Topic: KZ650 - what parts can I swap for stock?

[elcid]

Ok I posted this same question over at kzrider but I got no response. I love you guys here so here goes:

I have an old kz650 sitting in back of my building that I want to turn into a ratbike bobber. My original plan was to do more of a show quality bike when I got it so I sold of a lot of parts that I thought I would not need. Well now budget & time dictate the change of classification to ratbike. I now need to get some parts on the thing to get it running:

I need a front brake (master cylinder & caliper) - what newer or sport bike type brake will bolt right on (will the newer ones be able to accommodate the thicker disc of kz?) with little or minimal mods?

I want a basic bottom mount headlight. Can you recommend any cheap basic bottom mount light? How & where would I mount it?

Also want new simpler handlebar controls. I saw some somewhere with just a few buttons mounted on a chrome little bar which would be mounted to the bars. Just some buttons for starter, horn, kill switch, hi-lo, etc. Something universal, simple & cheap.

integrated speedometer & tachometer. I know acewell makes a nice one but I want to see if I can find an analog one. Also I would like to know what year, make & model of old jap bikes made integrated speedo & tach.


Any tips would be appreciated!

[KB02]

Sorry. I didn't see your post on KZRider (I hang out there, too). But unfortunetly, I realy don't have many (any) answers for you.

As for the brakes, you'll be hard pressed to find a modern caliper that will bolt right on due to the design of the forks. Not that it's an impossible search, it's just going to be hard (Forks and Brakes are basically build to match one another p or a certain style at least).

As for the controls, just try some searches on the net. Pay close attention to the cruiser sections. A lot of times, you will find great stuff that you can "Make work" even though it was designed for something completely different.

[elcid]

Well I don't mind fabbing some sort of adapter plate. I am just curious as to what will accommodate a thicker disc? ANy bottom mount headlights out there? Or do i have to get a headlight & fab a mount?

[crazypj]

Some of the Suzuki calipers will accommodate a thicker disc if either the pads are a little worn or you remove the insulators from pistons.
You'll have to make adapter plates for anything modern as the bolt spacing got tightened up (I think Kawasaki went to 88mm bolt spacing)
Cruisers tend to use slightly thicker discs so they may be easier to fit.
PJ