Fork ID

Is there an easy way to tell the different model kz forks? Specifically the difference between forks with the caliper in front and forks with it in back. I bought a set of forks from a breaker. He told me they were from a kz650 with the breaks behind the leg. But I bought a set of calipers froma member for that model and there's just no way they would work. Which makes me think they are the other style fork. Any ideas?

Got any pics?

Muddy wrote:

Is there an easy way to tell the different model kz forks? Specifically the difference between forks with the caliper in front and forks with it in back. I bought a set of forks from a breaker. He told me they were from a kz650 with the breaks behind the leg. But I bought a set of calipers froma member for that model and there's just no way they would work. Which makes me think they are the other style fork. Any ideas?

Kawasaki went from leading brakes to trailing brakes in 1978...the lower fork units are the same on early KZ650/1000...the differences are in the tube length and spring length...however, I am running '78 KZ1000 lowers on my 1977 KZ1000A and have retained the leading brakes simply by reversing the fork legs...but pictures sure would help:)

Actually, the 1977 KZ650C1 had dual trailing front brakes.

650ed wrote:

Actually, the 1977 KZ650C1 had dual trailing front brakes.

You are absolutely correct...I was thinking of the B model:blush:

Muddy wrote:

Is there an easy way to tell the different model kz forks? Specifically the difference between forks with the caliper in front and forks with it in back.

Yes, the forks for calipers in front will have the mount for the fender support on the opposite side of the caliper mounts, the forks for calipers behind will have the mount for the fender support on the same side as the caliper mounts. The CSR (H) models use a short fender with no support and no support mount, these forks are easily identified by the leading axle.

I bought a set of forks from a breaker. He told me they were from a kz650 with the breaks behind the leg. But I bought a set of calipers from a member for that model and there's just no way they would work. Which makes me think they are the other style fork. Any ideas?

The 650 SR (D) models have dual calipers behind the fork legs but they also use smaller rotors than the other 650 models, so the mounts for the calipers sit closer to the axle - you might have gotten a set of SR forks, there's some more info and pics here and here.

The top of the fork legs (@ the tree) are flush with the top of the leg and use a flat rubber cover on the 78 & up . The older models use a solid aluminum threaded bolt (hex head) 17mm or 19mm head size on the Z1's & KZ1000's.... (if memory serves) I would assume the KZ650's are the same way... different fork leg dia. possibly smaller.