1981 GPz550. Longer kickstand?

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13 Dec 2022 08:05 #877768 by chopper1963
1981 GPz550. Longer kickstand? was created by chopper1963
It's always bugged me that whenever one sees a GPz photographed well typically the bike is propped up on a 2x4 to give it some height.

Is there a longer kickstand that will fit on the frame boss somewhere in the Kawasaki family?

I asked my machinist friend to tap in a few inches on my stock kickstand but he said "bad idea".

Suggestions welcome. Merry Christmas.





 

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13 Dec 2022 08:13 #877769 by Wookie58
Replied by Wookie58 on topic 1981 GPz550. Longer kickstand?
Propping it upright for a photo opportunity is one thing but on uneven ground or in a strong wind you will be thankful for a "bit of lean" IMHO

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  • Nessism
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13 Dec 2022 09:24 #877774 by Nessism
Replied by Nessism on topic 1981 GPz550. Longer kickstand?
Looks like the shocks are longer than stock, thus the kickstand is too short now.  Kickstands in of themselves are typically made from a solid forging, which don't lend themselves to easy modding.

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  • Scirocco
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13 Dec 2022 10:09 #877776 by Scirocco
Replied by Scirocco on topic 1981 GPz550. Longer kickstand?
Not the shocks are longer but the upper shock mount was re-located lowered than stock to lift tail.
Maybe the bike get a single to dual shock conversion due to the Suzuki GS 1000 or cal fab aluminum swingarm.
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13 Dec 2022 11:45 - 13 Dec 2022 11:52 #877779 by Nerdy
Replied by Nerdy on topic 1981 GPz550. Longer kickstand?
That kickstand also appears to be somewhat curvy. I'll need to go look at mine but I don't recall it being a shallow S.

The squared-off U shape at the top (where the pivot is) may have deformed over the years as well. My old Yamahas have that issue.

The Partzilla pic shows a mostly straight stand with a slight bend at the bottom:




EDIT: never mind, I was wrong. The OEM stand (34024-1036) is indeed a shallow S:



Also it was used on a lot more models than I suspected.

1979 KZ400 Gifted to a couple of nephews
1967 Yamaha YCS1 Bonanza
1980 KZ440B
1981 Yamaha XT250H
1981 KZ440 LTD project bike
1981 GPz550
2013 Yamaha FZ6R
Last edit: 13 Dec 2022 11:52 by Nerdy.

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13 Dec 2022 15:29 - 13 Dec 2022 15:31 #877789 by rstnick
Replied by rstnick on topic 1981 GPz550. Longer kickstand?
My KZ also suffered from needing a 2x4 as I put longer shocks on.
Someone suggested taking the stand to a Welder and have it lengthened.
I already had a second stand, as I bought one to have the little foot tab.

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I had mine lengthened by 2 1/4".

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Rob
CANADA

Need a key for your Kawasaki? PM me

1978 KZ650 C2, 130K kms, Delkevic ex, EI, CVK32, PMC easy clutch, ATK fork brace, steering damper, Progressive Suspension, braced swingarm, ZRX shocks, 18" Z1R front wheel.
2000 ZRX1100
2011 Ninja 250R - Wife's
2005 z750s
Last edit: 13 Dec 2022 15:31 by rstnick.
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