Coast Steve wrote: Well maybe it all stops right here then. (and thanks you guys for the tips).
So you recommend I don't need to modify it then.
Already have the swing arm DR G,

My goal is more power though cams or head work but on a decent handling frame.

This bike is still in transit to me so I don't know how it will handle and feel.

I did read lots about rubbery frames on the web though.
But that might just be with with sticky slicks and on the track.

I also really miss those 3 rd gear roll on powerlifts my old superbike did.
Hoping for that feeling again with this.
I also remember switching to roller bearings in the head tube on another bike and wow what a difference.
Not sure if mine has those or not.

I just want the bike to be as good as it can be....within reason. I know it's only steel tubing.
Would love to see your pics DR Gamma

I LIKE!!!!
Your bike looks real nice in my book!!! What kind of throttle is that?? Looks like the old Yoshimura 1/4 turn I found for my old Superbike.

A few other things I also did to my S1 was replace those rubber mount pieces with the solid aluminum mounts that Sid Pogue made back in the early 80's. And I made up an oversize swing arm bolt. I could not believe the amount of clearance between the frame boss, and the stock swing arm bolt!!!! It had to be at least .030 between both. Just imagine what .030's of play there ends up at the rear axle!!!! That's one of the first things I noticed on all of the Muzzy built Kz1000's was a different swing arm bolt. Gee, I wonder why!!!

My machinist made me up a fixture that fit into the frame, and had a adjustable ream on the other end that opened up that side of the frame to the oversized bolt. Then I flipped it around and did the other side of frame. That way both sides of the frame were basically line-bored. Then I just honed the inner swing arm bushings to like a .001~.002" clearance to the oversized swing arm bolt. I have to tap my swing arm bolt into place. A lot of work, but it made a HUGE difference on my home built KZ1000 back then!!!

Got the wheels back, but it'll be at least another week before I can paint. Yeah it's snowing again!

Been digging around, couldn't figure out where I put the front axle. Turns out it was in the box, I was just expecting something *bigger*. Ah well, get that cleaned up and go from there. I'm thinking I need to at least have the back brake rotor turned, I might also do the two on front. Hmm where did I put the baggie with all the rotor bolts?

Erg... the chain goes *around* the swing-arm. I wonder if there's a master link or if I need to take the swingarm back off again?

Random musings while I glare angrily at the snow outside the window...

Hi Reel,

This is what has always worked for me and is just my opinion. I am no expert by any means.
I found the biggest thing is a solid bike. Not a spongy suspended one.
I always used 25-30 weight fork oil right off the bat. Never anything like 5, 7, 10 or even 15 weight
A racer told me that once and I always done it.
Then I slipped the forks a 1/2 inch or so into the camps lowering the front end.
Lifting the back also worked. so I usually had the rear spring tensioners on max or one less than max stiffness.
That would keep the back a little higher and keep things stable in the corners
Tires should be to a few lbs from the max that's written on the tire.

Be sure all the triple clamp bolts are up to spec and tight.
Same with the swingarm pivot bolt and front axle clamps.

Also check that there is no play in the steering itself. If there is tighten up the nut and locknut to take it all out and then back off the nuts just a tad.
Checking the steering lock to lock on the center stand, if you have one.
Remember your bicycle steering would loosen up when you were a kid after doing jumps?
Motorbikes do it too after years of riding.
With the bike on it's wheels put o the front brake hard and rock the bike back and forth. You might hear of feel a very small click or thud. That could be mean the steering nut can be snugged up. But always check lock to lock after up on the stand. No weight on the front.

These things always had me safe and pretty fast all round.

Getting into it deeper, I've repacked the front steering bearings with noticable differences.
Usually all these little things you do all add up to a much better handling bike.
This pic is proof. I'm on Michelin "Hi Sports: here but they needed warming up like slicks.



