Swaying

Ok, did some checking as per recommendations above. There is no movement in the stem whatsoever.

There does appear to be just a little bit of give in the swingarm. How much is acceptable? Also, does it matter if you check with the rear shocks hooked up?

Also, not to call out any names, or anything, but a certain leadfooted hot rodding maniac speed demon mechanic whose initials are jccwall just "accidentally" broke the chain while out on a "test ride". I'd noticed the chain was a little loose when I looked at the rear wheel after it started and stopped the swaying the other night. Could the chain somehow be involved in the swaying?

Post edited by: seanof30306, at: 2008/02/08 17:35

I would think you might get a better "feel" if shocks were unhooked. Just remember that swingarm will drop to floor when last shock bolt comes out! And not that it's causing your problem but I would drop tire pressure back to specs. Check sprockets, now is the time to change them also, a new chain on old worn out sprockets is a waste of money. Z1 has all parts you need.

Post edited by: Bluemeanie, at: 2008/02/08 17:51

Bluemeanie wrote:

Check sprockets, now is the time to change them also, a new chain on old worn out sprockets is a waste of money. Z1 has all parts you need.<br><br>Post edited by: Bluemeanie, at: 2008/02/08 17:51

Sigh .... yes, I know Z1 has the parts. I should be a stockholder by now.

Stock is 530, right? Since I have to replace the chain and sprockets, is there a better size?

Post edited by: seanof30306, at: 2008/02/08 18:36

Yes, it's a 530. If it's a standard KZ650 (not a CSR) stock gearing should be 16/42. I ran 15/42 for about 15 years, better accelleration, about 500rpm higher at 70mph. On WOT 1st gear comes up REAL fast, going back to 16/42 bike is much more ridable. You could go 17 on front (make sure enough room) or drop a few teeth (not sure how many) on rear to drop your highway rpm's. Don't drop too much as you'll have to ride your clutch to take off. But 16/42 is factory setup. Sprocket size really depends what kind of riding you want to do.

Its a long shot, maybe when the rear bushings get warm they loosen up. I have a pair of brass bushes on order myself. if you are pulling the rear wheel and chain anyways.....:whistle:

Ok,

With the rear shocks off, there is just a little movement in the swingarm.

How much is acceptable?

seanof30306 wrote:

Ok,

With the rear shocks off, there is just a little movement in the swingarm.

How much is acceptable?

None.

seanof30306 wrote:

Ok,

With the rear shocks off, there is just a little movement in the swingarm.

How much is acceptable?

There should be no movement whatsoever.

I remember one of mine had just 1/4 inch of movement and I could feel it like you describe. I ended up re-doing the bearings (my model had bearings, not bushings) and it solved the problem.

seanof30306, any progress on your "swaying"???
We like to hear if we solved the problem, also lets the next guy with same prob know most likely cause. Thanks...

Post edited by: Bluemeanie, at: 2008/02/18 10:51

I ordered swaybar bushings and wheel bearings just to be sure. Hope they'll be in any day now. Will update.

update,

replaced swingarm bushings and new chain and sprockets. as of saturday and monday morning no swaying noticed.

"leadfooted hotrodding maniac mechanic"

Replaced the swingarm bushings. Since we were replacing the rear sprocket, too, I figure we might as well put in new wheel bearings as well.

I've put about 200 miles on it, so far, and it's been perfect.

Thanks for the help.