Katit's 1978 KZ650 project

If your looking to match a 43mm piston size, you need to find calipers that are marked with 1 11/16. It will be on the hub side (inside) of the caliper.

Not a good one but for reference. 

item number 374157048931

This ones not bad. 

item 123675943899

keep in mind these are handed based on the “nipple” location. It needs to face up…

lol he said nipple!!!

wrote:

I had parts bike which is 1980(?) "special"? with double disk.
....

Now, those two calipers have 43mm pistons (not 38). And when I search eBay I do see kits (with pistons as I need them) but they say for KZ650B (single??) So, now I am confused.
Btw, any recommendations for caliper kits (with pistons) other than eBay? 



 

The KZ650 B model had a single disk. The C and D (SR) models had dual from calipers. However, the B,C, and D models were only sold in the US from 77-79. The FSM shows that there were 1980 models (B4, C4, D4) but it says they were not released in the US. There was a E and F model KZ650 in 1980, but it looks like those were also single disk.

In any case, using two 43mm pistons calipers with the 5/8 master should work well.  I put that setup on my '79 KZ650B with a spoke wheel.

Brakecrafters should have the rebuild kits and pistons you need. The prices are good, the parts of good, and the customer service is excellent.

www.brakecrafters.com/

wrote:

This ones not bad. 

item 123675943899

keep in mind these are handed based on the “nipple” location. It needs to face up…

lol he said nipple!!!

This is bad one. Not sure which one is it (R or L). But on those ebay items, how do you know it's 43mm? 

 

wrote:

wrote:

I had parts bike which is 1980(?) "special"? with double disk.
....

Now, those two calipers have 43mm pistons (not 38). And when I search eBay I do see kits (with pistons as I need them) but they say for KZ650B (single??) So, now I am confused.
Btw, any recommendations for caliper kits (with pistons) other than eBay? 




 

The KZ650 B model had a single disk. The C and D (SR) models had dual from calipers. However, the B,C, and D models were only sold in the US from 77-79. The FSM shows that there were 1980 models (B4, C4, D4) but it says they were not released in the US. There was a E and F model KZ650 in 1980, but it looks like those were also single disk.

In any case, using two 43mm pistons calipers with the 5/8 master should work well.  I put that setup on my '79 KZ650B with a spoke wheel.

Brakecrafters should have the rebuild kits and pistons you need. The prices are good, the parts of good, and the customer service is excellent.

www.brakecrafters.com/

Thanks! Actually those guys (BrakeCrafters) is exactly what I found on ebay (they sell on ebay). Easier to buy from there..

What is your thought on NOS brake hoses? They have 2 for sale (pn 43059-032). Age is what bothers me. Not sure if it's good, but even the ones I have all beat up and don't have cracks, so NOS might be just fine..

That looks like the "R" one to me, if you put it on the left the "nipple" would be at the bottom making it almost impossible to bleed (we have "grease" nipples as well  )

The 1 11/16 mark.

 

Agree with Wookie. It looks like a RH. If yours mount trailing fork.

wrote:

The 1 11/16 mark. 

I guess mine will be visible after blasting old paint off 

 

Go here.  www.partzilla.com/product/kawasaki/43020...c3a6020f0cd4f6a63f2f It gives you all the other bikes that use the same piston. 

It’s also saying it’s a 42mm piston. I converted 1 11/16 to mm and it came out to 42.86. So I called it a 43. I’m guessing 42mm is correct

wrote:

Go here.  www.partzilla.com/product/kawasaki/43020...c3a6020f0cd4f6a63f2f It gives you all the other bikes that use the same piston. 

It’s also saying it’s a 42mm piston. I converted 1 11/16 to mm and it came out to 42.86. So I called it a 43. I’m guessing 42mm is correct

I will leave it as plan B (replacement caliper). Will see if mine works (seals). 
z1parts have a sale, so some stuff was ordered. I got everything ordered for brakes. Now just need continuing with restoration of parts. Went with NOS for top hose and boot.