Swingarm Conversion Q's - Function or Looks

Thanks for the kind words. I do have an idea if all you want is the aluminum swingarm with the wide tire. Find a GSXR 600 swingarm that doesn't have the top brace like mine has. Then you can still use the twin shocks by having some mounts welded to your new swingarm. The mounts are sold at Z1Enterprises: www.z1enterprises.com/Shock-Mounts-Billet-Aluminum-2043.aspx

Then all you have to do is work out your chain line, the rear brakes, and some bushings to adapt the KZ swingarm pivot to the bearings in the GSXR swingarm.

testarossa:

Thanks for the tip, I'll look into it.

pretty much any newer aluminum swingarm is a vast inprovment over the old POS swingarms that came on them.
a gs1100 swingarm will make your bike ALOT better handling
if you have the optoin and brains to do a swingarm swap imo its the single most inportant up grade
that these old bikes need
They go ALOT faster then the stock suspension can be handled buy most people

I have this it's off a 90"zx6 just have some shock mounts welded to it. if your interested

I had a Chrome Molly brace added to a stock swingarm:



I gave an engine and $200 to a buddy to make it up for me.
He's a mechanic at a Suz/Kaw dealer, and races KZ/GPzs.
I initially asked him about a Suzuki GS1100 swingarm swap, as there was one for sale, and he brought up the bracing.
He added spools to the back end as I had to remove the stock center stand mounts to fit the modified arm.
Bumps at highway speeds feel more solid than before.
Corning I haven't really noticed it as I don't push it.

I have Koni rear shocks and Magnum progressive fork springs installed.

sweet! love the look

jeffasaki:

Hahahaha, I hear ya, brother! Remember, I cut my street teeth back in '71 on the old H1. My riding style pretty much evolved from controlling tank slappers as the norm. My buds have a hard time believing I can keep up with them on my Sportster, which has a 16" rear wheel and a 21" front wheel. So, I might just have to learn to ride all over again with something that actually handles.

Thanks, I appreciate your comments.

I just got my first KZ after years of looking... Now I have to chop it up into what I want it to be. Is there any "specific" models of bikes that the swingarm will directly match up? I really want a 4-6" stretch but I don't know if I can add to the stock arm and get it true. Any help would be greatly appreciated, I intend on posting pics of my whole build... Should be interesting. thanks, Ryan

ramtough_63:

Cool! Some questions.

1. Does it use the same size pivot bolt and axle as the KZ?
2. Will it fit the KZ frame without alterations?
3. What if any special mods need to be done to the swingarm, or frame?
4. Finally, how much?

Your reply and offer are much appreciated. Thanks!

I will measure it in the morning I was thinking it wouldnt take much modification if any when I did the research and bought it, I have since went with a wider tire mono set up as for the cost I think I paid like 20.00 plus shipping

I changed mine over to a gs1100 arm. It looks a lot better but I wish I would have powdercoated it before I installed it. It handles a lot better but I also went with a 18 inch front wheel. Not sure of the cost but with the custom wheel, new tire, 530 chain and sprockets, shocks and yadda yadda yadda, I'm guessing around 7-800 bucks.

rstnick:

Sweet! Your guy did an awesome job bracing up that swingarm. It even looks bad ass. Really nice!

Hey, while I'm at it. Where did you get the rear sets and what was the cost?

Thanks, in advance.