Questions on conversions.

I have a '77 Kz1000,given to me,not running but I can get it going. It's nearly all stock and has been sitting in a garage for 10 years.
I have an opportunity to get a 'Busa roller (first gen) for a very good price. I just sold my '01 'Busa after 11 years of ownership so I know every nut and bolt on these machines. Besides updated brakes,tires .swingarm,forks etc. i.e. better handling and looks., what is the advantage of doing the swap after I get the Kz running? Is it sacrilege to take away from the old bike? I love the look of the conversions and havent ridden a skinny tire MC in a long time. Talk me into it!
How is the offset of the countershaft handled. I read some conversion build threads and seem to b missing something. Thanks.
Dana

If you talking about swapping the Bussa engine into the KZ frame it's a LOT of fabricating and work. If you are talking about swapping the KZ into the Bussa frame, same thing. If you are talking about swapping suspension that is much easier.

My wife says I'm not clear.
Just the busa running gear:forks,swing arm,wheels and brakes.
I used the term "roller" as in a rolling chasis without engine.

To me it depends on the condition of the KZ. If it is pretty much all stock including paint, pipes, etc., or if it can easily be put back to stock condition, you would be better off leaving it stock. Even if you want to modify one you would probably be better off selling the stock one and buying one that's already been through the wringer to fix up how you like. In general, the stock bike is going to be worth more than one that has been modded, so selling the stock one may be the best financial approach.

If the KZ already has been changed from stock it won't matter much if you make further changes.

It would help if you could post some pictures of the KZ. Ed

the busa front end is a stem swap,then it bolts on with new kz style bearings.

the busa rear is easy enough to convert to the kz .but you need to decide if you like one shock or two????????

the upper mono mount can start crowding the battery out of it's space depending on execution.

if two shocks is your deal the busa arm will need the upper brace removed and the hole plated over and lower shock mounts added.

leon

Here she is.


And here is one from the site that I love the look.. It's a twin shocker.

Here she is.

wow nice work. (edit I meant the modified and finished bike pic above...)

Some old classic bikes with modern runnng gear look so daft, that looks really cool.

It still looks like a zed.

Your bike looks to be about 90-95% original.

Paint, crash bar, exhaust, missing airbox, seat, backrest and grips are about the only things out of place that I notice right away.

I say keep it stock-ish for now. If you do decide to mod it with the right parts you can completely reverse them.

BTW, this is coming from someone who has three modded Kawasaki's (1-900, 1-1000, and 1-GPz750) and a pretty decent stockish Kz900.

Later, Doug

My converted kz is a '77 just like yours. The guys have covered most of the issues.

Getting the chain past that wide 'Busa rear wheel/tire combo will be an issue tho.

I opted for a narrower 5.5" rear wheel and 180mm tire combo on mine. In my case a 5/8" offset countershaft sprocket did the trick.


What we started with:

Where it sits:

Braced frame with a complete '04 zx10r front end with Ohlins internals. A zx6r rear wheel with a JMC swingarm and Ohlins shocks. Totally worth the work!! Stops and corners like a modern sport bike! :laugh:

Seriously, it's a really fun bike to ride.

StreetfighterKz,the crash bar and tail hook have been removed. The air box is there although the lid is missing and mice made a home in the filter.
Drooz! Nice work!thats what I'm interested in,but torn between keeping it stock and modern sport bike handling. How about a side shot?
Seems my 'Busa deal is not happening so I will just concentrate on getting the old girl running.
Thanks for thee insight.
Dana

Guess what my thoughts are on the subject? Mine was a fairly mint, all original one owner '76 early A4..... I have no problem making them handle better...

Cory