Top steering head replacement KZ660b
- peterg
-
Topic Author
- Offline
- User
- Posts: 22
- Thanks: 1
Top steering head replacement KZ660b
05 Jun 2012 03:47
Bit of a disaster whilst fitting tapered bearings in steering. The collar on the top steering head that holds the fork snapped with metal fatigue.
Can any member advise me If the steering head stem is specific to the KZ650B or will other models fit.
It could widen my search range for a replacement part. I am certainly not going anywhere without one thats for sure.
Cheers
Can any member advise me If the steering head stem is specific to the KZ650B or will other models fit.
It could widen my search range for a replacement part. I am certainly not going anywhere without one thats for sure.
Cheers
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- roy-b-boy-b
-
- Offline
- User
- Posts: 3255
- Thanks: 103
Re: Top steering head replacement KZ660b
05 Jun 2012 05:15 - 05 Jun 2012 07:05
Can you post a picture?
Is this the piece that is notched for a spanner wrench? I'll look and see if I have extra. Roy
Is this the piece that is notched for a spanner wrench? I'll look and see if I have extra. Roy
1979 LTD Street Fighter.1977 KZ1000
Last edit: 05 Jun 2012 07:05 by roy-b-boy-b.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Patton
-
- Offline
- KZr Legend
- Posts: 18640
- Thanks: 2100
Re: Top steering head replacement KZ660b
05 Jun 2012 07:49peterg wrote: Bit of a disaster whilst fitting tapered bearings in steering. The collar on the top steering head that holds the fork snapped with metal fatigue.
Can any member advise me If the steering head stem is specific to the KZ650B or will other models fit.
It could widen my search range for a replacement part. I am certainly not going anywhere without one thats for sure.
Cheers
Per kawasaki,com,
Part No. 44039-076
Description: HEAD,STEERING STEM
is used on the following models:
KZ650-B1 (1977)
KZ650-B2 (1978)
KZ650-B2A (1978)
KZ650-B3 (1979)
KZ650-C1 (Custom) (1977)
KZ650-C2 (Custom) (1978)
KZ650-C3 (Custom) (1979)
KZ650-D1 (SR) (1978)
KZ650-D1A (SR) (1978)
KZ650-D2 (SR) (1979)
KZ650-E1 (LTD) (1980)
KZ650-F1 (1980)
Info on kawasaki.com includes parts diagrams, part names, part numbers, models sharing same part, availability, etc. Here's a link for help with navigating the site and finding information.
kzrider.com/index.php?option=com_kunena&...w&catid=13&id=376734
Good Fortune!

1973 Z1
KZ900 LTD
KZ900 LTD
The following user(s) said Thank You: peterg
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- 650ed
-
- Offline
- User
- Posts: 15343
- Thanks: 2829
Re: Top steering head replacement KZ660b
05 Jun 2012 08:04
Which piece?
Attachment 00000_2012-06-05.jpg not found
1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)
Attachments:
The following user(s) said Thank You: peterg
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- peterg
-
Topic Author
- Offline
- User
- Posts: 22
- Thanks: 1
Re: Top steering head replacement KZ660b
05 Jun 2012 09:59
Thanks for your interest.
The part is no 6 in the parts diagram. The bit that snapped was the hole where the actual fork ( No 9 in diagram) goes in.
Cheers
Pete
The part is no 6 in the parts diagram. The bit that snapped was the hole where the actual fork ( No 9 in diagram) goes in.
Cheers
Pete
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- 650ed
-
- Offline
- User
- Posts: 15343
- Thanks: 2829
Re: Top steering head replacement KZ660b
05 Jun 2012 10:24peterg wrote: Thanks for your interest.
The part is no 6 in the parts diagram. The bit that snapped was the hole where the actual fork ( No 9 in diagram) goes in.
Cheers
Pete
In that case Patton's list and part number should work for you. Here's a new old stock one that you won't need to worry about being tweaked:
parts-4-sale.com/index.php?route=product...duct&product_id=2213
Be sure to use torque wrenches to ensure proper tightness without overstressing anything.
1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)
The following user(s) said Thank You: peterg
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- roy-b-boy-b
-
- Offline
- User
- Posts: 3255
- Thanks: 103
Re: Top steering head replacement KZ660b
05 Jun 2012 10:54
Are you talking about the top of the triple tree?
1979 LTD Street Fighter.1977 KZ1000
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- peterg
-
Topic Author
- Offline
- User
- Posts: 22
- Thanks: 1
Re: Top steering head replacement KZ660b
05 Jun 2012 18:53
Yes Roy that's the culprit.
Thanks for the list Patton it gives me a wider range now.
Thanks for the link 650ed I will follow it up
Appreciate your help guys. These old units are a bit rare down here in Tasmania Aus.
Cheers Pete
Thanks for the list Patton it gives me a wider range now.
Thanks for the link 650ed I will follow it up
Appreciate your help guys. These old units are a bit rare down here in Tasmania Aus.
Cheers Pete
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- peterg
-
Topic Author
- Offline
- User
- Posts: 22
- Thanks: 1
Re: Top steering head replacement KZ660b
12 Jun 2012 23:32
Thanks for you info . Just an update. Problem fixed, Took steering head to an engineers shop and they welded the break and re milled the fork hole all good and bike up & running again.
Cheers from Tasmania
Cheers from Tasmania
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- 650ed
-
- Offline
- User
- Posts: 15343
- Thanks: 2829
Re: Top steering head replacement KZ660b
12 Jun 2012 23:45
Good luck with it. Personally, a welded triple tree would make me nervous. Ed
1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- peterg
-
Topic Author
- Offline
- User
- Posts: 22
- Thanks: 1
Re: Top steering head replacement KZ660b
13 Jun 2012 03:07
Thanks Ed. I too had some concern but affter discussing the issue in the engineer shop I am ok with it.
Now another question for the forum, on the road test the bike displayed a small oscillating effect from side to side at low speed. Would this be due to over tightening of the new steering head bearings? I felt like I had been in a boat after the test ride. I also noticed I had the front wheel a bit tight as well which might have an effect?.?
Cheers
Now another question for the forum, on the road test the bike displayed a small oscillating effect from side to side at low speed. Would this be due to over tightening of the new steering head bearings? I felt like I had been in a boat after the test ride. I also noticed I had the front wheel a bit tight as well which might have an effect?.?
Cheers
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.