Has anyone looked at using FZ1 forks for a front end swap? They appear that they would be longer than the usual sport bike donors. I am brainstorming an upgrade for my 1982 gpz 1100. I would like to give it more of a sport bike stance and handling but don't want to too radically change the geometry. Any help is appreciated. I am looking at using a zrx swing arm and shocks for the rear. It is just the front end that i am still uncertain about.

Stretching a stock swingarm would be free if you can fab it, but would be a little costly if you had to pay someone to do it. A GS1100E swingarm is a popular swap. You can use your stock wheel, it is aluminum, and it gives you about 2" of stretch. You will have to switch to different shocks though. But since it's still popular, they tend to sell for more than a swinger off a new bike. There's one on Ebay now for 150. I bought a GPZ 750 swingarm for 20 bucks, but I bet it'll cost me more than the GS would by the time I finally fit it.

No idea on what might fit direct, but a seat from a ZR1100 or ZRX would keep the KZ look while updating it a little.


And for your enjoyment, KZ from Biker Boyz.

Were I you, I'd go ahead and get the ZRX wheels, brakes, fork, and shocks.

sHere is a 99 ZRX1100 swaingarm and shocks on my 82 GPZ750 framed ELR. It fit pretty easy with some minor modifications to the pivot. I also had to space out the upper shock mounts to line up with the swingarm. It came out really clean and looks factory.

here is the ZRX swingarm. It looks pretty easy, cut of a little at the pivot and space out the shocks. Pretty straight forward for the arm. Still waiting on 2 others and then I decide. If I don't use the ZRX arm it is going up for sale here.

Thanks............this is my first build. I had a '73 Z1 in highschool ..............wish I still had that bike!!!! BUT this was a close second and remembering how poorly the brakes were on it. So I decided a restomod.............so far so good!!! Yes I intend on twin shocks......ZRX units are planned if I can find some. THanks for the info on the tapered bearing race............wasn't sure if it needed to be seated in the stock.

Just a question for all KZ riders ............being I had a '73 would it be wrong to copy the '73 colour scheme on a '76????

Homer

Hi,

I broke down and started rebuilding my Z1000ST ( in europe it's Z, not KZ) wich I have for 2 years.
In the meantime riding my good old Kawa 750GT.

Firtst project, no experience, but reasonable technical background en been reading a lot about the bike(s)

-full paintjob, engine, frame, tank etc, fork, wheels.
-zrx rear shocks
-dyna coils
-vm 29 smoothbores
-K&N pod filters
-stainless 4-1 header, maybe with crome kerker megaphone
-and other things...

no hurries, will take a while... have other things to do..

Thanks for the review of the Contis. I have a set for my B4 project. I too like the idea of clasic looks and modern suspension. I'm using a set of 41mm cartridge forks, zeypher 750 swingarm, zrx shocks and spoke wheels.

Yes............you read my mind!! I have intentions of putting ZRX1100 rear shocks on this for the "old school dual shock" look and if at anytime a restoration would take place would make it easier to return to stock

I used a 1999 ZRX swingarm and shocks on my 82 GPz750 frame. Took some modification but it worked way better than I hoped. You can make just about any swingarm work if you are determined.