KZ 900 fork swap - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Midnight_Son · 10-23-2003, 12:37 PM

Hey kids, I’ve got a ’76 KZ900 that I’ve adopted as a winter project bike. Does anyone know what forks / triple trees will swap with the KZ frame head? I’ve done Honda CB’s but never tore into a KZ before and I’m having trouble finding sources for what I want. My goal is to give the bike more of a chopper stance, I also looked for fork extensions but couldn’t find anything.

GSRIDER · 10-24-2003, 08:34 AM

My experience with fork swaps, the problem usually lies in the brake lines. I tried to fit a Kawa 81 fork (but not triple tree) into a 77 GS. The forks were way longer and I had to get new brake lines to reach the calipers.

Moonduck · 10-24-2003, 02:11 PM

If all you want is extended fork tubes, get in touch with Forks by Frank, ie http://www.frankmain.qpg.com/

It ain't cheap, being about $200 for a set of tubes, but they are beautiful pieces, machined to fit your specific model, and done in polished stainless. I don't have a set on mine, but I know guys what do. They are awesome tubes and beat hell outta anyone elses for fit, finish, and overall value, not to mention that he can handle bikes that no one else touches.

The standing advice is to hit the website and call the number there. I've heard that he's not too fast responding to e-mail, but phone works fine.

As an aside, the kz900 is a bad-ass ride. I love my Hondas but I'd snatch up one of those old KZ's in a heartbeat if I could. Hit this site: http://www.kawachopper.2ya.com/

I find the paint a bit busy for my taste, but the execution is awesome and he documents the build in photos at pretty much every step.

Last option to mention is to simply cut out the headstock and replace it with a freshly machined stock in a configuration you are more familiar with (Harley or Honda being the two I find easiest to find forks for). Lowrider Tommy can get machined necks pretty cheap. Actually, he can get all kinds of cool gear for import bikes and happens to be a major kick-ass builder in his own right. Tommy is a stand-up guy and one of the coolest people in the business. His site is http://www.lowridersbysummers.com/

Good luck on your build! If you get the chance, post some pics of your progress.

Midnight_Son · 10-24-2003, 05:03 PM

great info, thanks guys!
I sent an e-mail to franks forks describing what I want, if your right about the $200 dollar price tag, sounds like a good deal. I'll let you know what he says.

10-23-2003, 12:37 PM	#1 (permalink)
Midnight_Son The Cover Doesn't Match The Book Location: in a van down by the river	KZ 900 fork swap Hey kids, I’ve got a ’76 KZ900 that I’ve adopted as a winter project bike. Does anyone know what forks / triple trees will swap with the KZ frame head? I’ve done Honda CB’s but never tore into a KZ before and I’m having trouble finding sources for what I want. My goal is to give the bike more of a chopper stance, I also looked for fork extensions but couldn’t find anything. __________________ SWM, tattooed, seeks meaningful tits and beer. Enjoys biker mags, pornography, and Sunday morning walks to the liquor store. Winners of erotic hot dog eating contests given priority.

10-24-2003, 08:34 AM	#2 (permalink)
GSRIDER spurt king Location: Out of my mind	My experience with fork swaps, the problem usually lies in the brake lines. I tried to fit a Kawa 81 fork (but not triple tree) into a 77 GS. The forks were way longer and I had to get new brake lines to reach the calipers. __________________ No signature at this time.

10-24-2003, 05:03 PM	#4 (permalink)
Midnight_Son The Cover Doesn't Match The Book Location: in a van down by the river	great info, thanks guys! I sent an e-mail to franks forks describing what I want, if your right about the $200 dollar price tag, sounds like a good deal. I'll let you know what he says. __________________ SWM, tattooed, seeks meaningful tits and beer. Enjoys biker mags, pornography, and Sunday morning walks to the liquor store. Winners of erotic hot dog eating contests given priority. Last edited by Midnight_Son; 10-25-2003 at 07:41 AM..

10-24-2003, 02:11 PM	#3 (permalink)
Moonduck Junkie Location: SE USA	If all you want is extended fork tubes, get in touch with Forks by Frank, ie http://www.frankmain.qpg.com/ It ain't cheap, being about $200 for a set of tubes, but they are beautiful pieces, machined to fit your specific model, and done in polished stainless. I don't have a set on mine, but I know guys what do. They are awesome tubes and beat hell outta anyone elses for fit, finish, and overall value, not to mention that he can handle bikes that no one else touches. The standing advice is to hit the website and call the number there. I've heard that he's not too fast responding to e-mail, but phone works fine. As an aside, the kz900 is a bad-ass ride. I love my Hondas but I'd snatch up one of those old KZ's in a heartbeat if I could. Hit this site: http://www.kawachopper.2ya.com/ I find the paint a bit busy for my taste, but the execution is awesome and he documents the build in photos at pretty much every step. Last option to mention is to simply cut out the headstock and replace it with a freshly machined stock in a configuration you are more familiar with (Harley or Honda being the two I find easiest to find forks for). Lowrider Tommy can get machined necks pretty cheap. Actually, he can get all kinds of cool gear for import bikes and happens to be a major kick-ass builder in his own right. Tommy is a stand-up guy and one of the coolest people in the business. His site is http://www.lowridersbysummers.com/ Good luck on your build! If you get the chance, post some pics of your progress.