has anyone used clip ons on their stock kz forks?

  • andler2008
  • andler2008's Avatar Topic Author
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 71
  • Thanks: 0

has anyone used clip ons on their stock kz forks?

06 Feb 2012 23:29
#502458
i'm looking at doing clip ons on my stock forks. i was wondering if anyone has done this before what it looked like and felt like and i would love to see pics if possible. thanks.
1980 KZ 1075
Mods? Pshh I have no idea right now

1981 Kz1000 CSR - Sold

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Zedone
  • Zedone's Avatar
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 397
  • Thanks: 14

Re: has anyone used clip ons on their stock kz forks?

12 Feb 2012 12:14
#503470
Clip-ons look cool and they really help your riding position when your riding full out shifting @ 10-12K but they are really uncomfortable for street use. If you have any back or spine issues they are brutal. But I'm getting old...... :laugh:

You will need different headlight brackets, PMC make some real nice ones or you can make your own. Watch out for tank clearances lock to lock. There are some really cheap ones out there (welded steel) chrome plated I would stay away from. Have a look at the 2 piece aluminum ones (way better) that have 3 pinch bolts per side. Stock Z1 KZ 900 1000 legs are 36mm.

Here are some pics.

Cheers, Doug
1977 KZ1000A1
1977 KZ1000A1 (Superbike Project)
1969 Chevrolet C/10 Short Fleet

Attachments:

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • 650ed
  • 650ed's Avatar
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 15343
  • Thanks: 2829

Re: has anyone used clip ons on their stock kz forks?

12 Feb 2012 12:23
#503472
Suggestion: next time you're out for a ride lean on the tank and grasp the left fork tube near the top with your left hand. Ride like that (not in traffic) for a few miles. That is fairly close to the position needed to use clip-ons. To me it's not practical or comfortable for the street, but some folks can handle it. Ed
1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • DiamondSkyBlue1000
  • DiamondSkyBlue1000's Avatar
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 345
  • Thanks: 40

Re: has anyone used clip ons on their stock kz forks?

12 Feb 2012 13:50
#503477
Why not use Clubman bars or some other bar that gives similar positioning instead? Avoids the clearance issues and having to re-work your headlight mounts.
Just a thought.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • andler2008
  • andler2008's Avatar Topic Author
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 71
  • Thanks: 0

Re: has anyone used clip ons on their stock kz forks?

13 Feb 2012 23:07
#503853
hahaha i've thought about all of these issues. i bought a set off ebay for about 65 bucks. they are the cheapy ones you told me to stay away from the problem is i dont know if i'll like it. and holding onto the forks i've tried to no avail. so 65 bucks is no big deal. so i'm installing them tomorrow and going to redo the valve cover gasket and hopefully see how it feels.
1980 KZ 1075
Mods? Pshh I have no idea right now

1981 Kz1000 CSR - Sold

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • gsnfl
  • gsnfl's Avatar
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 70
  • Thanks: 0

Re: has anyone used clip ons on their stock kz forks?

07 May 2012 13:49
#520493
Well? Update? How about the wiring and switches?
77 KZ650 C1 basket case project-blowed up and parted out

83 KZ550 M1-Prince to Toecutter transition

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • damarble
  • damarble's Avatar
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 264
  • Thanks: 13

Re: has anyone used clip ons on their stock kz forks?

07 May 2012 14:16
#520497
This guy has them. I went with the "cheapy" steel ones too, although I don't consider $70 cheap, that's a days wages for a lot of people.

Love em, too bad I have to trade them in when I put on the new forks.

I have them mounted on top of the triple. Everything fits fine so far except the brake master since it sticks out so far into the gauges. Another style with a remote reservoir would work great.
Go green, buy a Kawasaki!

82 KZ750M CSR Build Thread

89 ZX600C Streetfighter
The following user(s) said Thank You: gsnfl

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • gsnfl
  • gsnfl's Avatar
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 70
  • Thanks: 0

Re: has anyone used clip ons on their stock kz forks?

