shocks

im thinking about replacing the struts im useing on a 1976 kz900 with a set of shocks,i want somthing a little nicer looking/performing then a set of harley take offs or a generic set from jcwhitney,i found a set on ebay item# 270148539555 i like the look but not sure if they will fit or even take the weight of a kz,i need a set that measures 13.5inches,anybody recomend anything?

I wouldn't go for those, they're not sprung for a 525lbs z and motorcross shocks wouldn't be a good choice anyway, too much travel and soft damping.
It's more of a budget thing than anything else. Marzocchi shocks work good and can be had for about $200 on ebay - try and get the nice aluminum bodied ones not the later, cheap steel ones. Koni or Ikon are out there too, they're nice as well. If you want to splurge Works performance or Wilbers are great choices. Progressive shocks are a happy medium I think you can have a set for about $240?

Post edited by: dutchz, at: 2007/07/27 15:35

I second the Progressive units. I replaced the old stockers on my '80 KZ1000 and couldn't be happier. I went with slightly shorter units (.75 in.). I slid the fork tubes up to match. I really like the lower ride.

hey thanks guys for the info,i found a set that i like from worksperformance ,they want alot of measurements/info so they can make them fit my needs,about 500bucks,not that bad think im gonna get them,they say about two weeks to make them up.

I ordered a pair of custom-made piggybacks from Wilbers USA and this is what I got for my $500. They were custom-made because of my use of the GS swingarm.
Upon receiving the shocks I called Klaus at Wilbers and he told me that if I got the same quality shock with the "Made in the USA" Wilbers name on them the pair would cost me 3 times what I paid for the YSSR Racing shocks.
YSSR shocks are designed and produced (in Thailand) by two former engineers from Wilbers. I have yet to give them a test ride :whistle: :whistle: :sick: :sick: but the damn things look fantastic!



Post edited by: kzrider, at: 2007/07/28 15:59

inline4 they sure do look fantastic!

Where did you bought the YSSR Racing shocks ?

Joozz wrote:

Where did you bought the YSSR Racing shocks ?

Yes, please, I want links here- I am upgrading my suspension, big time, this winter!

I mis-stated the name of the shocks in my previous post. The actual name is YSS Racing. Here is a new and updated link.
www.wilbersusa.com/

One more thing.............................
While examining the shocks I realized that the clevis bottom mount just unscrews from the shaft; meaning that the shocks can be easily adapted to a standard-type shock mount.

I tried EBay but after loosing a few bids I decided to take the plunge and get what I really wanted. I used Z1 to supply and pre-assemble a set of Progressive Shock units for the rear and Progressive Shock coils for the front. To match my riding style, I went for the lightest weight possible because I was looking for a softer ride rather than corner hugging control.

I was really looking for all chrome units so the look of the all black shocks with chrome coils is less stock than I was looking for but fit better into my budget.

Mounting was OK but much tighter to the plastic chain guard that the originals.

As you can see or maybe not so well, the PS shocks are larger at the bottom compared to the originals so they touch the black plastic chain guard. Works fine however.

Post edited by: bill_wilcox100, at: 2007/07/29 00:56