Front Forks, Which one ?

Curious to hear which front fork swap is the nicest for a KZ900 or KZ1000. I'd love to run a wire wheel with dual Disc. brakes, keeping it looking vintage but slightly upgraded.

So which front end would you use(or did use ? ) and why ?

Jarrad, a member here had these for sale. He had 2 sets, 1 set is on his bike using I believe zx forks. You might search him and his build and give it a look, very nice.
Here's a link to the wheels for sale on here.
kzrider.com/forum/23-for-sale/561433-wheels#561508

Les

Okay ? I am pretty sure I will do the GS1100e rear swing arm set up and dual shocks, most like Koni gas matic's. I want this bike to have as much Vintage flare as possible. so I have to have wire wheels and a disc brake on the rear. The front end can be a bit more modern, still with wires and dual disc brakes. a Fork brace and stock Z-1 fender. So.....SO the question is Do i just buy / find better triple trees or a whole new front fork set up ? I am open for suggestions . Thanks !

You could always just rebuild stock forks,everything fits that way

Thank you Mr Wireman, I am leaning that way ? with better triple trees and a lower fork brace over the fender. stock disc brakes just cleaned up and powder coated and the stock wire wheels. I am not going racing, just cruising for Burgers ! Thanks ! Michael J.

If you go with trees, it's a good time to add trail to improve handling and widen it to use larger, more modern brakes easier. I have 3 different front ends mocked up in the shop playing with wheel upgrades as well as brake upgrades. You might look into Excel wheels, you can have them build you just about any combo off of the KZ hubs. Just something to think about.

www.buchananspokes.net/categories/index.asp

Les

Sounds good Les, I am trying to keep the vintage Cafe'racer look and wire wheels, the stock brakes seem fine for cruising around town. SO ? wider is fine and new is fine as long as I can retain a vintage race bike look . I will be in touch. thanks !

Colorado Z-1 wrote: Sounds good Les, I am trying to keep the vintage Cafe'racer look and wire wheels, the stock brakes seem fine for cruising around town. SO ? wider is fine and new is fine as long as I can retain a vintage race bike look . I will be in touch. thanks !

You sir are a man after my own heart! :woohoo:

"wireman" You are the Most interesting Prick in the World, hope you have a fantastic New Year. and Thank you !

I am ( forgot to mention ) putting / running a vintage Dunstal fairing on the front end. Going for that low slung and quiet , vintage European styled Cafe' racer that would've / might've run at the Isle's of Mann back in the early 80's. "My Cafe' Cruiser"

Now that's something (the fairing) that needs a picture

Still Wondering WHICH front end to use, I am Looking around seeing what others have done , So my Z-1 had ball bearings, do/does the newer bikes have tapered bearings ? And so if the triple tree length is the same or close I guess it would be Okay to use it (new front end) What do you think on this ?

First thing to better handling on the Z is to replace the balls with tapered bearings. I have two '78s here that handle really well and brake way better than necessary, all with careful mods to stock components.
Don't buy in to needing to upgrade or replace parts just to be following a trend. My '78 KZ and Z1-R handle and brake well enough to keep you safely in the game in any situation this side of just plain jackassery :blink: on the riders part.

With the correct fork springs, damper rod mods, oil weight or even Race Tech emulators installed, your stock forks will do anything you want to do while riding to Starbucks :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: . I don't do Starbucks :whistle: :evil: .

A good TeleFix fork brace and a properly mounted steering damper really settles these bikes down in the curves.
I prefer single discs up front on my KZ. Brakes well enough and looks so much cleaner than duals. Both Z1-Rs have dual discs, they are stronger brakes, but are heavier bikes coming into the game. I've never gotten into a situation that the 130/80-18 rear was a hindrance either. Just never knew why a Z would need a 180/55 rear tire unless you're on the drag strip every weekend.

So there you have it. Unless you're hitting the track with your bike, maximize the stock components and enjoy the bike.