07 May 2012 14:29
#520499
I'm thinking of looking for a modern 36mm clip on set up so I don't have to wire switches somewhere else and keep it all on the handgrip I have a dragbar now and dont mind it but I don't like having wiring inside handlebars on a bike as old as my wife (ah-hem). Just like her, that shit will chafe and go bad in rush hour traffic on the freeway when you least expect it. I'll just make or buy a premade headlight bracket somewhere.

Anyone know of a modern 36mm set up I can tear off a wrecked bike? I'm going to Bob's in Phoenix next weekend so any bike that will work is there! Any hints or tips?
77 KZ650 C1 basket case project-blowed up and parted out

83 KZ550 M1-Prince to Toecutter transition

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • stephenzone
  • stephenzone's Avatar
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 28
  • Thanks: 1

Re: has anyone used clip ons on their stock kz forks?

07 May 2012 15:04
#520504
tommaselli clip ons plus the same for headlight brackets

71-H1 Cafe w/750 engine
73-Z1 wifey's 1105cc
74-Z1 RatRod 1393cc

Attachments:

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Re: has anyone used clip ons on their stock kz forks?

07 May 2012 17:15 - 07 May 2012 17:16
#520526
I dont think I'd like clip ons, I was sitting on a kz1000 with clip ons and rear sets and I couldn't see myself riding in that position for very long. I think they look great but man was I uncomfortable, I'm more for stock foot controls and say superbike bars. Thats what I ride with on my cb750 and I'm comfy all day. Granted I'm only 5'9"-5'10", I'm sure I'd change my tune if I was over 6' tall.
78 Kz1000A2, 77 Cb750K daily rider, pinstriper and signpainter
Last edit: 07 May 2012 17:16 by PFD.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • damarble
  • damarble's Avatar
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 264
  • Thanks: 13

Re: has anyone used clip ons on their stock kz forks?

07 May 2012 18:43
#520535
That is something to consider. I don't mind the riding position with clipons too bad (in the typical "sportbike" position). The feeling of added control is great, I felt detached with the stock high rise bars on. I'm at exactly 6' too. Adding a passenger is a whole other story, when she leans against me the added weight on the wrists and bars sucks.

But having them on top of the triple solves a lot of the discomfort. They are basically the same height as superbike bars. The difference and reason for my choice is I eliminated the hateful squishy rubber riser bushings and the pullback of the clipons is adjustable unlike superbike bars.
Go green, buy a Kawasaki!

82 KZ750M CSR Build Thread

89 ZX600C Streetfighter

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • z1kzonly
  • z1kzonly's Avatar
  • Offline
  • User
  • Sustaining Member
  • Posts: 2824
  • Thanks: 527

Re: has anyone used clip ons on their stock kz forks?

07 May 2012 20:22
#520561
I picked up a 76 KZ900 from Cragslist.
Some Kid was dreamin :laugh: :silly: :pinch: WTF?????
But I have this complete set up from an 1989 Honda CBR 600cc Bike. I have no clue what so ever what it is!!!!! I just bought the bike cause it was a 900 with a title! Plain and Simple!
But he went to the trouble of drilling out trip tree's to 37mm for the Honda fork tubes.
And cut the Kaw frame brackets off the rear. Luckilly He saved them. I re-welded them back on.

If anyone has any interest in this whole honda cbr set up Let me know!!!!
Soon or I'll try ebay or scrap it for aluminum at 65 cents a pound!
I wish someone had some money to buy some stuff from me?









Livin in "CheektaVegas, NY
Went thru 25 of these in 40 yrs.
I SOLD OUT! THE KAW BARN IS EMPTY.
More room for The Old Girl, Harley 75 FLH Electra Glide,
Old faithful! Points ign. Bendix Orig. carb.
Starts everytime!

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Powered by Kunena Forum