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we want to see your pictures, kz650 with 18" mags

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25 Jan 2008 06:05 #190972 by rstnick
Replied by rstnick on topic we want to see your pictures, kz650 with 18
"A set of center axle and shorter forks" would shorten the trail a little, giving you quicker steering.

I've moved the fork tubes up in the tripple clamps as far as my handle bars allow, only about 1/2 inch.
I didn't notice much difference at that small of an adjustment.
I'd think doing one of the above changes (center axle or sliding the fork tubes up) would lower the front, similar to having added an 18" wheel.


Some posts of the subject:
lowering front forks
and some more .

Rob
CANADA

Need a key for your Kawasaki? PM me

1978 KZ650 C2, 130K kms, Delkevic ex, EI, CVK32, PMC easy clutch, ATK fork brace, steering damper, braced swingarm, ZRX shocks, 18" Z1R front wheel.
2000 ZRX1100
2011 Ninja 250R - Wife's
2005 z750s (aka GPz750)
1978 KZ1000 project

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25 Jan 2008 06:23 #190977 by krcrawford29
Replied by krcrawford29 on topic we want to see your pictures, kz650 with 18
I am thinking on getting the quicker steering. I also want to drop the whole bike like 1-2 inches. Due to funding(lack of) I want to get the front forks swapped first. I am under the assumption that would change the handling characteristics the most, in bang for the bucks anyway.

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25 Jan 2008 14:42 #191030 by hannah1
Replied by hannah1 on topic we want to see your pictures, kz650 with 18
Here's a basic program for figuring chassis geometry : www.rbracing-rsr.com/advchoppercalc.html

I found that leading axle forks are roughly equal to adding about 1.5 degrees to the rake . ie. when inputting known (Kaw specs) for my bike I had to play with the "triple clamp rake" figure to get the numbers to equal factory specs . I couldn't get them correct with offset changes . I've been playing with this because I have a friend making me billet triples for my 550 project , and I am switching to an 18" front wheel and straight forks . I actually like the handling of the 550 , so I am trying to maintain stock geometry .

Post edited by: hannah1, at: 2008/01/25 17:50

Post edited by: hannah1, at: 2008/01/25 17:52

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28 Jan 2008 09:55 #191426 by baldy110
Replied by baldy110 on topic we want to see your pictures, kz650 with 18
Here's mine

Post edited by: baldy110, at: 2008/01/28 12:55
Attachments:

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17 Feb 2008 20:59 #195260 by eslaterb
Replied by eslaterb on topic we want to see your pictures, kz650 with 18
Hey krcrawford29, you still looking for mag wheels? Want to trade? I've got an '81 kz550 A standard with mags that I want to swap out for spokes. I'm trying to do the whole cafe racer thing and I think spokes are the way to go.
My only concern is going from an 18" rear wheel to a 16" one. Does anyone know if there will be problems there?





Post edited by: eslaterb, at: 2008/02/18 00:00

Post edited by: eslaterb, at: 2008/02/18 00:57

Thanks,
Eric
Caffeinated 81 KZ550 A
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17 Feb 2008 21:42 #195267 by hannah1
Replied by hannah1 on topic we want to see your pictures, kz650 with 18
16" RW shouldn't be a problem . 18's Fr and Rr seem to give the best proportion and have real good tire choices .

Post edited by: hannah1, at: 2008/02/18 00:43

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18 Feb 2008 08:56 #195335 by madderkaw
Replied by madderkaw on topic we want to see your pictures, kz650 with 18
My 650 LTD has a 19 front and a 16 rear mag. The smaller rear was so that they could use a fatter tire and not have to do any chasis modifications.
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  • krcrawford29
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18 Feb 2008 12:02 #195361 by krcrawford29
Replied by krcrawford29 on topic we want to see your pictures, kz650 with 18
Hi eslaterb, I might be interested in swapping. Do you know what the widest rear tire is we can fit on the 18" rim without having fitment issues?

Also, are the 81' 550 mags a direct swap???

Post edited by: krcrawford29, at: 2008/02/18 15:04

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20 Feb 2008 08:19 #195800 by slater_kz550
Replied by slater_kz550 on topic we want to see your pictures, kz650 with 18
Right now the tires on my bike are:
Rear 130/90-18
Front 100/90-19

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  • Bdog
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23 Feb 2008 13:02 #196490 by Bdog
gpz's usually use a little wider rim, so a 140 fit's on my rim. Quite a bit better actually.

kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/338400-a-little-bit-of-an-upgrade

'77 KZ650-C1 -- build
810 kit
GPZ cams and carbs
ZX6R front end
GSXR600 Rear
Kerker
Dyna
Accel
ContiMotion tires (120/60-17&170/60-17)

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27 Mar 2008 15:29 #202547 by rstnick
Replied by rstnick on topic we want to see your pictures, kz650 with 18
Just bought an 18" Z1R front wheel. Will be swapping it with my current 19" front in the future.



Rob
CANADA

Need a key for your Kawasaki? PM me

1978 KZ650 C2, 130K kms, Delkevic ex, EI, CVK32, PMC easy clutch, ATK fork brace, steering damper, braced swingarm, ZRX shocks, 18" Z1R front wheel.
2000 ZRX1100
2011 Ninja 250R - Wife's
2005 z750s (aka GPz750)
1978 KZ1000 project

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28 Mar 2008 13:22 #202738 by Bad Kaw
Replied by Bad Kaw on topic we want to see your pictures, kz650 with 18
This is pretty cool. I'll be interested to see what you think of the 18"...I think you will absolutely notice a handling improvement. Keep pics comin' too, rstnick!
-KR

78 Kawasaki Z1R
81 Kawasaki KZ1000J (mods)
82 Kawasaki ELR Clone (1000 J)
82 Kawasaki KZ750R1/GPz750 ELR-ed
70 Kawasaki KV75
83 Honda CB1100F (few mods)
79 Suzuki GS1000 (rolling frame / project / junk)
84 Suzuki GS1150ES (modified project)
83 Yamaha XJ900R (project / junk)

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