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Sunday, July 31, 2011

Kawasaki ER6n-R ZX10R Front End Mod Part 3 - Which Triple Tree ?



After selecting the Fork and the caliper, next comes the hardest part of the whole equation..choosing the right triple tree. Now most mod websites will not highlight the consequence of selecting a wrong triple tree and most modders will have to learn the hard way...trial by error. What can go wrong if you select a wrong Triple. Well a number of things, namely:
  • You will have to do some modification to accommodate the steering stops, alter too much and you will compromise the strength of the triple tree member.
  • One has to forgo the original steering lock position or even live without having a steering lock altogether after the mod.
I had chosen to go for combination of Versys Lower triple coupled with a Z1000 upper triple for a number of reasons. First of all I wanted to retain the use of the Renthal type handlebar hence the Z1000 triple was selected. In addition to that, the diameter & the position of the Z1000 switch ignition barrel is identical to that of the Er6-n.










As you can see the Steering lock is engaged at the same position as the original ER6-n.

19 comments:

  1. What year z1000 was the top yoke off?

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  2. Got the Z1000 Top yoke from a 2008 model.

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  3. Hi, do you know if the top yoke from a versys would work with the 04/05 ZX10r forks?

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  4. Versys top yolk would fit as the diameter is the same 50mm but the choice of handlebars would be limited ..best bet is to use a set of 50mm clip ons.

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  5. can you use the triples from the 04/05 zx10r forks??

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  6. Yes, but you need to swap the stem with a versys as the zx10r stem is too short.

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  7. Will the ZX10 steering lock work at all with the 650? (Not a huge deal, but if I can't find a Z1000 upper, I'll use the ZX10 upper till I can find one)

    Will the 650's key assy bolt into the ZX10 upper?

    Will the 650 stock steering stem press into the ZX10 lower triple? (I have a friend that can weld new steering stops on)

    Have you noticed any issues with the 650 stock master cylinder with the new calipers?

    Thanks for the time you put into this! It's going to save me a ton of headaches.

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  8. Dont think the ZX10 upper will fit the 650 as its located on the other side I think. No issue with the Master cylinder with 650 caliper but I have since upgraded to the Suzy K9 Master cylinder for the extra bite. Think the 650 stem will fit the zx10 but I have not tried it before.

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  9. Alright, Thank you for the info. I will comment back here in the next couple weeks with what I find for sure on the answer to my questions. Kinda hoping and praying that it all falls together quickly after the ZX10 front end gets here... I hate riding with my front end slightly bent...

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  10. Well, Finally have all but the Clip-on's in and I have notes for you.

    The 650/ ER6 steering stem WILL fit into the ZX10 lower triple. But when pressed in, it must be to the same depth as it was in the 650/ ER6 triple, which would leave 1/2" of the zx10 lower extra.

    The 650/ ER6 Steering stem will NOT fit into the ZX10 Upper triple. The steering stem is 1mm too big for the hole.

    So, this poses an interesting problem... I'm taking everything to a machine shop tomorrow, and I'm going to see if they can make the zx10 steering stem 1" longer, or the ER6 1/2" longer to accommodate for the differences. Seeing as the 650/ER6 stem is steel, and the ZX10 is aluminum, I think it will be easier to lengthen (not to mention the massive difference in thickness...) Will keep you updated.

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  11. Thanks Stephen for Sharing....Do keep us posted .

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  12. I finally have results!!!!

    I had a new steering stem made, and it's pretty beefy. The shop added 1/2" to the bottom, by threading the center hole, and the hole in the extension piece, and putting a 2" piece of aluminum in it. They then welded the two pieces together at the seam, and machined it down to size.

    They should have added .75" in the middle tho. If I were to get it made again I would do that. I ran into a slight fitment issue with the lower race (easily fixed with a BFH and clamps) The other fitment issue was at the steering stem head nut (the part that holds the upper race against the bearings.) It was about 1/4-1/2" from being able to use the part with the dust cap on it. (I will figure out a way to modify the dust cap to fit in there soon) I'm only using one of the nuts, the upper clamp sits on it anyways so there's no real need for the lock-nut.


    Because of the fact that I have fairings, I had to drop the front end of the bike 2" to get the clip-ons to fit. This will be fixed in the future with riser clip-ons. (2-2.5")

    Pictures::

    https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/561210_10150791874462813_551172812_11586209_738409072_n.jpg

    https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/524490_10150792034477813_551172812_11587192_105838727_n.jpg

    https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/541688_10150793067327813_551172812_11594998_996766600_n.jpg

    https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/556366_10150793026037813_551172812_11594874_239031757_n.jpg

    I forgot to get a picture of the final steering stem... My bad...

    It's nice to have front suspension that actually works!!!!! =D

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  13. Do you know if a 03/04 upper triple clamp will fit a z1000 of the same year?

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    Replies
    1. Not sure if it will fit..pls check with your local bike shop

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  14. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  15. From my research, its best to use an 08. Depending on what lower you use; you may run into fitment issues like I am. I'm having to build a shim to get it to fit my 04-05 lower with extended stem.

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