KZR's Bikes of the Month for 2024

Front forks

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07 Jul 2023 13:58 #886962 by Beaner242
Front forks was created by Beaner242
My front forks are just working off the spring compression. If I add a little air pressure, when I come out the next day they are low again. I’ve never rebuilt forks before. I’m assuming it’s just new for seals? Thanks. 

1982 KZ1000K LTD Chopper

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07 Jul 2023 14:17 #886963 by Nessism
Replied by Nessism on topic Front forks
Air forks were a fad of the KZ era.  They leak, and air forks commonly have more stiction because the seals are being pressed into the stanchion tubes.  OEM's discontinued using air in the mid/late '80's, because of those reasons.

If your springs are too soft, it's advised to get some new, stiffer, springs, and ditch the air entirely.  Sonic springs is a great source.
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07 Jul 2023 14:46 #886967 by Beaner242
Replied by Beaner242 on topic Front forks
I’m used to riding it this way at this point. LOL. Just thought I would fix it if it was a simple problem. Thanks

1982 KZ1000K LTD Chopper

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07 Jul 2023 14:57 #886969 by Ojisan rider
Replied by Ojisan rider on topic Front forks
For you (or anybody else) to change the fork seal, you need to disassemble the front fork. For your question, yes, it's just as changing the seal, assuming nothing else is leaking (Like air valve or fork top).

But as I mentioned, you need to disassemble the fork, need to measure the fork oil, yada yada yada.............................. So why not do it the right way and get some spring, ditch the air system and not have to worry about it down the line (depending on your riding/situation, you need to change the fork seal every few years if you want to keep the air system).

I got Sonic spring as well. Detailed instruction included, so it's pretty much bolt-on. I'm still working on my bike so haven't try it on the road, but initial feeling is much better than the stock setup.

82' KZ750-R1 cafe racer style. Clip-on, Rear set, Fork-Brace, Mikuni Flat-slide (forgot the size), Kerker.
84' GPz750 (basket case). everything are in pieces.
89' ZX750-H1 (ZX-7 Ninja). Resurrection project are on going with my KZ750. Everything is stock.
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07 Jul 2023 16:30 #886971 by Beaner242
Replied by Beaner242 on topic Front forks
What is the website to get these springs?

1982 KZ1000K LTD Chopper

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07 Jul 2023 20:47 #886976 by TexasKZ
Replied by TexasKZ on topic Front forks

1982 KZ1000 LTD parts donor
1981 KZ1000 LTD awaiting resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough

www.kzrider.com/11-projects/620336-anoth...uild-thread?start=24

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16 Jul 2023 10:08 #887296 by Deuce
Replied by Deuce on topic Front forks
Do the Sonic springs come as 1 for each side or are they a set of 2 per side, like stock?  I'm having problems with my bike feeling like it's got heavy steering.  
I took them out yesterday to check fluid level and I measured the springs.  They actually measured a little longer than what the manual says.  

www.flickr.com/gp/162005819@N03/J055kUZ1a8


1982 GS1100G
1997 Yamaha Vmax
1979 Kawasaki 1000

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16 Jul 2023 10:59 #887297 by Nessism
Replied by Nessism on topic Front forks

Do the Sonic springs come as 1 for each side or are they a set of 2 per side, like stock?  I'm having problems with my bike feeling like it's got heavy steering.  
I took them out yesterday to check fluid level and I measured the springs.  They actually measured a little longer than what the manual says.  

One per side, along with a hunk of PVC pipe, for making spacers.
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17 Jul 2023 13:21 #887344 by Kidkawie
Replied by Kidkawie on topic Front forks
For the record, Ive been doing MX and streetbike suspension for 12 years or so.  The RaceTech "one size fits all" fork springs are (expletive) garbage!  Find a company that makes, or will make, proper springs for your bike.  The twin spring setup is a dual stage setup.  Its used on alot of older bikes both forks and shocks.
With old damper forks you can play with oil weight/capacity, mod the dampers (drill), install emulators, etc.

1975 Z1 900
1994 KX250 Supermoto
2004 KX125

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18 Jul 2023 14:40 #887382 by gordone
Replied by gordone on topic Front forks

1981 KZ650-D4, with 1981 z750L engine (Wiensco 810 big bore).

Project:
www.kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/607213...sr-1981-z750l-engine
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  • 10 22 2014
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18 Jul 2023 21:40 #887399 by SWest
Replied by SWest on topic Front forks
Been planning on installing them, keeping my stock springs and dialing them in to see how they work. Already have the dampening rods mods done to accept them. The progressive springs I have in now provide a nice smooth ride but I suspect they are the culprit making the front end feel light at a ton. We'll see. 
Steve 

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