Bike Stability

I have an 1981 KZ1100 A1 with a Kerker 4into1. The pipe/header combo is, I guess, very low to the ground. In some right leans I've heared the header joint scrape the road, so I am wondering if I can replace the springs and shocks with progressives taller than stock so that I'll have more ground clearence. Will replacing the stock shocks and springs work for what I'm trying to do? Will it be safe? Will a higher-than-stock height diminish the bike's stability?

i prefer low sitting bikes myself,they tend to handle better and ive learned to live with pipes dragging.thats why i like black headers,easy to paint!:laugh:

Hi Tim,

You certainly can vary the height of the shocks. One way is to adjust the preload to the highest setting. If you choose to fit taller shocks be aware that you will be changing the fork geometry and will make front end turn more quickly. If head shake has ever been an issue your bike will be more prone to it with the rear end raised.

KZCSI

It kind of seems like it might be easier to modify my driving behavior, then, than it would be to add longer shocks than stock. Adjusting the preload's good idea. But leaving the back-end higher than the front forks/springs seems like I'm asking for possible safety issues that I otherwise can avoid. It doesn't seem like I'd want to raise the bike without taller forks too, so that I balance out the bike toward center (yet at a taller than stock height).

Maybe the answer is to replace the original shocks with new Progressive replacements and new front Progressive springs. Shouldn't the replacement give me a half inch or more back to my bike's height?

Progresive springs wont change the front end height at all. They may be stiffer and not bounce as hard but the length will not change.
Replacing tired old shocks in the rear can raise the seat height an inch or two or three depending on how loose they are and how heavy you are. I have no clue how that will effect ground clearance though.

I switched to a set of Sportster shocks that are an inch taller than my stockers. I LOVE the handling difference!

If your bike is prone to front end wobble then you need to address that issue, like switching to tapered roller steering head bearings and fresh wheel bearings and swingarm needle bearings, plus making sure everything is aligned and greased properly.

New shocks are much nicer on your arse and the bike has a better feel and will handle nicer because (ideally) the rear wheel will spend more time on the pavement and less time in the air.

I also have a Kerker 4-into-1 and I don't drag it in right turns.

Well, I bought the 416's, so I'll have them put on soon. The front end'll get new springs too. I bought what was recommended to me by the products wizard over at Progressive's website. There was only one 13.5 inch standard choice. That's fine. I'll see how that works for me. I can then try some Sturgis wheels that are a 1/2 inch larger in diameter. I will change my driving habits if that's not enough.

You won't have to change your driving habits.

Please tell us about the difference.

KZCSI