1977 KZ1000 front end swap

[Rat400F]

I've got a 1977 KZ1000 that I'm toying with doing the modern fork swap on. I can get all the machining figured out and done but there's a few things I can't seem to find info on. I'm looking for upside down modern forks that will work for the following. My plan is to find a set of forks and triples used from eBay so searching for forks by model,make and year would be helpful.

1.As far as handling goes will I get good performance in the corners if I use 18" wheels front and rear? When I say good performance I mean, as good as stock or slightly better because I have modern brakes and suspension. I don't need a bike capable of dragging knees at 100mph, I'm not that kind of rider.The reason for this question is, I'd like to try to do the swap and keep the stock look. My plan is to use aluminum rims, stainless spokes and stock hubs modified to receive modern brake rotors.

2.The answer to question #1 will effect the answer to this question. I really want the bike to sit at stock height when I'm done. Given that piece of info does anybody know of front forks that will do this with an 18" front wheel? How about with a 17" wheel if you're recommending 17" for the answer to question number #1. If you don't know of a fork that will fit the bill is there a website that has fork lengths associated with modern bikes?


I want to do this to get better braking, a more stable ride and because I can't leave well enough alone. B)

 

[seviston]

My 1976 GT 750 has a Hayabusa front end and GSXR rear swingarm. Ride height is nearly stock with 17" inch GSXR wheels. The handling is great just like a modern bike. I think you should look at Kaw stuff to adapt like the ZX14, it should have long enough forks to stay near stock ride height for your application. In the case of the suzuki GSXR parts many years and models are interchangeable as the bearings, wheels, spacers, etc.. are the same sizes. I imagine the Kaw sport bike stuff to be the same. The modern components are well worth the swap. Good Luck!

Pics of the GT 750 conversion:
http://www.dotheton.com/forum/index.php?topic=40599.0

 

[Rat400F]

Thanks for weighing in here seviston. Nice job on the buffalo too.

 

[Bozz]

I put a ZX6 front end on my kz900. bolted right up with only bearing changes. Heck, the stock turn stop even works.


That an a GS1100E rear swinger and Suzuki mags dropped nearly 35 lbs of unsprung weight from stock.


Look into the Suzuki Marauder forks.


USD and look very similar to GSXR lowers, but will look a lot closer to stock...


The frame will benefit from some bracing with a stiffer front end, but if you're not too aggressive it's not that big a deal...


Enjoy!