Harley-type rear shocks

I want to put some black, harley-type shocks on the rear of my 1980 kz750. What should I be looking for as far as sizes/specs for proper fit. I want stock ride height, if not an inch or so lower, but I need something that resists bottoming out better, too.

You can pick up take off Sportster shocks on ebay pretty reasonable. Stock length for your KZ is about 13 1/2" eye-to-eye. The problems with the Harley shocks is that the bushings are the wrong size, SAE vs metric. They will have to be pressed out and replaced. Also you will probably have to spread the lower shock mount on your swingarm. Harleys are a heavy bike so I doubt you will have any bottoming out problems. New shocks have to work better than 28 year old ones.

Of course if money isn't an object there are all kinds of fancy shocks like Progressives that will bolt right up...:laugh:

If you want some good shocks without breaking the bank check out www.mikesxs.com . I'm currently running the progressive wound black and chrome ones ($79.00 and free shipping) and am very impressed. I was running stock shocks that were in decent shape for being 30 years old and when I put these on it was like riding a completely different bike. Rear end is much more solid without being rough, cornering is a dream, and the responsiveness of the bike in general is vastly improved. All the sportster take offs I was watching were going for over $50 plus the typical rip off ebay shipping so the money was about a wash, for shocks that bolt right up and are easily as good (if not better) than what you'd get from the hardley ableson take offs. My $.02.

(before my carbs went into the shop) the front of my bike would really lift when I'd (barely) get down on the throttle from lower speeds. Will new shocks have a decent impact on that?

If I went with something half an inch shorter, would there be any interference problems?

I just replaced the stock rears on my 77 kx650 with shocks off of my buddies 05 suzuki boulevard. the backend sits just shy 2" shorter. as for the ride it is awesome, corners like a dream! I did have to reposition the brake line a bit but that was not a problem. all in all I am happy with the swap.

Ok. I was wondering if the chain would end up a little closer to the front edge of the chain guard

I didnt have that problem because I dont have a chain guard. I have thought about adding one in the future. unless it rubs. cant help ya there.

del

BeeSting wrote:

Ok. I was wondering if the chain would end up a little closer to the front edge of the chain guard

It won't have any effect on the guard, and give you a little more clearance between the chain and the swingarm pivot, but overall I doubt there will be a noticeable difference in chain clearance anywhere.

I'm in a reverse situation on my 80 750E right now, I put an aluminum swingarm with a thicker pivot point on, and jacked up the rear of the bike. Looks like an 18 tooth front and 45-47 tooth rear sprocket might lift the chain high enough to clear the pivot though.

The chain guard is attached to the swingarm, not the frame, so no concerns there.

Alright. And what about the front up coming up? I realize there's some to be expected, but it seemed excessive.

I used harley take offs I reused my old bushings (using some sockets and a table vise to push them out and then set them into the sporster shocks)

I also ground the shocks, instead of spreading the swingarm. I figured I would screw up the cheap shocks rather than my swingarm.

If you drop the rear end the stearing will feel more lazy, if you raise it the stearing will be more responsive; however you can get away with an inch eaither way before it gets to far off... (or so I have read)