shaft to chain change over?

Just playing with the thought what would it take to change a kz1100 shafty over to a chain?

There are a few threads on it already. Try a search. But the cases are different, the swingarm, the trans shaft, wheel,etc. So you really need another motor and swing arm, wheel, did I say Bike?

Ok I'll quit toying with that idea.

But the cases are different, So you really need another motor

Not true at all. Cases are exactly the same, all you need is the trans and shift assembly from a chain drive.

Possibly a stupid question but why...?

I guess I could it see it where you're going with a big block displacement motor, going to use it for non street ride able build/racing, convert/modify to a street fighter/bobber what ever but why go this route versus just buy another KZ with a chain drive and start from scratch.

I have a shafty on my Voyager Xii, shit nice smooth ride and don't have to worry about chain stretch, lubrication, worn sprocket teeth etc...

Hell for what it's going to cost you in time and parts for the conversion, find a Pre 1981 $500 POS KZ 1000 and build up from there.

Just my 2 worthless cents.... :blush:

I love my shaft, gets the job done

I've typed a response 5 times and not posted one till now because I don't want to piss one of the moderators buddys off!!!
Do what you want, he did, and it was accepted well by most, me as well!
Don't allow people to tell you "it can't be or shouldn't be". We are the people who should be screaming, "Those who say it can't be done shouldn't be fucking with those who are doing it!"

Les

:huh:

I'll have to toss my .02 in. The shaft drive is tougher than most think.FBG built a 1262 for me years ago and I stuck it back in the ZN chassis and beat the nuts off that old bike. Pissed a bunch of those bent over riders off with that bike :woohoo: . What is your reasonong for changing to chain anyway. Is it possible, yes. Swingarm swap,Wheel swap, final drive swap,although there may be a shaft change in the engine to make it possible.It's been a while back and there has been alot of shit roll through my think tank since then.

nivlac wrote: Just playing with the thought what would it take to change a kz1100 shafty over to a chain?

nivlac this is straight forward conversion, the crankcases are the same. So all you need a few parts from either a J or GPZ.
an output shaft, inner transmission cover, gear selector shaft and the outer sprocket cover.
The GPZ (ZX) 83+ output shaft is of a much stronger construction than the J it utelises a nut instead of a bolt to hold the sprocket. So this option would be better for Tuned motor
The shaft frames are wider at the swingarm pivot too which makes it easy to fit modern swingarm the down side being a lazy steering head angle compared with the J GPZ frames.

Well No-One said it couldn't or shouldn't be be accomplished, by all means with $$$ & time, anything (for the most part) is possible if it truly is your desire.

As others mentioned, minimum requirements...
output shaft
inner transmission cover
gear selector shaft
outer sprocket cover
gaskets and seals

Then you have...
swing-arm and bushings
Possibly new shocks (not sure about this due to heights & mounting)
Front counter sprocket (offset version)
Rear sprocket
chain
Rear brake rotor, possibly if used e-bay setup.
Rear wheel w/hub, possibly new tire.
Possibly front rim/tire to match rear rim/tire.

Then there's the modifications for...
brake rod/caliper/mounting etc...
swing-arm bushings, centering, mounting etc...
miscellaneous hardware

Sure it can be done, probably looking at anywhere from $500-$1000 (minimum) for a chain drive configuration...

If you decide to do so, definitely post a project w/images, parts obtained (year/model etc...) for we'd love to see this from start to finish no doubt. Over the years this has been brought up but haven't seen any project postings on the tasks at hand.

Good luck...

It can be done but in my opinion your better off getting another bike if you need a chain drive. Years ago I had a 1979 st and it took a beating and it was nice to never service a chain.