Cannot find a replacement triple tree for KZ650C3 custom 1979. Any help?

Hey guys, I would really appreciate any direction here. I have searched far and wide, but am certain I haven't depleted my resources, for part number 44039-076 for my KZ650C3 Custom 1979. I restored the bike (enough to ride, not for a show) and it works great..except for the two cracks on the triple tree (top steering stem). I have even had orders places where companies have then had to refund me since they didn't have it in stock. It is the last part I need to be riding this great bike in the wide open roads.

Thanks if ANYONE can give me ANY guidance.

Matt

Welcome to KZr Matt.


I see complete (upper and lower) triple tree sets for the 650's on eBay all the time, so maybe you might be searching using the wrong search "language".
Have you tried using "triple clamps" or "fork clamps" yet?
It couldn't hurt.

Don't limit yourself to searching by part number, since most eBay sellers haven't a clue what it is, or are simply to lazy to find and include it.
Also be sure to find what other models and years use the same part number, then search using that criteria.

For example, part number 44039-076 fits the following models:
KZ650-B1 (1977)
KZ650-B2 (1978)
KZ650-B2A (1978)
KZ650-B3 (1979)
KZ650-C1 (Custom) (1977)
KZ650-C2 (Custom) (1978)
KZ650-C3 (Custom) (1979)
KZ650-D1 (SR) (1978)
KZ650-D1A (SR) (1978)
KZ650-D2 (SR) (1979)
KZ650-E1 (LTD) (1980)
KZ650-F1 (1980)

Thanks! I will do that. Searching for part number on ebay only gave me one hit, and the part looked correct, but the description was for a totally different part, some fender or something.

I actually have a '78 KZ650-D (SR) that I will be parting out soon.
Another member here already has dibs on part of the triple tree, I just can't recall if it's the upper or the lower part right now! :pinch: :laugh:

I sent him a PM and left him a voicemail message, so I'll let you know if the upper is still available once I hear back from him.

Cool. I appreciate the heads up regardless.

Well Matt, both the upper and lower triple trees are indeed spoken for by the same person already.
Sorry about getting your hopes up. :blush:

Perhaps if you ask the eBay seller with the confusing auction listing (part# looked correct but description was for wrong part) that you mentioned and ask him if he actually has that part, you just may luck out afterall! :woohoo:
Don't forget to search the "store" listings on eBay also. I've run across some killer deals there a few times before.

If those suggestions fail, you could always post a "wanted" ad in the classifieds section here on the site.
There's quite a few members here that own 650's, and I'm sure at least one of them will have a spare upper tree that they can be convinced to part with.

i have an extra set from a 77 kz650 b

All the triple trees from 77-80 are interchangable for the 650. Starting in '81 the 650 started using the front end from the 750 and will not fit. So EddieBoy has your part!

del

EddieBoy, do you happen to have a pick of the triple tree (44039-076)? Also, you only selling it as a whole, upper and lower, or only the upper? I'm actually not sure if I need simply the top or are their bearings as well that I most likely won't be able to get out of the older one? I'm a bit new to the internal fixings in a triple tree. I really appreciate your help. I am drooling thinking I could be riding this in the nearer future.

Thanks,

Since you're going to be pulling the triple trees apart and off the bike anyway, this would be the perfect time to toss out the OEM ball bearings/races and upgrade to a tapered roller bearing kit.

---

> LINK


Most members here have done this upgrade and trust me, you'll notice the diff in handling and ease of steering right away.

Great! Thanks. I replaced the seals in the forks and MAN was that a tough job. Any special tool needed to pull these fork bearings? Also, would you recommend replacing both upper and lower at the same time or is it normal to replace only one? The lower appears to have no cracks, key word "appears".

If you were a server at a restaurant, I would leave you a fat tip. Let me know I can help out in return in anyway for your advice. I know nutrition, racing triathlons (Ironman's), rock climbing, etc...just a newbie with this.

Oh, I did replace the oil and transmission cover gaskets, petcock,sealed the gas tank, fork seals, rebuilt the carbs and got them in sync, oil and steering fluids, exhaust cover gaskets and exhaust cover studs, mirrors, and all fuel and carb overflow lines. Electrical start is dead but kick works fine, usually on 1st or 2nd kick. Only other factor aside from triple tree is that when riding, more obvious at slower speeds, something around the rotors is clicking and when applying the front brake, it goes away. I can't find a mark on the rotor leading me to believe it is a bump or anything on the rotor. I cannot reproduce the sound when I put it on the stand a simply spin the front wheel. Wonder if rotor is bent? It does brake really well (has duel front rotors as well).Ever heard of this? If not no worries. You've helped enough.