lacing a kz1000a front hub to 18inch rim

So I'm wanting to run an 18" wheel in the front of my 77kz1000. Is it as easy as getting new spokes and lacing it to an 18inch rim? If so, is there a specific rim I have to use, or can I used any 18x1.85 40 hole rim.
Any insight would be great. Trying to get a rolling chassis put together so I can mock up seats and such before powder coating the frame.
Thanks,
John

Any 40-hole hub should work beings the hub is 40-spoke. I think they usually use a rear 18" rim to lace to the front hub. Others just use the complete front end and wheel assy. off a KZ400. They bolt right on.

Rims are drilled at different angles when you have a smaller diameter hub than if you use a larger diameter hub. Just look at the angle of the spokes on a front wheel than that of a rear wheel. If the rim is drilled at a different angle than what you need, it puts a bow in the spokes. Been there done that!!!

Spend the bucks and just get the best out there, Buchanan's spokes. They can set you up with the right rim too!!!

Doubtful, but will my kz1000 brakes fit on a kz400 wheel? Or will I have to find kz400 brakes/axel/Speedo etc.?

That I don't know. I had heard this works but actually bought an old dragbike that had the KZ400 front end on it already.

Alright. So, kz1000a hub, 18 x2.15 kz1000a rear rim, and stock dual disks. Will the front axle, Speedo drive, etc. from my 77 kz1000b be usable or will that have to swapped for kz1000a goods as well?

The rear KZ1000A rim will not work correctly with your 1000A front hub. As Dr. Gamma said, the rear hub is much wider in diameter than the front, and is also what is called a "conical" hub, meaning one side of the hub is wider in diameter than the other. This is reflected in how the spoke holes in the rim are drilled. the wider side has a more acute spoke angle to the rim. This will not translate to your font hub which is standard and the same diameter on both sides. Here is a 1000A rear wheel i laced with a 18" Excell rim. notice the difference between spoke angles.


All rims are drilled specifically for the hub. If you are even able to lace the rear rim to the front hub the spokes will bow, causing them to stretch under load. This could lead to total wheel failure. if you want a 18" wheel upfront you will need to find one that has been specifically drilled for your hub, unless you really do want a Kamakazie1000.

The KZ400 wheel uses a 15mm axle and the KZ1000A uses a 17mm. the KZ400 hub diameter and width may be very close to the KZ1000A, so a rim swap might be possible. maybe other members can chime in with some info on wheel swaps they have done.

So maybe a kz400 rim would be a better match?

maybe. it depends on the size of the KZ400 hub. if its pretty close in size to a 1000a hub you might be able to use it. if it is much smaller or bigger in either diameter or width i would look for another option.

There are plenty of old kawasakis and Hondas running around with 16" rear rims made to be mounted on Harleys,so as long as you have the same number of spoke holes in the rim and hub I bet buchannons can get spokes for it.
As far as the kz400 front wheel theyre a whole lot narrower than a stock 650/750/900/1000 front from what I remember from the couple Ive had in the past.
Swapping the kz400 frontend on would save lots of weight on a dragbike but I wouldn't do it on a street bike that you plan to ride even remotely hard.

wireman wrote: There are plenty of old kawasakis and Hondas running around with 16" rear rims made to be mounted on Harleys,so as long as you have the same number of spoke holes in the rim and hub I bet buchannons can get spokes for it.

thats a good point. Buchannons could make a custom set of spokes to adapt to another rim. however i think that rim would have to be drilled for a standard type hub. maybe you shoudl get on the phone with buchannons and see if they have any advice in securing a 18" rim that you could use.

Any updates on the wheel / hub project? I'm looking to do the same thing and had thought about using a rear rim with my front hub. I have also seen lots of 18" hardley rims with 40 holes....was wondering if they'd lace up to the KZ hub. Sounds like no because of the spoke angle.

Then again, how does everyone lace up those excel and akront rims to the stock hubs? They aren't specifically made for each bike...just a general 40-spoke rim. Buchanans will provide the correct spokes for an excel rim and a kz hub for example....does the angle matter?