18" Front Wheel ???

Keep plugging away on this 77' KZ1000A I keep calling "Forgotten" but bound and determined to get it running again.

In the past, I went to an 18" front wheel on my 72' H2 and liked the results. I used Buchannon aluminum rims but trying to avoid making that expense at least for right now.

On this KZ, I like to stay with the spoke wheel , I believe 40 spoke. But is there another 18" wheel from a different Kawasaki model that would work? Or any other recommendations you guys might have?

The KZ400 Rear 18" wheel ( rim ) which is 1.85 x 18 looks like it may be a viable option for the front of the KZ1000?

The KZ1000P has 18 front and rear. Not sure if it will work but maybe a look?

kzdcw wrote: ... But is there another 18" wheel from a different Kawasaki model that would work? Or any other recommendations you guys might have?

I can't think of any model of KZ that came with an 18" spoke front wheel. It seems like everything was 19". The only two models with 18" fronts both used mag wheels as opposed to spokes ('78 Z1R and the KZ1000P).

But as you mention, most of the rear spoke wheels were 18", so if you can find one that will lace up to your front hub that seems like it should work... other than the extra holes from the bead locks used on the rear.

I think all the kz400s came with a drum brake so the rim is drilled for a standard hub. If its drilled for a conical hub i would look for something else. You will probably have to have custom spokes made because of the difference in hub sizes. Ideally you should use a rim that was drilled for a hub about the same size as your 1000 hub that way the spoke holes are the correct angle and it doesn't cause them to bow, stretch, and then fail.

From what I have seen the KZ400's rear wheel is laced to a larger diameter hub due to drum brakes than the smaller hub on the KZ1000 which is disc brake? What about the Earlier Police Service KZ900's i.e.: CHIPS the TV Series ?

My 1982 KZ650 CSR has a 1.85" x 19" spoked front wheel, and a 3.0" x 16" spoked rear wheel as stock equipment. Both have 48 spokes. I have both these available for sale if interested.

18" front mag wheels came on Z1R's and KZ1000 Police :blink: if you want spoked 18 ", buchanon's :S

The only KZPs with a 18" front wheel had mags. there were 250 KZ900 imported and converted to police bikes but they retained their 19" front. it appears the bikes in Chips had a 19" front as well.

www.kawasakiz1.com/Kawasaki-KZ900C2-Police-Motorcycle.html

It might be possible to have Buchanonons drill out a kz400 rear rim to suit your needs. you should contact them and see what they suggest.

No eBay APP ID and/or Cert ID defined in Kunena configurationI just happen to notice that the S1, S2, and S3 all appear to have used 18" spoke front wheels, at least according to this chart:

kawtriple.com/mraxl/modelspecs.html

Here is an 18" S3 wheel on Ebay, and it even has a disk brake hub, but I have no idea if this hub will work on a 1000...

Yes S1, S2, S3 and KH400 all have the 18" front wheel. I'm not sure that the speedo drive would work and I think the axle is a different diameter. At least you can get the rim for a low price.

Did not know the triples had 18" fronts; good info. Thats probably the best "budget" route you will find. You will likely need custom spokes if you just use the rim.