Good luck with it,


Steve

Basics = Fit decent tyres . Make sure all your wheel, swing arm and steering bearings are in good shape. Up grade your shocks, service the forks ( fit stiffer/progressive springs ) and fit a fork brace.
After that the next stage is more intrusive with a braced or boxed swing arm and frame bracing etc.
All depends on how far you want to go.

Well maybe it all stops right here then. (and thanks you guys for the tips).
So you recommend I don't need to modify it then.
Already have the swing arm DR G,

My goal is more power though cams or head work but on a decent handling frame.

This bike is still in transit to me so I don't know how it will handle and feel.

I did read lots about rubbery frames on the web though.
But that might just be with with sticky slicks and on the track.

I also really miss those 3 rd gear roll on powerlifts my old superbike did.
Hoping for that feeling again with this.
I also remember switching to roller bearings in the head tube on another bike and wow what a difference.
Not sure if mine has those or not.

I just want the bike to be as good as it can be....within reason. I know it's only steel tubing.
Would love to see your pics DR Gamma

I know you guys are sick of this subject
I have a 77 650d and want to put a 160 rear tire on for the
nice look. I found a 78 gs1000 swing arm will it work and
what is an ez wheel swap. I checked the archive but this is a "78"
most are newer ones. Will do the front end also later.
I know there will be, off set sprocket and shiming the wheel might be
involved.
Thanks you for the help
Jim

No ideas on the speedo then. Itll go into the ' No idea how Im going to do this' box for now.
A bit more painting today,just some odds and sods. I unmasked the disks and other stuff I did last week.

The black on the disks came out pretty good,a bit thick but it hardened up well.The silver though,Im not sure about.When I wipe my finger over it,I pick up traces of the paint! Not good. It is dry and I checked the label for info and theres nothing about curing with heat.So, I dont know whats going on there. Im not going to do anymore with it as It was a real pig to mask off. Ill just have to refrain from wiping my fingers over it!!
I did a few other ( not silver) bits today.Ill check on them tomorrow.
Still no word from the powdercoater on the wheels and swingarm. Im meant to be getting a special price on them so I cant complain. Yet. I still have to order the dust seals for the wheels but apart from that,I think everything is ready to go. Disks painted,sprocket carrier painted. New bearings all round (except the swingarm), Spacers etc cleaned. I even polished up the disk bolts today. So as soon as the powdercoater has done his thing. I can get everything mounted up,fit new rubber and get thiem balanced and back on the bike. Hopefully to not come off again for a good long while.
In other news,I had problems with the ignition key. Worked fine in the seat lock and tank cap but wouldnt turn in the ignition. Couldnt figure that one out. In the end I took everything to a local locksmith. He ordered and cut a couple of new keys and everything works hunky dory now. The Keys are also a lot more robust than the old paper thin one I had before.
and now,the weather.....

There are aftermarket ones at reasonable prices that can be adapted to fit. You may have to do some welding for the mounts though. I like how some have come out here. Like with any mods there is some snags here and there. In my case it looks like I'll have to ditch my fender and use a fender eliminator due to the longer swing arm. Didn't count on that. :dry:
Steve

im doing a frame up build on this new kz I have bought in which I will definately be posting more pictures as I go along and I have a 79 Cb400 in storage that is bone stock, and a 2005 gsxr 750 which is my daily. I love these old classics and I plan for this to be one of many in the future. Here is where im at with the KZ Now


the bare frame is where im at currently.looking to go the scrambler route with it

Welcome new Guy! That is the Suzuki GS 1100 early 80's 81 - 82.That is an easy, good upgrade to the Z1-KZ.
You need to shim it at the pivot at frame about .160" on each side. And find some GS 1100 shocks on ebay.
I like them, I have sold 4 or 5 after I clean them up over the years on ebay.
Here is a nice picture of the last one I did.
These are the shocks you can use. From GS1100 Suzuki
You will get a lot of info here. once you search around.
Nice start. What else do you have?