Ok ferro72, let me try and fit this into one post. First of all, my bike is rideable, but I just got my tags recently. As such, my amount of higher speed testing is very limited. I'll have a better idea about that in short order.
What I did was take a 78 KZ1000 A2 frame and braced it similar to the Sanctuary bikes or similar to Tony Foale's bracing suggestions. The suspension that I used is all from the same bike. The donor was a Craigslist purchase 1995 GSXR 750. I had the whole GSXR right there so that I could measure for the proper attachments. I attempted to mimic the original mount points on the Kawasaki frame to keep the GSXR suspension geometry as normal as possible. It is relatively easy since the GSXR is a mono-shock bike, but still has a double cradle frame instead of the newer bikes that have the engine as a stressed member. So as far as the suspension is concerned, it is carrying around a heavier, and slightly longer GSXR 750.
Now I used Racetech's calculator to determine the proper spring rates for a GSXR 750 that weighs 500lbs. Of course this puts me at the high end of available springs for the GSXR. So I ordered the proper springs from Racetech. I also put a Gold Valve Kit in my rear shock when I rebuilt it. The front fork was rebuilt with the proper weight oil and the new springs.
Now for the ride and handling. First let me say that i love the ride of this combo. It eats bumps for a living. As for the handling, in everything 60 mph or less, I'm quite pleased. As I said, high speed testing will be happening soon. However, I can say that the bike feels like it should handle properly. I will say that you must make efforts to retain as much ride height as you can. The GSXR forks are almost the longest USD forks that you can get. (ZX-9 forks are slightly longer.) I have a corner on the way home that I usually take at a pretty good clip on my zx-10r and I managed to drag my header on the KZ, on the outside of the collector :ohmy: It turns in well enough, but doesn't have the cornering clearance of the newer ninja.
Also, let me say that the improvement in braking is worth the swap for me. My comparable 1980 GS750 with the original, single piston, twin disks in front, and single disk in back can't stop half as well as the KZ with the monster brake rotors and six piston front calipers.
By the way, I plan on using my bike as a grand tourer. I want a big, fast, stable, and confident handling bike. I don't specifically want to do track days, and don't particularly care if I can get a knee down on this bike. That's what my zx-10r is for.
Finally, I'll direct you to speak with mark1122. He has advised me along the way with my project, and he's a really great member. He has a similar build, and has actually done some track days on his bike. I know that he has stressed some key points to me. Keep the ride height as close to stock for the KZ as possible. Brace the frame to keep the dreaded KZ wobble out. Set up the new suspension parts as close to their original geometry as possible. Also speak with Old Man Rock, if you can get his attention. He has had his bike on the road for a while now and can provide some very good, real world experience for you.
Whew!
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