I think my wheels are wrong...

Hello all!

Long time, no post. Hope all is well! It has been quite a while, but now I am in a place to get back to work on my bike.

So, it came time to replace the drum brakes. Fortunately, I remembered there was something wrong. I am 80% sure that the rear wheel came from kz440. It is the solid large spoke wheels, which i believe are not stock on the 77. See pics below.







My question is, am I safe running a wheel from a kz440? Should I seriously consider getting the correct rims? I enjoy the style of the wheel, but I am not opposed to the spoked wheels.

The donor bike from which I got the swing arm and rims was a 1979 kz650. Now, if I am reading correctly, the stock rims where 18", correct?

Thanks all!

-Dan

EDIT: Notice the rear sprocket is only four bolt, instead of 6...

How does the chain line up?

I am running that same rim on a Yamaha RD350 two stroker. As long as the chain is centered and the brake components line up you should be alright. I know it bolted up flawlessly to the Yamaha with no mods which was surprising since it is a Kawi rim. I think you will be fine.

Chain seems to line up just fine. Everything seems to fit just fine! Excuse the filthy chain, that is next on the long list of things to fix.



Do you think the brake might be undersized? What about the sprocket? Is 4 bolts enough?

Thanks for the help!

I see no cause for concern here, just ride and enjoy unless you enjoy frequent burnouts and/or brake at the latest moment riding two-up down the Rocky Mountains. In other words, with normal use the setup will serve plenty well.

Here are the specs for the KZ440 (see link). Notice the difference in HP (27 vs 64) and weight (405 lb. vs 485 lb.). Adjust your riding style accordingly.

www.bikez.com/motorcycles/kawasaki_z_440_ltd_1982.php

The KZ440 had 40hp, the 27hp version was for Germany. GVWR isn't all that different.

I wonder why the big difference in HP between German and other KZ440's? Seems like it would be a scary ride on the autobahn. :woohoo:

There were insurance groups way back; 10, 17, 27, 50 and 100+ hp.

not to be a nick picker but what is up with this bushing it looks crooked it has seal rub marks on it.do you have wheel apart on other side?

Good eye catching that bushing................ Is the axle tightened down? The swing arm should squeeze it tight. If it is torqued and still has the gap it should be thoroughly checked

P21 wrote:

Attachment chain.jpg not found

not to be a nick picker but what is up with this bushing it looks crooked it has seal rub marks on it.do you have wheel apart on other side?

Good catch! I welcome all criticism/nit pick/whatever. I am not an expert at this!

So it looks like it worked it's way out of is hole. Take a look at the photos below. Wheel is tight in there, maybe there is a missing spacer?




Seems like it should be the item in number 9 below: