KZ650 81 D4 forks and wheels

Hey everyone,

New to the forum and just picked up an ''81 KZ650 D4. I'm looking for information regarding interchangeable standard forks, if someone could point me in the direction of the data or knows the models with interchangeable forks that are direct swap that would be great. The forks on the bike are rusted on the uppers with a bit in the swept area. The bike has twin brake disc front end. I'm looking at buying a replacement 2nd hand set in from the states, unless any Aussies on here have a pair they want part with.

Also looking for guidance on swapping the rear mag wheel with a single disc that is a 16" with an 18" or even if anyone knows of a 19" KZ rim for the rear. Is it a case of find a 18" rear from a KZ and it fits or are they from exact models and years for the swap?

Thanks for the help, I have miles more questions I'll save for another day.

Baron.

The D4 wasn't sold in the USA, so there probably isn't much info about it.
I'd guess the best match for standard forks & 18" rear would be the 750E models. and probably the KZ700 & 750Ls.

Kawasaki service manual. jarlef z650 . the 1981 KZ650 pdf is in the Files section.

Welcome Baron.

I've been reading about all kinds of front end swaps over the years, and I know All Balls bearing company has a list on it's website for fitting different front ends on various models.

So depending on if you want to keep your kz looking stock, in which case Martin's advice on finding similar year 750 bits, or fitting a complete front end off a donor bike.

Do post up some pictures of your ride/s too.

Hey,

Thanks for the great info, 750E forks look like the goods. Cheaper alternative to USD so I'll keep my eye out. I have been considering a USD conversion, just a bit overwhelmed with all the different conversions and types of fork used. I would jump at it if there was a set type of fork part numbers and a triple clamp that would allow the use of the dual disc 19" mag. I'll keep looking into it, a USD is where a want to go with the build.

Cheers

When going the USD route, most of those are probably going to be dual disk, and you would install the complete front end, including the wheel & brakes. As rstnick stated, All Balls Racing has a handy cross-ref. Probably in most cases, the triple tree stem will have to be modified to fit the 650 frame. i.e., cut to length & the end machined.

Also, you'll have to figure out what to do with the meter cluster. either mate yours to the new front or go with the stuff from the donor bike or something. Then there's the rear wheel, which is a whole new can of worms. going USD will be a lot of work.

When getting the KZ750 forks, you should check the brake disk diameter & caliper bolt hole spacing.
I'd guess the 650-D4 is the same, but that is just a guess.