Hi guys I'm swapping gs1100e swing arm into my 77 kz1000 and have it installed, but I'm having trouble with shocks. I heard people using the gs shocks with no problems so I got a pair, but the top mount eye is too small to fit onto the stock position. I tried pressing the bushing out so I could replace it with a kz bushing but that sucker is on tight and do not want to damage the shock.Anyone that used the gs shocks, how did you go about mounting them? Or anyone have any suggestions?

I will probably switch these out later but for now I want to give them a shot.

sorry wrong section

Yes, all the KZ650-C years had 18" alloy rear wheels. According to Kawasaki.com a number of the parts between the D2 and C models are the same, but there are some differences too. They show different part numbers for some parts including the swing arm, hub sleeve, hub bearing collar, 2 wheel bearings, etc. So you might need to do a bit of fiddling to make the wheel and rear brake work properly. Ed

I have considered a single air ride shock, but have not found one short enough. The shortest one will have to go through the swing-arm and mount on a loop or something similar. I was concerned with the ground clearance going with that set up. That would be the ideal way to do it. Things are kinda on hold right now, as the swing-arm will not accommodate my stock wheels, which is the way I wanted to go with it. Trying to figure out a wheel combo now. If the rear wheel set up becomes to much of a problem, just might go with another swing-arm set up.

just adding a few new pics i found on one of sanctuarys blogs.












leon

paulb450,
we have a member (rslingshot) who has done a real nice write up about using a busa arm with the upper bracing cut off.
then he welds on a round tube under brace and uses them for kz applications.

www.kzrider.com/forum/5-chassis/488169-s...arm-extention-basics

yours should work out just fine.

keep us posted,

leon

they were just the old ones I had laying around for mock up. I'll be using some Harley hard-tail struts they just have not showed up in the mail yet the shaft in the middle is 7/8 to an inch in diameter so they keep true to the path they are supposed to travel, pretty heavy duty but I see what you are saying. Another alternative I had thought about was moving the lower mount somewhere closer to the middle of the swing arm. later down the road I am going to experiment with the GSXR solo spring and swingarm.
I appreciate the input.

I made a bit of progress withe the fender until the carbon brushes on my Dremel decided it was time to die. Decided to have a look at the swingarm and am very happy with the progress. Here in Dubai simple things like carbon brushes have to be ordered from e-bay and take some time.

I decided I did not want to do a mono shock conversion so hacked up the hayabusa swingarm a bit to make the mount simpler. I know it is not going to be to everyone's liking but I think I will like the outcome of the straight swingarm. I still need to remove some tabs from the frame but was just looking at how things would go together for now.

Have you any experience with air bags? If so, feel free to ignore the following.

I have experience with air bags on semi tractors (suspension and cab) and as add on load boosters on pickups. The size of the air bag is based on load capacity and air pressure. More pressure means smaller size air bag. You're pretty much limited to mounting it on top the swing arm with an upper mount point added, and you will only need less than 2" of movement at that point.

Have you considered a single integrated air ride shock?

Cant wait to check out this build. I use to have quite a few 650s back when i was around 16. Looks like you choose a good guy to help you with the work(les). He made my swingarm and custom made bushings for everthing, not to menton the frame bracing. Thanks again les, everything is working great. All this talk about the 650s and gpzs, make me want to buy another one. looks like this is going to be one mean 650. If your needing any engine work done that les dosent do, I would give john pearson from pearson racing. He does excellent work.