KZ1000ST,1979 model, what kind of neck bearings?

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02 Aug 2011 19:42 #466432 by fxdl2051
Have to replace the fork seals and front tire, so figured a good time to replace the neck bearings. Does this model take needle bearings (no reason to replace) or ball bearings (gotta go) in the steering stem?
What would be the best tires fore/aft for handeling? Old ones are like a rock.
Thanks up front,
Ken

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  • trianglelaguna
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02 Aug 2011 19:58 - 02 Aug 2011 21:42 #466438 by trianglelaguna
Replied by trianglelaguna on topic KZ1000ST,1979 model, what kind of neck bearings?
see if these links help xxxxxxx:Edit:xxxxx timed out links...go to kawasaki.com...owner info...parts diagrams....1979...dont pick a model just 1979......then new window...now pick model and proceede...when done correct it brings you to parts blow ups and bikes that share that part over the years...

www.kawasakiepc.com/SystemSearch_Frames....620&CFTOKEN=81553248


www.kawasakiepc.com/SystemSearch_Frames....620&CFTOKEN=81553248


either way i think you are going to be installing tapered bearings (whatever) from what i can tell....my chain 79 is rollers..balls...i did some checking and was told by a pro mechanic self supporting shop owner/friend that the ones sold are all balls and they are good..spome complete with new dust seal rings ect...but that there is some better ones for 40$ more..he did not know the name just buy the more $ he said ...he has had less fitment issues and wear with more expensive ones....a call to Z-1 ent .com turned up no bad reviews of the all balls product from the salesman...no all balls bearing issues ever...great product...but...turns out they sell another set...for guess what...20-40$ more... does it matter...???i bought the more $ set and it has no seals included...

anyways Z1 enterprises will have em.... and mine ,on my bench to go in next were on my door step in 2 days

you want to look online for avon tires...roadriders

1976 KZ900
2003 ZX12R
2007 FZ1000
2004 ninja 250R for wife
Last edit: 02 Aug 2011 21:42 by trianglelaguna.
The following user(s) said Thank You: fxdl2051

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03 Aug 2011 00:35 - 03 Aug 2011 00:37 #466512 by RonKZ650
The ST was a fantastic bike, had tapered bearings from the factory, so I doubt they need replacement. They went all out on the ST. It looked like a MKII, but everything was heavy duty, heavier frame, forks, shocks, all bigger bodywork, tapered bearings, tubeless wheels and tires, first ever on a motorcycle I believe. All built like a tank, then in 1981 they went to he KZ1100 that was all back to light duty parts. I have the rare pleasure of owning a mint example of each, and put the ST next to the MKII and the ST is just a brute of a bike. Still the MKII is my favorite Kawasaki ever, but if I had to choose a street bike for function and parts availabilty was not a factor the KZ1000ST would be my number 1 pick. Sadly they kept the ST 2 short years and don't care to support parts for it which 90% of it's parts are unique to the model unfortunately.

321,000 miles on KZ's that I can remember. Not going to see any more.
Last edit: 03 Aug 2011 00:37 by RonKZ650.

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03 Aug 2011 02:52 #466533 by fxdl2051
Thanks for the suggestions, must admit, the MKII is an even sleeker styled bike,it's a brute 'beaut.
thanks,
Ken

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03 Aug 2011 02:56 #466534 by fxdl2051
Glad to know I can leave the steering head bearings alone, I used to have a Kawi 650 with roller bearings, felt like the steering had a detent in it till I switched to needle bearings.
Thanks,
Ken

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  • KZ_Rage
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06 Aug 2011 17:38 #467288 by KZ_Rage
Should be OK unless they rusted over the years.

1979 KZ1000E1 SOLD!
1984 KZ550F2 SOLD!
2006 ZG1000A6F (Totaled)
2001 ZRX1200R (Sold)
2001 Sprint 955i ST (daily rider)

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