Fork Swap | Installing Yamaha R6 Forks on a Kawasaki KZ650

The Yamaha R6 fork swap on the 1977 Kawasaki KZ650 finally comes together as we install the correct conversion bearings and fit the 2003 Yamaha YZF-R6 forks to the original KZ650 front end.

After removing the original forks, we fit the new bearing races and bottom bearing before test fitting the Yamaha R6 forks. Once the correct conversion bearings from All Balls Racing are in place, the installation goes surprisingly smoothly and the modern sportbike forks prove to be a good fit for the vintage Kawasaki.

With the forks secured, the KZ650 takes another major step towards its custom cafe racer front end. The R6 fork conversion gives the bike a modern suspension upgrade while retaining the overall character of the original build.