frame differences kz1000j and kz1000r

whats the difference between a kz1000j frame and the
kz1000r (elr) frame i used to build my bike?
the diagram on www.buykawasaki.com is wrong and misleading,
below is a list of our findings so far.

(1)rake head angle from 27.5 to 29.0 degrees, adding 0.6 inched of trail),
(2)extra brace on downtubes .
(3)battery mounts different location.
(4)tail light mountings on the inside tubes not outside.

this info was collected from ppl posting their findings after reading this post thx ppl.

Post edited by: kano, at: 2006/11/04 13:39

Post edited by: kano, at: 2006/11/26 21:33

The only thing I know is diffrent is the battery is located a little differently,otherwise identical

I recall reading that the ELR frames had a slightly steeper rake so they could make the swingarm 1" longer and still have the same wheelbase. Steers quicker but still stays steady at speed.

Yup Racer your right 27 degrees instead of 29 degrees head angle. I think the difference is between the S1 frame and the replica frame(basically 1000J2)though.I think the J, GPZ and replica are all the same though.

only thing that is a mystery to me is my elr frame has a
extra brace between the two downtubes its just under the
exhaust manifold looks like its factory instaled in fact the guy i bought it off used this as a selling point saying it was standard on elr's only but on the kawasaki site the frame dosnt show the brace there wierd anyone else here have a elr?

Post edited by: kano, at: 2006/11/01 20:57

Don't have an ELR but I know that years ago, racers used to put a brace in that exact place to stiffen up the chassis. So, there must be a good reason it's there and the racers did it! Also put one right behind motor between downtubes and put plates where tubes meet at rear of tank to tie cradle all together.

Kano the gpz and elr frames(the J also)both have the two horizontal braces running between the downtubes in the area you described.Yes they are factory.

ah ok they dont show the middle one on kaw site.
i drew it in red.

Post edited by: kano, at: 2006/11/01 23:14

Yea the diagram on the Kawi site doesnt show it, your diagram is accurate though.

IIRC the spec KZP rake is 27deg. Is KZP swingarm longer? Hmmmm

-Duck

I have an '83 1000R that I bought new....
and my buddy had a J model......
I remember there was a difference in the handling/steering between the two.
I have a J bike now too, but it's not road ready yet for me to get a more up to date comparison

`

The rear of the frames are different too - the J frames have the mounts for the taillight bracket/license plate holder etc. sitting on the inside of the frame tubes - the pic below is an 82 J frame.