Front brake and fork performance upgrades
- SeattleKZ
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Front brake and fork performance upgrades
12 Apr 2014 09:18
I was going to put a modern front end on my 1976 KZ900 but I decided I want it to look stock or at least era correct. I'd like to make it a dual disk but I have some questions about that.
1. I know I can get reproduction calipers and updated rotors from Z1 enterprises and convert to a dual disk but I was wondering of there is lighter better calipers available. Maybe some Grimeca calipers and rotors that would be from the same time period or Brembo. The stock calipers are so heavy and unimpressive I'd prefer something better.
2. I was wondering if anybody has sent there stock front forks to Race tech or ordered the Racetech performance parts. I'd like to use the stock forks and upgrade them or find some forks that have the same look but perform much better.
I also plan to brace the frame and swing arm and put better rear shocks on but for now I'm focussing on the front end.
1. I know I can get reproduction calipers and updated rotors from Z1 enterprises and convert to a dual disk but I was wondering of there is lighter better calipers available. Maybe some Grimeca calipers and rotors that would be from the same time period or Brembo. The stock calipers are so heavy and unimpressive I'd prefer something better.
2. I was wondering if anybody has sent there stock front forks to Race tech or ordered the Racetech performance parts. I'd like to use the stock forks and upgrade them or find some forks that have the same look but perform much better.
I also plan to brace the frame and swing arm and put better rear shocks on but for now I'm focussing on the front end.
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- kaw-a-holic
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Re: Front brake and fork performance upgrades
12 Apr 2014 09:46
I have heard the gold valve emulators from Race Tech are great but have not personally used them.
Jon
1977 KZ1000a1
Mesa, AZ
Phoenix Fighter Project
1977 KZ1000a1
Mesa, AZ
Phoenix Fighter Project
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- slayer61
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Re: Front brake and fork performance upgrades
13 Apr 2014 11:12
I have used the Gold Valve Emulator on a set of forks on my flattracker and they do as they advertise... they separate the compression damping and rebound damping circuits. They still need to be tuned and adjusted for your purpose. They aren't just a "drom em in and go" type of product.
I recently installed a set of GSX-R forks on my GS that have received a complete Race-Tech rebuild and set-up, I've yet to ride the bike, but I can give a report when I do.
I recently installed a set of GSX-R forks on my GS that have received a complete Race-Tech rebuild and set-up, I've yet to ride the bike, but I can give a report when I do.
Don't be ridiculous! It's only a flesh wound!
[strike]Wife's little bike... 1984 GPZ 550 Kerker and DynaJet stage I kit[/strike]
Wife's BIG bike......[strike] 1981 GPZ 1100 Kerker and [strike]factory FI[/strike] Mikuni RS34s W/ K&N pods[/strike] SOLD
[strike]Wife's little bike... 1984 GPZ 550 Kerker and DynaJet stage I kit[/strike]
Wife's BIG bike......[strike] 1981 GPZ 1100 Kerker and [strike]factory FI[/strike] Mikuni RS34s W/ K&N pods[/strike] SOLD
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- SeattleKZ
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Re: Front brake and fork performance upgrades
13 Apr 2014 11:23
Thanks for the inout guys. Anybody else?
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- mtkawboy
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Re: Front brake and fork performance upgrades
13 Apr 2014 14:15
No matter what you put inside them they are still pretty flimsy compared to the newer stuff
78-KZ1000/1105, 80 KZ1000, 82 Kawasaki GPZ750, 95 Harley Fatboy, 80 Suzuki GS1100ET, 81 GS1100E parts bike, 83 GS1100SD Katana/1394,78 Yamaha XT500, 81 Yamaha XS650, 78 Yamaha XS650E, 48 Whizzer model J motorbike, 71 Honda CT70H, 71 Honda CT70, 81 IT 250 Yamaha,82 Honda XL100S owned
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- SeattleKZ
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Re: Front brake and fork performance upgrades
14 Apr 2014 06:03
I'm aware that new suspension is better. I think the stock forks are pretty good for normal street riding. I'm not racing the thing. I would like to make them a little better though since I can. I've also found a fork brace makes a big difference and will be running one of those.
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- 80B4
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Re: Front brake and fork performance upgrades
14 Apr 2014 06:45
For brakes take a look at this upgrade by Steell, he is on this forum.
kz750twins.com/?p=131
His upgrade is nice because it's all Kawasaki.
I have used the Race Tech emulators with good results. Using propper rate springs and setting the static sag will help lots.
Ricor make a valve system that is getting good reviews. I don't know if they make one to fit your KZ but you can give them a look too.
store.ricorshocks.com/kawasaki_s/49.htm
kz750twins.com/?p=131
His upgrade is nice because it's all Kawasaki.
I have used the Race Tech emulators with good results. Using propper rate springs and setting the static sag will help lots.
Ricor make a valve system that is getting good reviews. I don't know if they make one to fit your KZ but you can give them a look too.
store.ricorshocks.com/kawasaki_s/49.htm
1980B4 1000
1978 Z1R
1978 B3 750
1978 Z1R
1978 B3 750
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- SeattleKZ
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Re: Front brake and fork performance upgrades
14 Apr 2014 08:09
Thanks, that's the kind if info I'm looking for.
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- steell
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Re: Front brake and fork performance upgrades
15 Apr 2014 08:45
KZ750 twin with 1980 KZ1000 calipers and rotors, and ZX11 master cylinder (lot's of KZ's use it).
Same except 83-85 GPz750 calipers (works a lot better).
Rebuild any used parts you get.
I still have the dual KZ calipers and might replace the wheels and brakes on my current (GPz750 calipers) twin. Progressive front springs made a tremendous difference in ride and handling.
Same except 83-85 GPz750 calipers (works a lot better).
Rebuild any used parts you get.
I still have the dual KZ calipers and might replace the wheels and brakes on my current (GPz750 calipers) twin. Progressive front springs made a tremendous difference in ride and handling.
KD9JUR
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- SeattleKZ
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- SeattleKZ
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Re: Front brake and fork performance upgrades
16 Apr 2014 06:31
No eBay APP ID and/or Cert ID defined in Kunena configurationNo eBay APP ID and/or Cert ID defined in Kunena configurationNo eBay APP ID and/or Cert ID defined in Kunena configurationThese rotors?
And these calipers work together?
and this master cylinder?
And these calipers work together?
and this master cylinder?
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- Patton
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Re: Front brake and fork performance upgrades
16 Apr 2014 13:40 - 16 Apr 2014 13:46
No eBay APP ID and/or Cert ID defined in Kunena configurationNo eBay APP ID and/or Cert ID defined in Kunena configurationNo eBay APP ID and/or Cert ID defined in Kunena configuration
While the 5/8" master cylinder should be okay for the calipers, am thinking the discs would not be okay with these calipers.
Besides the listed discs having a different part number than the stock discs on a 1985 GPZ750 Turbo, here's an excerpt of info from the ebay seller:
Good Fortune!
SeattleKZ wrote: These rotors?
And these calipers work together?
and this master cylinder?
While the 5/8" master cylinder should be okay for the calipers, am thinking the discs would not be okay with these calipers.
Besides the listed discs having a different part number than the stock discs on a 1985 GPZ750 Turbo, here's an excerpt of info from the ebay seller:
Good Fortune!

1973 Z1
KZ900 LTD
KZ900 LTD
Last edit: 16 Apr 2014 13:46 by Patton.
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