Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C10, aka Kawasaki Concours - The Original => Accessories and Modifications - C10 => Topic started by: Chrome Megaphone on May 25, 2021, 09:28:40 PM

Title: ZX11 forks
Post by: Chrome Megaphone on May 25, 2021, 09:28:40 PM
I've been browsing brake upgrade threads and didn't see this solution; bolting on a complete ZX11 fork, wheel and brake setup.  Does anyone know if the steering stem will accept it?
Title: Re: ZX11 forks
Post by: connie_rider on May 26, 2021, 07:36:21 AM
I think that Rev Rider did it long ago. If I recall right, the stem works, bearings fit, but the Tripple tree had to be machined to allow full steering range.

Ride safe, Ted.
Title: Re: ZX11 forks
Post by: Chrome Megaphone on May 26, 2021, 08:42:46 AM
Thanks Ted!  :goodpost:
Title: Re: ZX11 forks
Post by: connie_rider on May 27, 2021, 07:28:11 AM
The key word in my note was "I think".
Someone needs to confirm my poor memory.

Ride safe, Ted
Title: Re: ZX11 forks
Post by: BruceR on May 27, 2021, 12:57:59 PM
Did Rev do ZX11 or ZZR forks?  I do remember someone having to grind off the steering lock tab. 
Title: Re: ZX11 forks
Post by: connie_rider on May 27, 2021, 04:14:57 PM
Unknown. Hoping someone has the details.

Ride safe, Ted
Title: Re: ZX11 forks
Post by: Stasch on May 28, 2021, 04:41:50 AM
It was a ZRX front end - there used to be a tech article by Randy Forsland in the official site's tech pages over site.

Not there right now, as the library is in the process of being repopulated from the recent site conversion.

Revised to add:  I believe Bergman was one of the ones that did a ZRX front end.
Title: Re: ZX11 forks
Post by: turbojoe78 on May 28, 2021, 05:23:12 AM
I did a ZRX1200 front end on my C10.  I believe Rev might have done a ZX14 and someone else has done a ZX9.

The ZRX front end is pretty much a bolt on with work needing to be done to the top triple tree to accommodate the ZG ignition.

The ZX front ends are upside down forks and need the center stem replaced with that of the ZG triple tree in order to bolt up to the frame.
Title: Re: ZX11 forks
Post by: Chrome Megaphone on June 16, 2021, 04:49:01 PM
Well I received a set of ZX11 forks and will post updates.
Title: Re: ZX11 forks
Post by: sport rider on June 17, 2021, 07:49:36 AM
I've not heard of the ZX11 being done, but will follow along and see how it goes for you.  I've done the ZRX change.  either the 1100 or 1200 will work.  it's a direct fit of the triple trees, but a few mods underneath the top triple have to be done for proper clearance, and to bolt on the key lock.

one thing I found was the zrx forks were slightly shorter than the stock ZG ones.  it changes steering dynamics a little bit.

FWIW, all the mods to the underside of the triple can be done with a simple grinder, drill and tap set.
Title: Re: ZX11 forks
Post by: Chrome Megaphone on June 21, 2021, 04:27:20 AM
I tried to trial fit the ZX11C forks to the Connie and was unsuccessful.  The bearings are too large for the races and steering stem is too large for the ZG bearings.

I did a quick search on ZX stem bearings and found they interchange with ZRX, at least according to one seller.  The forks are not upside-down.  Guess I'm left with pressing out the stem on the ZG triple tree and swapping that out but am unsure if the large ends are the same.

Hope so or this has been a huge waste of time and money.  :(
Title: Re: ZX11 forks
Post by: connie_rider on June 21, 2021, 07:42:20 AM
If memory serves, thinking the bearings are tapered roller bearings?
That makes it more difficult, but,,,,
You might be able to go to a bearing supplier, and find a set of bearings/races that fit the ZG bike neck / ZX stem bearings.
I've done that on projects over the years and was surprised to find bearings that did the trick.

Or (mebbe) you could install a ZG Stem into the ZX Tripple tree? (I think their pressed in)

Ride safe, Ted
Title: Re: ZX11 forks
Post by: Chrome Megaphone on June 21, 2021, 10:01:30 AM
Going to try swapping stems once I locate a press of a friend of a friend.  Failing that buying one from Harbor freight
Title: Re: ZX11 forks
Post by: connie_rider on June 21, 2021, 01:57:08 PM
Where are you? I have a press.

Ride safe, Ted
Title: Re: ZX11 forks
Post by: Chrome Megaphone on June 22, 2021, 07:01:18 AM
Houston area. 
Title: Re: ZX11 forks
Post by: Chrome Megaphone on June 22, 2021, 07:04:55 AM
Going to put the digital caliper to both lower triple clamps and make sure the bore is identical.  I really want the ZX forks ot only for appearance but safety as the engine is now essentially a GPZ1000 with shaft drive.
Title: Re: ZX11 forks
Post by: connie_rider on June 22, 2021, 10:09:16 AM
Perfect. I'm in North Houston.
I sent you a PM.
Give me a call.

Ride safe, Ted
Title: Re: ZX11 forks
Post by: Chrome Megaphone on June 22, 2021, 08:32:37 PM
Thanks for the offer Ted, and nice talking to you.    :)  I've mulled it over, since the ZG forks are rebuilt with new seals and bushings, polished, and have new 16/18 inch tires, I'm going to get this thing rolling on original suspension.

What I'm going to do with the ZX stuff is build a 88-90 ZX10 starting this winter!    ;D 
The 10 is not as fast as the 11 but the major used parts are much cheaper.
Title: Re: ZX11 forks
Post by: connie_rider on June 23, 2021, 06:43:41 AM
Ok, makes sense.
I was a little concerned about damaging something if we tried to push out the steering stem.

Let me know how your project goes..

Ride safe, Ted