Retro fitting ZRX1200 KYB Shocks to '80 Z1R

Hey dudes...

I have access to a great new pair of Ohlin's shocks for my project, but have been doing some economical thinking; I might be able to save a few $ and run a set of the piggy-backed KYBs that come stock on the 'Rexs.

Has anyone on here attempted this? If so was it an easy swap or an involved nightmare?

Thanks in advance!

-Mike

ill take the Ohlins!!!!!!!!

Thanks Kano,
Just contemplating saving a few $, but the Ohlin's are my first choice as well!

The real question is can the ZRX's KYB shocks be swapped easily, or will I be tinkering up a storm?

The ZRX shocks are very long. My good friend Norm Wilding (Kawabusa fame) moved the top shock mount on one of my bikes upwards and forwards to get the bike to sit level.

Gotcha, thanks Jeff.

A little long would be fine, but very long (to the point where tabs are cut and repositioned) is not where I'd like to go, ya know!?

But, then again...

If I do purchase the Moriwaki Monaka exhaust as planned, the passenger pegs need to be removed, they use right as a mounting bracket and new pegs would require some welding. Hmm...

Or...

Give up the Moriwaki dream and go true to the era and get the Kerker system, bolt that on and go Ohlins - no cutting/welding.

Whatya think?

shocks that are designed for your application will always be less headache to get right and probably your best result.if you don't mind making some compromises and chaseing handling issues go for it.
mark1122,has the zrx shocks and has been doing a lot of studying trying to get the handling he wants and it is looking like shorter shokc are going to be what it takes.i believe that there are some pics of his bike in the gallery.keep us posted,

leon holmes

Kyb shocks are 14 1/4" long. this will raise the rear and decrease the front rake. the bike will handle better, but u will experience excess chain ware, if u don’t run the chain looser, and add a tension er. This is due to the new angle created as the swingarms droop angle goes from 5* to 10*. As the rear end compresses the chain will over tighten, if u don’t provide enough slack.

Mark, what type of chain tensioner should I research?

maybe like this?


leon holmes

i wonder why you couldn't take the zrx shocks apart and cut the chrome rod down and re-thread it then get a shorter spring from eibach or race tech or some such,hmm.

leon holmes

Thanks for the reference, Leon. I am going to give the KYB's a go as they are, first, then go from there. I am expecting the eBay purchase towards the end of next week, I'll keep you posted.

I am tearing into my '87 XL SuperMoto monster project this coming weekend, as the moto season is winding down up here. I am getting the shock, swingarm, rear disc setup, etc. to work from a '98 XR650. The front and rest of the bike are all together (see link) www.madesignonline.com/htdocs/images/retard.jpg and this will be a final peice of the puzzle prior to complete dissasembly and, paint/powdercoat of a few parts. It's a ripper!

-Mike

Just make sure you don't do this: