Topic: Can you use a k1 frame to restore a k4?

[mcuozzo]

I have a 74 that I'd like to restore.  Got a lot of nice parts to put on it (seat, tank, sidecovers, forks, ttrees, etc.), but the frame and engine are rough.  I'm having a hard time finding a titled 74K frame.  I'm too lazy and impatient to disassemble, refinish and rebuild.  I'd like to get a frame, refinish that and just move the good parts over.

I can however get a 71K frame with title.

So the question is can everything on the K4 be used on the K1 without much trouble?  Or will there be too many little differences - like seat mounting, chain guard fitting, etc.?  What about triple trees, forks and swingarms?  All the same?

Also is there value to the K1 frame?  Should I just pick it up as an investment?  Asking price is $125 plus shipping.



Thanks,

Matt

[ekpent]

Don't think at $125.00 it would be an investmant that you could retire on but you should be able to move the majority of the K4 parts over.As mentioned though the K1 did use a plastic chain guard that does have a different hole spacing.When you say restore though a K4 frame would be best if you plan on dumping a lot of dollars into it,future buyers will start thinking bitsa with the 71 frame.

[pencap914]

I have a 1975 K5 frame and a K1 frame. The K1 frame came with a engine out of a K4.... it gets complicated quickly lol but the moral of the story is yes, you can swap most if not all the parts over from a K4 frame to a K1. From what I see is that they are identical. All the electronics are in the same spot, battery, oil tank, engine all match up. The suspension is interchangeable as well.

I plan on using the K5 frame for my build only because it has current registration and a title in my name!