!

I sure I'm driving you guys crazy about forks but my bike seems to be unigue. A KZR member in Missouri has a 78 KZ650 and we have been emailing back and forth. He has many parts I'm interested in but pic below suggests that it is a CSR or SR. I believe these forks WILL NOT fit my bike. Can you guys clarify this?

Post edited by: Bluemeanie, at: 2007/10/12 00:17

You should upgrade to a set of upside down forks since you have to do a rebuild.

Sorry about that, here is the pic...

I put my old 77 650B forks on Melvis' 78 650 SR, so it will fit. The mounts for the fender and brackets is slightly narrower on the SR so going from SR to B/C model is easier than from B/C to SR as you have to let the cables flap around going to SR from B/C or they wiill rub. other thatn that, everything is same same.

Well, actually the SR and C model are both dual disk front, so the fender bracket mountig area was shaved to allow room for the cable brackets. Abbies 650 LTD (E model) has the same SR forks taht allow for 1 brake hose loom and a shim on the other side (between the fork and fender bracket). I think the 80 650 F model may also be exactly the same as SR, LTD and C model. Check to see if you have a thin shim on the right fork between the fork and fender mount.

My right side fender bolts directly to fork, left side has the brake hose bracket (F1, single disc) between fender and fork. According to part #'s and other sources, it appears that '80 F1 (aka custom) forks only fits itself! I think all 78-80 KZ's (no CSR,SR,LTD's) use same lower fork tube and I think all are same diameter (36mm?) but may be a length difference. Kawasaki.com shows my fork "tubes" only fit my bike, period! I need a set of forks but there are very few F1's out being parted out. It appears that the bike I bought new and love is a "bastard" bike!:dry: I'm looking and trying tho.

Post edited by: Bluemeanie, at: 2007/10/12 12:40

John did your bike come with air adjustable front forks? Reason I ask is it seems around 1980 was when Kawasaki started putting air caps on street bikes which would also cause them to assign a different part number to the tubes. I doubt you would have any trouble using a front end off any 650 made between 77 and 80.

You can't use part numbers as the sole decision point on whether or not it will fit, any change no matter how minor gives it a new part number.

Pretty much any of the 650 fork tubes will fit in your triple clamps, and IIRC, the whole front end from any 650 will bolt on your frame. Even the 750 twin front ends will fit your frame.

Personally, I like the SR front fender better than the F1, so get the whole front end off the SR and bolt it on your bike.

I had an F1 but sold it a couple of years ago, I still see it go by my house once in awhile.

Thanks steele but not a big fan of the SR fenders, plus other than Kerker I want to keep it "stock". Gringo, no air caps on mine. But I agree with both of you, other than CSR, SR, LTD's I would also think that all forks are the same 78-80. No 77's with the front mounted disc. People say "just turn it around", but you can't as if you do the bolt holes for the fender stays will be in front of the fork, so 78-80 it is. Lots on ebay for sure! Thanks guys!!

John,

I've got the complete front end from the 650 SR I sniped on eBay a few months ago, and you're welcome to it if ya want it.
I know the tubes need new oil seals, but haven't checked yet to see if they're leaking from pitting to the tubes or just plain old age.

I'll check them later on today and let you know what their condition is.

Post edited by: RetroRiceRocketRider, at: 2007/10/13 18:10

I have the following bikes here, (mine and GPzInfested's)

1979 KZ650 SR, 83 GPz 750 forks and swingarm.

1980 KZ750E, 99 Suzuki forks, 83 GPz750 swingarm.

1977 KZ650, Suzuki GSXR USD forks and swingarm

1979 KZ750B with 80 KZ750G front end (hey, it already had new seals in it! )

1985 GPz750 Turbo, the only one with a stock front end, but that's because it hasn't been here long


I don't have much interest in keeping stock forks

Post edited by: steell, at: 2007/10/13 21:11

I have found a couple of stores that claim to have your inner fork tubes in NOS, but they cost about $210 EACH plus shipping (OUCH!!)

If you can't find used originals anyplace, you might want to contact "Forking by Frank."

www.quikpage.com/F/frankmain/

I have not dealt with him, so I don't know what his prices or products are like, but it wouldn't hurt to call to find out. Ed