Swingarm Conversion Q's - Function or Looks

ramtough_63:

You know, it's cheap enough to take a shot on. If it doesn't work, I'll stick it in the ground and weld a pot to it for a bird bath. Do you do PayPal? Figure out what the shipping would be to 07416 (Franklin, NJ) and I'll get you the funds. I'd appreciate if you could still get the measurements. Thanks!

donthekawguy:

Do you have a close up? I'd like to see what the conversion looks like.

Where did you get the sprockets and chain. I need to find a reliable place to purchase some much needed goodies.

Great idea asking these questions!

I added a new custom JMC swing arm suspended by new Ohlins multi adjustable shocks to my '77 KZ1000. It holds a zx6r rear wheel and zx10r brakes with a 180 Pirelli tire. I retained the stock swing arm dimensions.




First off, I love it!

I did it for the "wow" and to "enhance" the handling.

This unit combined with the zx10r front end with Ohlins internals, 17" wheels w/Pirelli rubber, frame rake/bracing, new bearings and bushings, works GREAT! I believe, like the others, that it's "the package" that determines how well these bikes handle. However, if you're looking for modern sportbike handling, by a modern sportbike!

I don't push it super hard in the curves, but it never wobbles, feels awkward or skittish like it did "back in the day".

It cost a small fortune and took forever to get to me, but it was worth it. Like I said, I love it! :lol:

no prob I think the only freakin tape measure I have is with my nike lol I will let you know tomorrow

Drooz i am drooling definately hit the WOW factor!!!

KraZyRIDER wrote: donthekawguy:

Do you have a close up? I'd like to see what the conversion looks like.

Where did you get the sprockets and chain. I need to find a reliable place to purchase some much needed goodies.

Fo sho-
If you look close you can see the washers I had to use between the frame and arm. The 2 small ones and one thick one.


The arm and wheel on. I used a suzuki hub and brake 5 inch wide wheel, buchanons did the spokes and a 140 tire.

I got lucky and found a gs1100 chain gaurd. I used goldwing shocks on it.


I aligned everything with a laser and had to have custom spacers made for the hub.


I got the chain and sprockets from z1enterprises.com

Dang there is some ugly KZs built with these great swing arms. Sorry, no one in particular, just ick. I'll take bad handling over ugly.

Drooz:

WOW! I don't know about the handling, but you hit the "WOW" factor right on the head. That looks absolutely awesome! That swingarm is amazing. I imagine it handles just as good as it looks, too. If you don't mind me asking, what did the swingarm and shocks set you back?

To be perfectly honest, I'm not looking for modern sportbike handling. I'm looking for more of a nostalgic ride that will turn some heads and get some ooohs and aaahs. You need to be doing under a 100 for that to happen. At 58 years of age, I no longer look for the perfect 100MPH sweeper. Those days are long gone. I'm hoping for some Grandchildren in the near future to unload some of the junk I've collected over the years. Buzzing around at 100MPH could put a serious crimp in that idea. I do miss the endless wheel stands I use to do on my old H1's and H2's, though. Unfortunately, my Sportster is not built for such folly. So, that's why I want to put this KZ together. It won't have the balls like an old H2, but I'm not sure I have the balls for an old H2 anyway.

ramtough_63:

No problem, I'll check back tomorrow. Thanks!

donthekawguy:

Super! That's what I'm looking for, it looks great. It has looks and I'm sure it handles better than stock, without looking space age.

I'd love to have a set-up like Drooz, but it doesn't fit my needs. It does make me jealous, though.

RonKZ650:

Damn, I better go clean my glasses. I haven't noticed an ugly KZ here yet. :lol:

Hey, while I'm at it. Where did you get the rear sets and what was the cost?

They are off a 2004 GSXR600.
Can't remember the cost off hand, but I'd say $100~200 from ebay.
'77 & '78 650s only have one bolt holding on the front footpegs, where '79 and later have two, so fit will be different on '79 and later models.

rstnick wrote:

Hey, while I'm at it. Where did you get the rear sets and what was the cost?

They are off a 2004 GSXR600.
Can't remember the cost off hand, but I'd say $100~200 from ebay.
'77 & '78 650s only have one bolt holding on the front footpegs, where '79 and later have two, so fit will be different on '79 and later models.

How well did the linkage line up and what mods were needed?