Thanks D. Saved me some time. BTW, just read your latest post. After all the work you've done to your 650, I can't believe you even thought of giving it up. Some of your prior posts gave me inspiration to try some things I've never done before. You'll get it done I'm sure. (PS - I'm about to start a swingarm install so when I sound like I'm going nuts and ready to quit, I expect the same in return).

sounds good... but for the price it seems that a new front end and swingarm conversion would be almost as practical.. ive been looking through the posts and have only gained a little knowledge on it. im looking more toward a gsxr swingarm (since i have a 01 1000 i can do the measuring real easy for the chain plus a swingarm on ebay is only like 75 bucks plus im upgrading my entire brake system on the 01 so i can use the old rotors and possibly some of the brake lines if the length is proper.) anway my MAJOR concern is how to place the rear master cylinder and connect it to the original brake lever and also would it be easier to have triple trees custom machined for the bike and forks i want? if so... would i just use a common tapered bearing set up for the z1? and you say gussets..were is the proper placing for them? anywere inparticular? my goal is to have basically a street fighter suspension wheels and brakes but everything else to remain original (i go to alot of track days on the 01 1000 so basically im saying i want this bike to go to deals gap and be able to rail it safely but fast and fun in nastalgic style... sound crazy?

Sarver

well the z1 frames are really flimsy,so you need to do a lot of gusseting to them.the swingarm on a kz1000 is a little beefier than z1 in my experiance,you also gain needle bearings over bushings that z1 uses.you also gain rear disc brake over the z1s drum rear brake.i prefer the looks of kz front forks over z1 mostly since they dont have reflectors :sick: you can also use a late 70s kz650 basically same frontend and wheel as kz1000 and you get 4-bolt rear rotor to match rear brake dual discs is an easy swap once you switch to the newer hub.

lots of stuff that will work, just look on ebay
zx arm
another one
fzr arm
gsx arm
.......the list goes on, pick one that you like, parts are easy to modify to fit

Post edited by: 77KZ650, at: 2006/07/04 19:19

I dont have plans for the KZ stuff however I wont be starting this project until winter. I will post again if you want them.
I plan on using all the GSXR front end but havent decided on a swing arm yet. I dont think the GSXR has a wheel driven speedo. I road race Hondas and the speedo is driven off the trans on my race bikes so it looks like I will have to try the magnetic pick up system.
Thanks
Mike

Post edited by: mkuper, at: 2006/07/04 16:34

Hi Emily! Just a suggestion... you have a number of likely unrelated issues that need to be addressed. You might want to bite off pieces as small bits would be easier to chew. As with any older KZ, certain issues need to be address FIRST and then work your way through them... some will SEEM like they are higher importance since kicking a bike to start it is a pain, but the basic safety issues are really more important. Most of the folks here have address function issues which do equate to safety but also tires, brakes, cables, the chain and bearings are even more fundemental. You are capable of assessing the condition of the tires yourself using the same sort of standard as you would for a car tire but on an older bike, watch for cracking in the sidewall; a sure sign of dryrot since the bike has been sitting a portion of its life. The brake pads should be looked at and glazing/wear noted and replaced, if necessary. The cable ends should be examined for fraying. They generally chaff and then break where the connectors are soldered onto the ends. If they look OK, you had best lubricate the cables. There is a tool you can buy at most bike shops for this. You pull the cable out and expose some cable and put it in the tool which you tighten over the exposed part. Then, you spray lube into a hole in the side of the tool and it forces the lube down the shielding to coat the whole cable. The chain should be looked at carefully. Put the bike on centerstand and turn the rear wheel looking for any "tight spots". A chain will tend to bind some as it ages and stretches. Once stretched, it will quickly ruin your drive sprockets and could potentially snap. Your manual will give you specifics on tensioning the chain and lubing it. This is MOST important to safe operation. Bearings are harder to assess for a new owners... a funny wobble when you take off? A snick when you turn the handlebars? A funny noise when you push the bike coming from the front or rear wheel? All signs of bad bearings. Bearings are fairly easily replaced and inexpensive but good bearings make the bike operate a whole lot smoother. When I do a project bike, I just buy new wheel, swingarm and steering head bearings and replace all of them as a matter of course. Once you have the basic safety stuff under your belt, next step will be maintenance items which involve changing all fluids (a do-it-yourself project) and basic tune up. It would also be beneficial for you to start a SEPARATE thread on the starter issue (and just the starter issue) in the electrical section. A starter problem is fairly easy to diagnose.

Is that all you guys do is fight:laugh:
Hey what is that gsxr swing-arm? Ihave an 89 1100 and I would like to make an extended one if you all dont use it. Wire, Dont feel bad. Ive been working on my 1260 for 2yrs and it still a deralict in My garage. Robertsons is just finishing it up now. "NOT HIS FAULT". Well hope to meet ya all someday.:evil:

allright folks he lit the fire under my ass.i cut all the extra brackets off frame tonight and started grinding down all the welds so i can take it back to SUPER-ROO MAN friday so he can get going on the welding for me.i talked him out of a gsxr750 or gsxr1100 swingarm (not sure which one)he had laying there too so i just have to figure out whether to weld shock mounts on it or make a mono shock,im thinking that hole where shock used to mount in front of gsxr arm would be good spot to mount a nitrous bottle!:evil: :evil:

I've been reading lots of archived threads on GS1100 swingarm swap-outs but all I've seen are in regards to 650s or 900s. As far as pivot bolts/axles, bearings, bushings etc. will the same principals apply for the above mentioned bike? Are the 650 and 750 frames that much different? Any help will be appreciated 'cause I just found a swingarm and I'd like too start on it soon. Thanks!!!

Hello I am another new member from England.
Used to own Zeds way back, bought my Z1a last september from a friend who imported it from the USA in 1990.
Spent all winter rebuilding it, Braced the frame, sourced an old Dresda Box section swing arm new springs, bearings etc. etc. It now handles a lot better. Getting rid of the 15 year old Pirelli Phantoms probably helped the most.
Its got a welded crank, 1000cc barrels and pistons , dyna coils and ignition and Vance and Hines Exhaust and next winter it will no doubt get a wiseco 1075 etc.
I am absolutly in love with it, I ran a 1200 bandit for a few years and this is just so much more fun and I feel so much more involved with it, having built it up my self.
Any way heres a pic.
Regards Steve

:woohoo: