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)

I skipped out on the swingarm it was in rough shape, but I got the front end for $75
That includes the triple trees, forks tubes, clip on bars and front axle and spacers. I'm looking right now for a master cylinder, break calipers, and front wheel. Just waiting to get funds to order the bearings this week sometime.

wireman wrote: Theres nothing wrong with the gs1100e swingarms,its mostly a matter of how much work you want to do on a swingarm swap.
Some people like doing the mono shock swap,i personally thought a monoshock would cool on a kz 30 years ago the first time I saw a Yamaha fzr600 with one.
now 30 plus years later Ive seen enough butchered up mono shock conversions to last me a lifetime,Ive seen a few really nicely done ones but way more hack jobs.
Anyway much like the original style paint jobs I hated 30 plus years ago which Im really starting to like again,I think these bikes just look right with dual rear shocks on them.
This has been a public service message for what its worth! :woohoo:

Notice I didn't say they were all hack jobs! :laugh:
I come across things everyday that I consider hack jobs.Its mostly attention to details that get me,but I do come across a lot of totally butchered stuff (mostly by licensed contractors! :sick: :woohoo: )
Im not a terribly huge fan of usd frontends either,but that's why Ive always said I build what I like and everybody else builds what they like.
In my book its kind of like putting a billet ifs and 20" billet wheels on a 1929 ford coupe it just don't fit the way most people tend to throw it together.
And by the way I love the paintjobs you post :woohoo:

BIGKEVIN wrote: 4TheKZ1000, I like the look of that swing arm. How did that ?

ramtough_63, I looks for a pretty much simple what. What swap would you recommend that is not 25 years old and would be a lot cooler ?

I dont think that the GS swing arm is going to work, it appears to be shorter than the swing arm that I currently have.

It is an easier swap so I hear, what is your goal?
mine was wider sport bike syle tire kindo of grew into a mono shock project Thanks to a couple guys here on the forum


but factory arm underbraced if its looks pretty simple really cool
chrome moly square tube braced or not direct fit aftermarket ZX6 narrowed Leons bushings with
his shock and brake mount If I remember he had worked out sorry man been a minute since I read this post


Like I said no hate for old school love it all

Man I think you guys got me all, wrong I got allot of love for the old school


You guys been around allot longer than I have I am just sayin I was goin for a car tire club foot ended up with what I believe was called a hacked up monoshock.


All I meant was as a newbie look around threre are things I never knew existed
all my guys said hey put a GS swingarm its nearly a direct swap another sayin no you need a clubfoot 25 years ago ssa's and monos werent the flavor of the day and they guys I run with were like me didnt know there were any other options


factory skinny wheel bikes with stock paint schemes will enter my stable as I progress you can believe that