KZ650 Brake Rotors - Compatibility

I was hoping to pick up some cheap used rotors (if I can find them ) so that I can attempt drilling them out. So, I was wondering if there are different size rotors for the 650 (i.e. bolt pattern, diameter, thickness, etc.) or are they all the same? I have a '78 D1 with the dual front discs and rear disc. I just want to make sure what ever I pick up will work with my current setup.

Also, will rotors from another KZ model fit? Assuming they won't.

Thanks

If you plan on drilling them yourself,keep several things in mind; 1.Most if not all rotors are stainless steel which will work harden as you drill it(I.E. if you don't go through it in one smooth motion the matrial will get so hard it cannot be drilled).

2. Have a supply of COBALT drill bits in the size needed. Ordinary high speed drill bits will loose their temper and quit cutting quickly.

3.Use a drill press with plenty of high sulpher cutting oil for lubrication/cooling.

4.Have the drill press turn at the slowest speed possible with plenty on downforce going through the rotor(s)

5.Set up a drilling jig to support the rotor from warpage and be able to index the series of holes without having to clamp,drill,and unclamp allowing control in drilling.

6. It might be easier having a machine shop do this for you as they have the machines and skill.

Hey man, Harry from NLMS here. You probably remember me.

I've got my original disc on my 650 and I've also got a disc from a 78 KZ1000 on the front of my bike. They're identical. I think as long as its from 77-79 and its got four bolt holes it'll fit up for ya. Just get the seller to measure the thickness, thats the only thing I've heard of that varies in those model years.

We've gotta get that ride in this summer as soon as I finish up the 810 conversion.

Thanks guys for the info, good stuff. MFolks thanks for the great tips.

Harry, yes definitely have to get out for a run this summer. Best of luck with the conversion. My bike is still in pieces so I'm going to be a while yet!

i used a carbide drill bit on my rotors and only sharp'd it one time. it cost a little more but works a lot better.

Yeah I'm not back from AB till April 26th, so it'll be mid-late May for me depending on how many snags I hit. Shouldn't be too bad though, I'm gonna have all the parts awaiting my return and I'm going on EI for a little bit so I'll have plenty of time on my hands.

Deacon, the D (SR) models have smaller rotors so 650 B/C and KZ 1000 rotors will not fit - or rather they'll bolt on to the wheel but due to the smaller rotors, the D (SR) forks have the caliper mounts (and hence the calipers) sitting lower on the fork leg.

John (Bluemeanie) had a thread going about that a while ago, I'll see if I can dig it up.


Edit: Yep, found it. CLICK

There's a pic in the thread where you can see the difference in caliper mounts - also some rotor measurements: SR rotors are 10 7/8", early B and KZ 1000 rotors are 11 11/16".

Edit 2: And here's a link to another of John's threads on this topic over at 650.info: CLICK

Thank you very much OnkelB, that's great. Really appreciate you finding those two threads!!! That is a great help.

No problem, only happy to help.

I could be wrong but I think there are three different diameter front brake rotors used on the 650s, the two mentioned above plus one inbetween for the dual disc setups. If a 650 C owner could be bothered to measure his front rotors and post it I'd appreciate it.

The front rotors on the '77 KZ650C1 are approx 10 15/16" diameter and .212" thick. Ed

C2 front rotors seem to be the same size as the C1.

According to the Kawi website, these models shared front rotors, although the '79 were factory drilled:

Model (6):
KZ650-C1 (Custom) (1977)
KZ650-C2 (Custom) (1978)
KZ650-C3 (Custom) (1979)
KZ650-D1 (SR) (1978)
KZ650-D1A (SR) (1978)
KZ650-D2 (SR) (1979)


And the B models, single rotor are shared with these models:

Model (17):
H1-D (1973)
H1-E (1974)
H1-F (1975)
KH500-A8 (1976)
KZ1000-A1 (KZ1000) (1977)
KZ1000-A2 (KZ1000) (1978)
KZ1000-A2A (KZ1000) (1978)
KZ650-B1 (1977)
KZ650-B2 (1978)
KZ650-B2A (1978)
KZ650-B3 (1979)
KZ750-B1 (1976)
KZ750-B2 (1977)
KZ750-B3 (1978)
KZ750-B4 (1979)
KZ900-A4 (1976)
KZ900-A5 (1977)

Great stuff Rob, thanks. Where do you get this info, is thre a site to cross reference part numbers?