12\" Short shocks for Z1A????

Can anyone help me with what will fit a 74 Z1A as far as shorter shocks are concerned? I just want my bike to have a nice period muscle bike look. I'm interested in lowering the bike about 2" or putting on a set of shorter shocks. I have tried links and for whatever reason they won't fit the Z900 shocks that I have. I've heard that Harley shox will work, but I'm really tired of spending money on this bike to find that someones crazy backyard conversion on a forum doesn't work. I would really appreciate anyones EXPERT advice on a shock that will fit a 1974 Kawasaki Z1A.

Thank you,
JD.

first let me be the first to say welcome!
i noticed this was your first post.
you heard right.
sportster shocks will fit a kz. you just need to remove the sleeve in the upper mounting hole first.
i have a set on my 650.
i am not a "expert" but do work on these old girls enough to know what fits and what don't.

so, since you got a answer and i'm sure others will agree that this will work, it's time for us to start badgering you about showing us some pictures of your ride.

welcome and there is a world of info here and be sure to click the link in my signature. there is great info there also.
( and some tomfoolery )

Post edited by: kawsakiman, at: 2008/03/08 20:44

Welcome to the board. Another option besides the HD shocks already suggested would be to get a set of shocks from one of the Kawasaki Vulcan models. I've bought 2 nice sets off ebay and only paid $29.00 for the first set and $40.00 for the second set including shipping. These were both from a 500 Vulcan. You can also use a set from a 750/800 Vulcan and get a set that has both adjustable dampening and air adjust but they usually fetch a few more bucks. Here is a link to some pics of my KZ650-C1 with the 500 Vulcan shocks installed to give you an idea as far as the stance you wind up with.
kzrider.com/component/option,com_joomlab...w/catid,2/id,198090/

Post edited by: The Gringo, at: 2008/03/08 22:41

I too,would like to lower my bike a bit,but with any other shocks that I have looked at,there is no way it will clear the chainguard,or even the CHAIN in most cases.
The factory shock has no coils down near the bottom for that reason.
So who's using what shocks that DO get the proper clearances?(on a KZ1000):whistle:

Thanks

Sandy, I'm running the stock chainguard with no clearance issues at all. I'm not sure about the 1000 but I don't think they would be that much different than the 650. Here is a pic of that side.

Right on Gringo...thanks Bud.

So THOSE shocks came from a Vulcan eh...I'll look on the bay.

What(if you remember) was the length of those shocks you have,and what year and model of Vulcan?

Thanks again Bud.

Sandy, those measure 12" and they came off a 2002 Vulcan 500 but I just bought a set from a 2005 and they are the same shocks. I don't think the model year means a thing, they didn't change those bikes much other than color over the years.

Hey Guys,

Thanks for the help. I was fed up the day I posted that, so excuse my attitude. I will hit ebay 2nite and try to find a set...oh and my bike pics are on here in the Z1900 gallery. As of 2day it was the last few pics and a few in the middle when I started.

Thanks again,
JD.

sorry to bring up an old thread, but does anyone know if the shocks on other vulcan's will mount up to a kz550 ltd? I'm looking to lower mine and I think a 12" shock would be perfect. Anyone know if a set off a vuclan 750 would work mount up and/or what size they are?

Thanks,

Kevin

-sorry for not doing a proper intro. I promise I will when I get home with pics of the bike;)