Frame rework

1976 kz900a-4.Just wondering if I need to add anything to the factory frame for strength. Also would like comments about removing the frame brackets that the center stand was attached. Thanks

Handcannon wrote: 1976 kz900a-4.Just wondering if I need to add anything to the factory frame for strength. Also would like comments about removing the frame brackets that the center stand was attached. Thanks

Would not remove the center stand attachment brackets, because the brackets enable a center stand to be quickly and easily fitted, temporarily, for maintenance chores.

What purpose would be served by removing the brackets?

Good Fortune!

+1 on what Patton said. These old girls tend to benefit from some bracing around the headstock. I'm sure wireman will be along before long, he is very knowledgeable when it comes to add seeing ma kaws shortcomings.

I think frame bracing depends on what you plan to do with your bike. If you ride in a straight line a lot, sometimes take it through some twisties, but not really putting the rubber to the ground in corners you wouldn't see the benefit from bracing. Plus, you're looking at a complete tear down, unless you're going to try to shield all the critical parts during welding/painting (which might not turn out as good as you would like). I braced mine because my frame was broken and I was doing a complete tear down/rebuild.

If you want to add bracing there's plenty of excellent examples of what/how in the Projects section. Really invaluable information. You can buy frame brace kits from Z1 Ent., and I believe a few members here. Or you can check out the Sanctuary literature for guidance (I believe you can find it in the form index files).

I removed my center stand mounts because they were in the way of my mono shock mount. But having one bike with a center stand, and one without, I can say I wouldn't have removed it if I didn't have to. I use wheel/swing arm stands, but I always feel like I could knock the bike off (probably not though).

why

trianglelaguna wrote: why

Good point. The bike has survived 37 years as is. What has changed that will stress out the frame?

Bracing doesn't hurt but not totally necessary under even some pretty spirted riding. No adverse effects taking off the center stand mounts. I kept mine and used them to do my monoshock swap. I generally decide on mods based on what has allready been done to the chassis. If it has been previously cut on beyond what could be fiscally repaired then it becomes fair game to mod the heck of it. If it's a pretty clean and unmolested chassis, I leave it that way. There are plenty of cut on chassis that can be had pretty reasonably without cutting a good example up. Just my 2 cents on the preservation of these bikes.

Les

What are you planning to do with the bike?
Before bracing/modifying any frame you need to make sure its straight

I installed a modified GPz1100 engine into an 1982 GPz750 frame, pretty much the same frame as the KZ650. I did not brace it anywhere. I did install a ZRX swingarm and shocks but other than that the frame is pretty stock. The bike handles really well and is not flexy. I ride it really hard in the twisties and have not had a problem with it. Now if I was going to race the bike on a track I would probably brace it due to the higher speeds. On the street and at street speeds I would say no bracing needed. Now I don't know if the KZ650 frame is any stiffer than an early KZ900.

Handcannon wrote: 1976 kz900a-4.Just wondering if I need to add anything to the factory frame for strength. Also would like comments about removing the frame brackets that the center stand was attached. Thanks

I don't keep the center stand installed on my 75 Z1, but when I need to do something that requires the stand, I just temporarily mount the stand to work on the bike. Takes 15 seconds. When I'm done I just take it back off.

baldy110 wrote: I installed a modified GPz1100 engine into an 1982 GPz750 frame, pretty much the same frame as the KZ650. I did not brace it anywhere. I did install a ZRX swingarm and shocks but other than that the frame is pretty stock. The bike handles really well and is not flexy. I ride it really hard in the twisties and have not had a problem with it. Now if I was going to race the bike on a track I would probably brace it due to the higher speeds. On the street and at street speeds I would say no bracing needed. Now I don't know if the KZ650 frame is any stiffer than an early KZ900.

That gpz frame is far stronger than a stock kz900 frame,especially in the backbone and steering head area. :laugh:

The older you get the more you learn. Now I wish I had kept the center stand I,took off 20 years ago. Guess they would be hard to find now and no telling the cost.