18 inch rear wheel on a 76 KZ 900 LTD ?

Hello everyone,

I just picked up a 76 KZ900B LTD with a 16" rear mag wheel and was wondering... If I got a 18" rear mag, from say a "78 Z1R", if it would fit, with out much drama? :huh: I like the looks of the KZ 900A, and I'm looking to combine the best of both worlds!

I'd like to add that I wouldn't have got it, had I not first found this site, and saw all your fine bikes. I used to ride (when I was a kid) a pretty tricked out 81 GPZ 550, and would like to build another "hot bike" to ride in the summer.

Thanks in Advance,
Tony

im not sure if 76-78 mags are exactly the same style but it should fit

PLUMMEN wrote:

im not sure if 76-78 mags are exactly the same style but it should fit

Thanks Plummen,

Yeah, that's what I'm thinking. I know that Kawasaki switched wheel suppliers after the 1976 run, and I haven't seen the 78 mag wheel up close, but I think that the style was "copied", and should be very close in appearance. As for fit, it should be a "bolt on" mod, but I was wanting confirmation from those that "know", since I'm new to this game.

Tony

You do know that is one of the most desired lTD's made?

Welcome. Roy

roy-b-boy-b wrote:

You do know that is one of the most desired LTD's made?

Welcome. Roy

Thanks for the welcome Roy ...

Yes, I'm finding that out! I will keep the original rear wheel, and should be able to switch back and forth, and kinda like having a spare back tire - on rim.

Tony

ps this site is addicting

Bad Dad wrote:

Hello everyone,

I just picked up a 76 KZ900B LTD with a 16" rear mag wheel and was wondering... If I got a 18" rear mag, from say a "78 Z1R", if it would fit, with out much drama? :huh: I like the looks of the KZ 900A, and I'm looking to combine the best of both worlds!

I'd like to add that I wouldn't have got it, had I not first found this site, and saw all your fine bikes. I used to ride (when I was a kid) a pretty tricked out 81 GPZ 550, and would like to build another "hot bike" to ride in the summer.

Thanks in Advance,
Tony

If the existing wheels are genuine Morris Mags, as the 1976 KZ900B1 LTD was delivered from its build site in Lincoln, they remain highly desirable items, and are readily distinguishable from Kawasaki's similarly styled wheels on later models.

If also considering a swap for both Z1R wheels, remember the 1978 Z1R had an 18" wheel also on the front (not a raging success) and returned to 19" front wheel on 1979 Z1R.

Here's a good article >
skipsteiger.home.mchsi.com/before/cw.jpg

[Click on the article to enlarge it for reading.]

Good Luck!

Patton wrote:

Bad Dad wrote:

If the existing wheels are genuine Morris Mags, as the 1976 KZ900B1 LTD was delivered from its build site in Lincoln, they remain highly desirable items, and are readily distinguishable from Kawasaki's similarly styled wheels on later models.

If also considering a swap for both Z1R wheels, remember the 1978 Z1R had an 18" wheel also on the front (not a raging success) and returned to 19" front wheel on 1979 Z1R.

Here's a good article >
skipsteiger.home.mchsi.com/before/cw.jpg

[Click on the article to enlarge it for reading.]

Good Luck!

Patton,

Yes it's got the original Morris mags... and I'd only be wanting to swap the rear mag wheel. Thanks for the reply and the link to the article. The more I learn about the bike, the more I want to restore it. As it is now, it has a cheesey paint job, and needs a lot of detailing - I'll post pic's soon!

Thanks again...
Tony