79 ltd 1000 swingarm conversion from 85 zx900

I'm working through a swingarm conversion using a 85 900 ninja setup for my 79 LTD 1000. Even though there are easier swingarms to use I like the looks and function of the early ninja swingarms. I am a retired machinist so to dream up solutions and fabricate them is actually the easy part for me. I am looking for advice though because I would like to keep any "trial and error" down to a minimum.

Here are my questions:
1) I figured out today that the rear master cylinder is going to be in the way in it's stock location (picture attached). In another post Leon bought a Z1R which had the same swingarm. After looking at the pictures I've got to come up with something better than that (sorry Leon). I'm machining new footpeg brackets out of aluminum now (inspired from 82 KZ1000) so maybe I could incorporate master cylinder mounting with that. Any suggestions?

2) When you guys do a swingarm conversion where do you move the battery to so that the monoshock has space? Up and forward? Then you would have to remove the battery everytime you took your pods off for cleaning?

3) Anybody have good pictures of the fabrication for the upper shock mount?

4) This swingarm is 1.5" longer. What can I expect to see as far as a difference in handling?
Thanks,
Terry

Follow up question to #1. What master cylinder are you using? KZ or ninja?

#2 I used an AGM battery laid on it's side in a fabricated box. This effectively moved the battery straight up, but necessitated a total rethink of the electrical mounting. Doesn't get in the way of my pods at all.

#3 Click this link: kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/340793-tes...ld?limit=20&start=40
It should take you to page 3 of my build. My suspension mods start on the page before, but the pics on page three are better. Jump to page five to see how I braced that cross-member. Then jump to page 26/27 to see my battery box take shape.

#4 A longer wheelbase should make the bike a little bit slower to turn in, but I doubt that you will notice too much difference from just 1.5" of stretch. The main thing is that you should gain a little stiffness from the newer swingarm. That should help keep the bike from wallowing in the turns. Not to mention that the mono-shock is so much more adjustable. Unless you are comparing it to really high end twin shocks like Ohlins. It also doesn't hurt to replace those ratty old pivot bearings that are reputed to be part of the cause of KZ death wobble.

BTW hello from a fellow machinist. Don't be shy with those machining pics. Leon and I can drool over them. Along with rslingshot, dshelly, les holt and the rest of the machinists here. We like to make chips.

I used one of those swingarms. They shine nicely. I am not a machanist. I had to take appox. 3/4 inch off each side of the swingarm for it to fit.

Having the tools you can easily enlarge the hole where the bearings are to install two bearings on each side. My idea was to use one bearing and a bushing on each side. There are no machine shops in this area so I had to do simple.

I'll be watching. Roy

depending on what look youre after you could find a brake pedal/mastercylinder from a 76 900 ltd,or you could use rear sets off a newer sportbike with master cylinder built into it

I have both KZ and Ninja master cylinders so I don’t really have a preference. I did get an idea after looking at some sanctuary pictures. They had some polished up and mounted to the outside of the frame and then hid the reservoir. I’m not sure that will look good on my bike but it is an idea.

The AGM battery laid on its side is a great idea! I don’t need the same space as you because we have different electrical parts so turning it sideways should give me lots of space. Too bad we can’t keep the battery low but my wife told me that the easiest way to change the CG would be if I went on a diet. Smart woman.

Thanks for sharing your thread. I’m pretty new to this site and it looks like I have missed a great deal. I have hours of reading ahead of me. I like the way you built the top shock mount. Very strong. I might do something similar as it looks like the simplest solution. I saw some pictures somewhere on the forum where a member was using a ZX1000 swingarm and the shock mount was completely different. Yours is simpler and looks stronger.

'76 900 ltd would work but I don't like the look. On my 79 ltd 1000 the master cylinder is hidden, pretty much. And it is actually only the actuator rod that is in the way, I think.

no offense taken on the blue z1r.

here is a simple elegant(to my eyes)solution.





with a micro switch for the brake light.





although as a machinist i do appreciate mechanism's also. :lol:





leon

p.s. welcome,keep us posted.

master cylinder res. can be pretty small and still work.














leon