ELR Clone Canidate? Opinions?

A quick question to the collective: If you were to build an ELR clone, what bike/year/model would you prefer to start with? I am keeping an eye out to build a second KZ that would look like the love child between an original ELR and a later ZRX. Any particular models I should keep an eye out for, let me know.

Cory

Just find a 1981/1982 KZ1000J. Thats what the KZ1000R (ELR) was based on.

Then find a 1981/1982 GPz1000 fuel tank.

That would be a great start to your clone of a ELR.

Dr. Gamma wrote: Just find a 1981/1982 KZ1000J. Thats what the KZ1000R (ELR) was based on.

Then find a 1981/1982 GPz1000 fuel tank.

That would be a great start to your clone of a ELR.

+1 What he said!

So the GPZ tank is the same tank as the KZ1000R? That is very helpful.....

Cory

i searched for over a decade trying to find a KZ1000J to base an ELR cone on, I never found one. I ended up using an 82 GPz750 frame and swapped in an 82 GPz1100 engine.
If you are going to use a J model you will need the tail and tank from an 81 or 82 GPZ1100, they match the ELR ones. You will also need the oil cooler and adapter from the same years GPz1100. You can use the Maier GPZ universal fairing, it's pretty close the ELR one.

Here are a few more tips...if you can find a KZ1000J model, and you retain the stock round headlight, you need the Maier GPz style front fairing with the round opening. If you opt for a more 'R' look, you'll have to get a rectangular headlight shell and match that with the Maier rectangular GPz-style fairing. If you can actually locate an original Gpz1100 fairing (note that the 1982 GPz750 fairing is identical to the 1982 1100 fairing)....make sure it comes with the mounting bracket hardware and the gasket which mounts between the windscreen and fairing. The brackets and gasket are even rarer than the original fairing and are unavailable aftermarket. Note that baldy110 has chosen a GPz550 front fairing...they are far more common and easy to source. Opt for a 1982 GPz1100 fuel tank and cap the fuel pressure valve on the underside of the tank. The petcock placement on the 1981 tank will interfere with the tops of the carbs on the KZ1000J while the petcock on the 1982 model tank is set further back and is a drop-on change.

Note also that baldy110's bike is a work of art.

And I overlooked the easiest solution...locate a 1981 or 1982 GPz1100 and paint it ELR colors. Leave the FI alone if possible...if not, convert to carbs. Note that the instrument pod on the 1981 will not allow easy mounting of the 'R' style fairing...you'll have to fabricate a mounting mechanism.

baldy110 wrote: i searched for over a decade trying to find a KZ1000J to base an ELR cone on, I never found one. I ended up using an 82 GPz750 frame and swapped in an 82 GPz1100 engine.
If you are going to use a J model you will need the tail and tank from an 81 or 82 GPZ1100, they match the ELR ones. You will also need the oil cooler and adapter from the same years GPz1100. You can use the Maier GPZ universal fairing, it's pretty close the ELR one.

was it hard to fit a 1100 engine in the 750 frame?

gengomerpyle wrote:

baldy110 wrote: i searched for over a decade trying to find a KZ1000J to base an ELR cone on, I never found one. I ended up using an 82 GPz750 frame and swapped in an 82 GPz1100 engine.
If you are going to use a J model you will need the tail and tank from an 81 or 82 GPZ1100, they match the ELR ones. You will also need the oil cooler and adapter from the same years GPz1100. You can use the Maier GPZ universal fairing, it's pretty close the ELR one.

was it hard to fit a 1100 engine in the 750 frame?

I seem to recall a thread by baldy110 discussing his tribulations installing the 1089cc beast in the 750 frame...maybe he can post the link?

I am leaning toward a GPz1100 convert. Seems to make sense. It is not going to be an "accurate" clone as it will have forged aluminum wheels with fat rubber, swing arm conversion (probable another ZRX) and big brakes. More of a race bike look. I'll keep my eyes open for a GPZ, but I still need to finish my current KZ. Just riding my ZRX the last few weeks has gotten me in the mood for a ELR.....

Cory

I have a front faring left . I used to have all the other parts pm me if you need it there is no windsheild and it would need paint but its off my elr

peter1958 wrote: I have a front faring left . I used to have all the other parts pm me if you need it there is no windsheild and it would need paint but its off my elr

Pete,

Thanks. I will PM you if I need it.

Cory