78 KZ 1000 build

As a novice at this I thought I'd start a build thread and show my progress, or lack there of. It's just kicking off so here's where I'm going with it. I have acquired the swingarm and forks from a 2004 ZRX1200 so I will be using the brakes/wheels from same model. Perhaps I should have chosen an easier route with GS swinger but nevertheless I think I can do this(with all of you helping of course). I have a nice set of instruments from a 77 KZ but might go with the ZRX pods. I also have purchased a J model 1000 that will get headwork and a 1075 kit. That's about it so far and I will ask questions/post pictures as I go. I have read through some of the ZRX swingarm installs and have gained a little confidence. 
 

There is enough experience here to get you through, you will run up against "brick walls" along the way but "stay the course" and you will have a unique ride when done 

Sounds like a build I did back in 05 or so. Following this will bring back memories 

ronnieV wrote:

Sounds like a build I did back in 05 or so. Following this will bring back memories 

Did you use a stock ZRX swinger or was it custom made? Any tips, if you remember, would be much appreciated 
 

I did use the zrx swingarm, if I dont remember if we had to drill the existing hole on kz frame for it or not. Unfortunately, alot of the machine work was done by my deceased son in law who was killed in a bike accident just before I finished the bike .

Both the ZRX1200 and 1100 swingarms need to be narrowed to fit the frame. The good news is that the swingarm bearings sit quite a long way inside the pivot area, which means the bearing location/seats can remain unchanged. The ZRX pivot bolt is thicker (20mm I think) compared to the 16mm of the Z1000/Z650. I use top hat spacers to make up the difference.
This part of a video I made shows how they work..

ronnieV wrote:

I did use the zrx swingarm, if I dont remember if we had to drill the existing hole on kz frame for it or not. Unfortunately, alot of the machine work was done by my deceased son in law who was killed in a bike accident just before I finished the bike .

Sorry to hear that. 
 

Well I figured that I need to cut 3/16" off the ZRX swinger. I will have my brother do that and make the bushings for the KZ through bolt. Ordered my bearing kit from Allballs for the ZRX front end so making a little progress . I then took the head off the 81 J model engine and discovered it had a broken exhaust valve but doesn't look like it did too much damage. I will be sending that out for headwork.

I fixed your pics, next time click "insert all" before submitting your post. Looking forward o following your build

Update on the build progress, have been acquiring needed parts and such. New discs for brakes, calipers, 34mm RS carburetors, wheels and speedo gear. I read that you could mate the ZRX speed cable with the KZ pods? Any opinions on using the ZRX handlebar controls verses the KZ?

No reason why not (may need the wiring swopping about in the plugs) I am using ZX6R switches on my 82

Years ago I purchased a Z1900 roller only ZRX front and rear swap from Jeff Saunders from the original Z1 Enterprises (they were right in my back yard). Jeff spent some serious time/dollars on the roling chasis but just did not have the time to finish. I built a KZ1200 engine and completed the bike.  One thing I did was get rid of the wider front ZRX fender and installed a smaller more contured one. I will have to find the pictures.