we want to see your pictures, kz650 with 18" mags

"A set of center axle and shorter forks" would shorten the trail a little, giving you quicker steering.

I've moved the fork tubes up in the tripple clamps as far as my handle bars allow, only about 1/2 inch.
I didn't notice much difference at that small of an adjustment.
I'd think doing one of the above changes (center axle or sliding the fork tubes up) would lower the front, similar to having added an 18" wheel.


Some posts of the subject:
lowering front forks
and some more .

I am thinking on getting the quicker steering. I also want to drop the whole bike like 1-2 inches. Due to funding(lack of) I want to get the front forks swapped first. I am under the assumption that would change the handling characteristics the most, in bang for the bucks anyway.

Here's a basic program for figuring chassis geometry : www.rbracing-rsr.com/advchoppercalc.html

I found that leading axle forks are roughly equal to adding about 1.5 degrees to the rake . ie. when inputting known (Kaw specs) for my bike I had to play with the "triple clamp rake" figure to get the numbers to equal factory specs . I couldn't get them correct with offset changes . I've been playing with this because I have a friend making me billet triples for my 550 project , and I am switching to an 18" front wheel and straight forks . I actually like the handling of the 550 , so I am trying to maintain stock geometry .

Post edited by: hannah1, at: 2008/01/25 17:50

Post edited by: hannah1, at: 2008/01/25 17:52

Here's mine

Post edited by: baldy110, at: 2008/01/28 12:55

Hey krcrawford29, you still looking for mag wheels? Want to trade? I've got an '81 kz550 A standard with mags that I want to swap out for spokes. I'm trying to do the whole cafe racer thing and I think spokes are the way to go.
My only concern is going from an 18" rear wheel to a 16" one. Does anyone know if there will be problems there?





Post edited by: eslaterb, at: 2008/02/18 00:00

Post edited by: eslaterb, at: 2008/02/18 00:57

16" RW shouldn't be a problem . 18's Fr and Rr seem to give the best proportion and have real good tire choices .

Post edited by: hannah1, at: 2008/02/18 00:43

My 650 LTD has a 19 front and a 16 rear mag. The smaller rear was so that they could use a fatter tire and not have to do any chasis modifications.

Hi eslaterb, I might be interested in swapping. Do you know what the widest rear tire is we can fit on the 18" rim without having fitment issues?

Also, are the 81' 550 mags a direct swap???

Post edited by: krcrawford29, at: 2008/02/18 15:04

Right now the tires on my bike are:
Rear 130/90-18
Front 100/90-19

gpz's usually use a little wider rim, so a 140 fit's on my rim. Quite a bit better actually.

Just bought an 18" Z1R front wheel. Will be swapping it with my current 19" front in the future.

This is pretty cool. I'll be interested to see what you think of the 18"...I think you will absolutely notice a handling improvement. Keep pics comin' too, rstnick!
-KR