Top steering head replacement KZ660b

  • peterg
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Top steering head replacement KZ660b

05 Jun 2012 03:47
#526993
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

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  • roy-b-boy-b
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Re: Top steering head replacement KZ660b

05 Jun 2012 05:15 - 05 Jun 2012 07:05
#526996
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
1979 LTD Street Fighter.1977 KZ1000
Last edit: 05 Jun 2012 07:05 by roy-b-boy-b.

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  • Patton
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Re: Top steering head replacement KZ660b

05 Jun 2012 07:49
#527005
peterg 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
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  • 650ed
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Re: Top steering head replacement KZ660b

05 Jun 2012 08:04
#527006
Which piece?

Attachment 00000_2012-06-05.jpg not found

1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)

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Re: Top steering head replacement KZ660b

05 Jun 2012 09:59
#527026
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

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Re: Top steering head replacement KZ660b

05 Jun 2012 10:24
#527031
peterg 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)
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  • roy-b-boy-b
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Re: Top steering head replacement KZ660b

05 Jun 2012 10:54
#527037
Are you talking about the top of the triple tree?
1979 LTD Street Fighter.1977 KZ1000

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Re: Top steering head replacement KZ660b

05 Jun 2012 18:53
#527094
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

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Re: Top steering head replacement KZ660b

12 Jun 2012 23:32
#528687
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

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Re: Top steering head replacement KZ660b

12 Jun 2012 23:45
#528689
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)

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Re: Top steering head replacement KZ660b

13 Jun 2012 03:07
#528751
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

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