ScottyKZ1000A2 wrote: Time to mock up the front end, no turning back now.

Just added the fork before I had to go to work, there isn't any bearings in the head, but it looks very cool. I still need to precisely measure the clearances for the steering stem, hopefully I won't have to swap the stems from the KZ to the ZX14s but only time will tell

Has anyone done this swap before? Any advice would be appreciated.

You are going to need to install the original KZ stem on the ZX14 triple... You can use KZ all Balls bearings... You will need to make a custom upper triple that drops down to grab the top of the forks... See you need to drop the forks down the lower triple to at least the ZX14 position... And if the ZX14 forks are shorter than the KZ forks, there is where you need to drop the forks further down...

As far as the swing arm... This is going to be a real pain... Base you measurements on the Center of the ZX14 rear wheel to the Center of the KZ frame... Then you will need to re build the front end of the ZX14 swing arm to work with the KZ swing arm pivot bolt... This can be a simple as spacers... However you still need to align the ZX14 swing arm...

You need to disassemble the pivot end of the ZX14 swing arm. You should have 1 Left Side inner bearing race/spacer, 1 Left Side bearing, 1 in long Center floating spacer, 1 Right Side bearing and 1 Right Side inner bearing/spacer...

Measure 50 times before you cut... You may need to cut both right, and left side... What ever you cut off on each side, you need to drill in for the Bearing stop... Now, for the 1 Left Side inner bearing race/spacer, 1 in long Center floating spacer, and 1 Right Side inner bearing/spacer... The outside dimensions of your machined spacers will be identical to the ZX14 spacers... The inside should be identical to the inside of the KZ swing arm pivot spacers... Last the End of the Center floating spacer is going to be same as the original ZX14 minus what ever you cut off the sides of the swing arm...

Another piece of advise... Kawasaki is a metric motorcycle... All measurements are metric!!! I suggest not even think of the idea of measuring in inches... Good luck!!!!!!!!! Luis

Hello ! I am new to this blog thing and just got one question in three parts.

First is "What is the best front fork replacement/ swap for a Z-1 "
second is " what rear swingarm fits and will give me three more inches in length."
Third is, I have mags on my bike now, does anybody know where I can find a set of wire wheels for my bike and dual disc brakes on the front from ? wouldn't mind finding an aluminum triple trees for my bike as well.

Please write me back with your info and idea's. thank you again.

Done it three times. First time we used a 17mm drill bit on the frame and GPz750 rear wheel. Second time 84-86 GPz900 spacers and GPz750 pivot bolt with holes in the adjusters enlarged to 20mm. Third time was 84-86 GPz900 spacers with 2000 GSX750 rear wheel (17mm axle). All three times we converted the swing arms to dual shock.

Nebr_Rex wrote: How about steering stem bearings,swing arm bushings and other general maintenance.
All the shiney stuff is fine and dandy but worthless if it doesn't go down the road.
I suggest you aquire a repair/shop manual and read it.
There are to many 'builds' getting posted on the net showcasing the look but not the function.
A motorcycle is far more fun when it's ridden than posed with.

.

Hear, hear!

BOOSTABLE,

How much longer was that GSXR swing arm than the KZ1000 swing arm?

Just curious.

Luis

Kidkawie wrote: I'm looking for someone to find exactly what the problem is with the older frames. Like I said, riding it seems like behind the engine is the weakest spot, possibly where those triangular gussets are above the swingarm bolt.

I guess the only way to really find out is to put a bare frame/engine in a jig and tray to fold it in half.

Yes, Kosmann did just that back in the late 70's. They mounted a KZ frame in a fixture and measured where and how it flexed. They mounted dial indicators all over the frame and found that most of the flex happens around the stearing head. The two or three short braces that get welded to the three top tubes are very important. When the frame flexes those top tubes flex away from each other. The kit that Leon makes (Z1 Restoration too)has the needed braces to do the job. One of the things I like about these older bikes is I don't have to reinvent the wheel. (Bad Pun)

Yes thank you.

The Jetting, and or a good source for a new set of carbs that are jetted correctly.

Hello. It's been a long time. You helped me with my gearing in the past. Is there anything I can do to help?

I have two kzs a 79 and an 80 and have always run them as fast as the bike wants to go. Never have I had any hint of wobble in them, ever. Maybe someone hit the front end? Maybe the head bearings are worn out? Time to replace with the upgraded roller bearings? My problems that I have noticed were with my head bearings and old shocks. Of course they don't hold a candle to the handling of the ZRX so I am just going to enjoy the Rex in the corners and ride the kz as hard as I can ride it to the best of it's limits. Now if this were my daily I definitely would upgrade as much as possible to make it handle. Wait a second, I think the new progressive shocks and box swing arm along with the progressive springs and roller bearings in front should help a little.
If you have a classic Z then I suggest for you to get an LTD frame and go from there. Thicker tubes and brace it so you can go back to original stock. Problem fixed.

lushbaugh wrote: i didnt wanna chop and weld on my frame at first either but it needs it, and i have a 79 ltd which is supposed to have less flex but the frame leaves alot to be desired, head woble at 120 is nasty also so i suspect its not true.

Just read les's post. WHAT HE SAID!! :laugh: That is exactly what I'd do. Then you can do the bearings in front and brace the frame up and whenever you decide you've had enough back to original with no issues.

I see the steel vs. aluminum debate all the time on MX sites. Aluminum frames are easier and cheaper to build than a steel tube frame. KTM and other Euro makes still build steel frame bikes...and win championships with them.

toad wrote: My new build will be off a 74 z1, maybe go big block , but was trying to stray from welding on that frame in hopes one day it will be put back to original condition, 7s 150 mph no frame bracing, nice.

That's where I'm at with my Z1B. I can't bring myself to brace the frame, so I'm trying to get better handling with tuning and bolt-on stuff. So far I replaced the shocks with ZRX shocks, that alone seemed to help some with the 80mph tank slappers. I still get a weave in high speed sweepers (45+ mph). I plan on installing emulators in the forks along with stiffer springs and a steering stabilizer.

I'm not expecting to turn like I'm riding a ZX6R, but the bike should be alot safer and stable than it is now.

(And yes, for the 1,000th time, the steering and swingarm bearings are new, lol)