1000 ST frame for a chain drive build

[Andy M]

Has anyone here used the Kawasaki Z1000 ST frame for a chain drive build? Not only converting shaft to chain I know its been done, more so a resto mod as the term seems to be, the ST frame is heavier and stronger and some use it for drag racing. Often ignored due to being the runt of the litter. Plus of course they have a bit more room for a big swingarm. Any links to any info or builds?

[Z1streetfighter71]

Has anyone here used the Kawasaki Z1000 ST frame for a chain drive build? Not only converting shaft to chain I know its been done, more so a resto mod as the term seems to be, the ST frame is heavier and stronger and some use it for drag racing. Often ignored due to being the runt of the litter. Plus of course they have a bit more room for a big swingarm. Any links to any info or builds?

Hey Andy, kinda right in the middle of doing exactly that, been shelved for the most part but i do tip away at it from time to time durin the week, conversion is done and the running gear is 80% as is the bodywork.

Im going for the Z1000 MK2 look as ill never be able to afford the real thing. Feel free to ask away.

[Z1streetfighter71]

Quick shot of the engine.

[Andy M]

That's the type of thing I'm on about. A poor mans MK2 if you like .

[Ultim8pc]

I'll keep my eye on this thread..

[Mathh]

Hi Andy. I see you have your own topic on such a build. In my topic I gave you a remark about the weight you're going to shed when building a restomod. Succes with the build.

[Gus]

Im going for the Z1000 MK2 look as ill never be able to afford the real thing. Feel free to ask away.

What have you used and how did you fit it?

Gus

[Z1streetfighter71]

Ill give you the short story mate...

96/98 CBr900rr forks with custom extensions for the 55mm loss. I just love the Showa Cbr forks. The are the poor mans Öhlins.

Mk1 bandit 1200 swingarm, cbr 900rr rear wheel, bandit 1200 caliper, the rest things get a little detailed..i wouldn't follow this route there is a lot of machining and messing and the only reason i went this way is i wanted the 6 spoke look and the same set up will be on 3 of my bikes.

[Z1streetfighter71]

I still have to get the custom top yokes done but other projects/jobs need to be finished first, time and money mate.

[Bert]

So is this a MKII motor or an ST with a conversion? What parts are required to make the swap? Only asking as thinking of going similar route with my project.

[Z1streetfighter71]

So is this a MKII motor or an ST with a conversion? What parts are required to make the swap? Only asking as thinking of going similar route with my project.

This is a shaft conversion Bert but i have got my hands on a 1980 Z1000mk2 engine recently but ill be sticking with the Shaft for now. There is not much to it, its best to have a complete output gear pack preferably off a 79/80 z1000ltd as its a Mk2 motor too, a gear selector a bits and an engine sprocket cover for the same or one off any Z1000 J motor including Gpz1100. I can walk you through what i did if you want to head this route. Iv shelved the project for a few months till im done with me Z1 and Z1r but the engine is back on the bench.

[Bert]

Great! I would love love love to find a good MKII engine but they are thin on the ground so converting an ST motor seems to be the best approach.
I'll start looking for the parts you mention. Guessing the crankcases will need splitting to swap the main shaft over?
My only other route is to pick up an earlier motor and swap all the outer casings for ST/MKII to give it the correct look.
Cheers, Rob

[Z1streetfighter71]

Great! I would love love love to find a good MKII engine but they are thin on the ground so converting an ST motor seems to be the best approach.
I'll start looking for the parts you mention. Guessing the crankcases will need splitting to swap the main shaft over?
My only other route is to pick up an earlier motor and swap all the outer casings for ST/MKII to give it the correct look.
Cheers, Rob

Thats the funny thing, i always thought that the alternator/generator cover bolt pattern on the Big4 engine differed from the Mk2 motor but the engine i have came with an original 73 to 78 cover. I think ill take a snoop tonight after work.

[Bert]

Pretty sure all the early motors share the same outer casing surface profiles as the ST/MKII

[zed1015]

Pretty sure all the early motors share the same outer casing surface profiles as the ST/MKII

Everything is the same except for the different bolt pattern on the MK2/ST inner trans cover that holds oil seals .