Converting 82 Gpz750 to handlebars??

[tri650]

I guess I finally found the right forum.

Just picked up an 82 Gpz750 and want to convert it from the fork mounted bars to handlebars. I was told the triple tree from the KZ750 would work. I bought one off of ebay but when I got it I noticed the fork tube openings were spaced wider than on my Gpz. I measured from center of tube opening to center and the KZ version is about 1/4" wider.

I am not sure if a different model is a more precise fit or if I now need to buy the KZ wheel or if I can just put in a spacer for the wheel - assuming the 1/4 inch difference will need to be made up at the wheel. Any help or advice is appreciated.

Also, any other front brake swaps that can be made - looking for a dual piston set if possible.

BTW - this little 750 is a rocket. What a blast to ride.

[herk]

Not sure how much help this will be, but out of curiosity I checked the diagrams & cross-reference at Kawasaki.com. The 83 KZ750-L3 & 84 KZ700-A1 have the same lower triple as the 82 GPz750-R1, so the triple tree on one of those might work. However, those are rare bikes & the parts may be hard to find. You could cross-ref the steering head bearings etc to see what other models have the same parts there, then look into those bikes' front ends.

Something to consider is whether or not your meters will fit a different upper triple.

[kawpaul]

I would just run an eighth inch washer on each side down at the wheel.

[elr658]

82 ALREADY has tubular bars. You may have a later fork.

[quader98]

the fender off my E2 fit my gpz , what year triple did you get

[tri650]

I have never seen a 82 Gpz with a tube handlebar - I have only seen the bars that are attached to the forks. Am I missing something here?

[kawpaul]

None of the pictures I have seen have the tubular bars on the '82s.
Here are a few. BikePics - 1982 Kawasaki GPZ 750 Home Page on BikePics.Com

[quader98]

in reality the bars aren't attached to the forks they are attached to the upper fork holder by a bolt , 32x38 . just curious , why do you want to change them anyway

[tri650]

I went to bikepics also just to make sure and everything I saw there had the bars mounted to the top triple tree.

I like the feel of a handle bar and it gives me a lot more options in terms of height, pull, etc. I have 4 sets of handlebars laying around and would like to put them to use.

Yes, your description of how they are mounted was much better than mine.

[quader98]

I've been trying to figure this out all morning , Herk is right the lower triple is the same as the 750 L3 and the 700 A1 so the upper should fit but the air forks are different and i don't know if the forks on the R1 will work with that upper . you might have to swap the whole front out to do what you want to do

[quader98]

this guy has done the mod ,maybe you can email him to see what he used

http://oldskoolsuzuki.info/uk_lee/Th...37;20Build.htm

an A1 parts bike

1984 KAWASAKI KZ 700 PARTS BIKE:eBay Motors (item 250501139243 end time Sep-26-09 06:43:40 PDT)

here goes the trples off of an A1

84 Kawasaki KZ700 LTD KZ 700 KZ750 Tripletree Complete:eBay Motors (item 200376586130 end time Sep-22-09 20:48:41 PDT)

[kev.dainty01]

Have you thought about machining a billet or aluminium and putting bar clamps on the top (street fighter top yoke) then if you have different forks or part number parts it will not matter as you will drill the billet to suit the diameter of the top of your fork.

Regards Kev D

[tri650]

Quader98 - thanks for the tips. I missed the 84 triple tree but not sure if it sold. I sent him a note. Also asked the bike guy if he would part out the triple trees.

I have not thought about making my own triple tree - yet. I would rather buy one that will fit. I at least know what to look for now.

Thanks to everyone for their help and assistance.