TRIBUTE BIKE.

So the basic idea of this project is to take a 1979 KZ 1300 frame and other appropriate parts from a bike that i already have had for a number of years , remove it's original engine and replace it with a 1983 ZN Voyager engine , the object / aim  being to try and replicate a 1987/88 - essentially the last of the Kawasaki six cylinder  range -- the ZG 1300 .  The most powerful and refined and in some peoples minds, the prettiest bike of the entire 10 year production range.
There has been some suggestion through some AI searches that I have done that suggest that this engine swop has been done before- and there is at least one on a Facebook group - but there is no details of how it was done and the difficulties and problems that needed to be solved to create the finished bike. And to achieve a finished product as good as the factory bike is beyond my abilities -  the idea is to do as much of the project myself with my limited skill.  And accept the result .
So getting started , I have a contradiction right from the get go - the powder coated frame. 



The second - I couldn't get the swing-arm pivot / bearing off the main frame so I got a friend to do it .
I have slowly been gathering parts . I ordered new rear shocks . YSS list a shock specifically for the Z 1300 . This set came from the Netherlands . The hole size  for the top and bottom bushing is the wrong size . I have a support ticket open . No fix as yet .

 

 

Sounds like a fun build. Looking forward  to seeing how it goes.

KB

TackleHappy, I'm having the same problem...

Shared my findings here

Let's continue to document what we find here on this thread?

Don

I read your earlier post  about the shocks not fitting . And your measurements for the top and bottom shock mount shaft is the same  at 14mm. 


 

The other KZ I fitted the YSS shocks on about 13 years ago had the same issue . But back then I had access to a friend with a milling machine and workshop , so he pushed out the original bushings and made me new ones the right size. It cost a few dollars .
For these new shocks- YSS got the basic's correct - that is -mine are 14.25 inches long which for me gives the bike the correct stance - and on your new shocks , you have about  1/2 inch of length adjustability. And just importantly, the spring rate for a 600lb bike appears to be correct.  So I'm going to wait a bit longer for the seller to correct the bushing size problem. Mean while , looking on Amazon, or using the old oem bushings as mine still fit quite tight- if the outside diameter is correct. 

tackelhappy wrote:

 

 

I ran into a similar problem like this before and had new bushings machined up and pushed out the non-fitting ones for the new ones. Not a problem, just a pain in the ass. Better than sending the shocks back or waiting for the supplier to get new bushings made up and shipped.

Those mufflers look sweet !! Can I mabye ask you to post a pic of them and what brand are they ?? They look like the mufflers from a Z900 RS ?? Also wondering what they sound like. I like to ride with a fairly quiet sound unless I dial it up and then I want to hear the bark, but for the most part I prefer a glass pack sound. I laugh my ass off when I see Harley riders put ear plugs in just to ride around and annoy everyone else.