second post, suspension upgrade ?????

Hello thanks for the welcome. I'm building a 1978 KZ1000 and want to upgrade the suspension. I've used the search function extensively and this is what I've arrived at. 1. a GS1100 swingarm,I like the idea of 2 more inches of wheelbase,a weight savings and a bigger tire. 2. Kosman frame brace kit and motor mount kit. 3. This is where I get confused, there are so many options and these options consist of newer bikes that I'm unfamiliar with,my head is spinning. What is an easy close to bolt on upgrade for the front, dual discs,inverted forks etc. I'm leaning toward ZX9 or thereabouts. Any input will be greatly appreciated. Thanks Black KZ1000

Hello sir welcome to the site. There are many options for frontends. The zx7/9 frontend seem to be pretty popular. I put a zx 7 on my 85 gpz750. No matter what frontend you choose you have to swap stems. As most new frontend have much larger stems. You also have to keep in mind the gauge and steering stops.

irishwill has a few sets of conversion triple trees complete for late model gsxr 1000 front suspension. they are really well built and a bolt on situation.

What wheel and what size tire could you use with a GS1100 swingarm?

Black KZ1000 wrote:

Hello thanks for the welcome. I'm building a 1978 KZ1000 and want to upgrade the suspension. I've used the search function extensively and this is what I've arrived at. 1. a GS1100 swingarm,I like the idea of 2 more inches of wheelbase,a weight savings and a bigger tire. 2. Kosman frame brace kit and motor mount kit. 3. This is where I get confused, there are so many options and these options consist of newer bikes that I'm unfamiliar with,my head is spinning. What is an easy close to bolt on upgrade for the front, dual discs,inverted forks etc. I'm leaning toward ZX9 or thereabouts. Any input will be greatly appreciated. Thanks Black KZ1000

Not sure if the stem size is the same between the kz1000 and kz650 but if they are you can pretty easily swap in a front end from a mid 90's zx6. The stem is the exact diameter and length as the kz650. The bearings/races are the only changes necessary, and that's only because the zx6 uses a roller type bearing instead of the antiquated fall out balls that the kz's use stock.

a freind of mine uses a 90 gsxr 1100 wheel and runs a 160 tire on his 82 katana. i use a 4.25 sun rim with a 5.5" mickey thompson on my little drag bike.

a rebuilt stock kz1000 frontend will take more abuse than the stock chassis will! :laugh:

Well I bought ZX9 wheels front and back here locally. So I guess I'm searching for a ZX9 front end. Anything I should know? How involved is the swap? Will a GS1100 swingarm work with the ZX9 rear wheel? Thanks Black KZ1000