Lowering a 80 kz1000

Hey all, This is my first post to the site. I picked up a 12000 mile 80 kz1000 ltd last night. I love it and want to build a mean street bike. First things first, I need to lower it a coupel inches. Im thinking two or three inches. Im not worried about bottoming to much the roads around here are smooth if anything. What is the "right" way of doing this.

The correct way is to get shorter shock for the rear and install lowering blocks in the front forks. DON'T USE STRUTS in the rear. They do not play well with street tires.

The cheaper way is to get lowering blocks for the rear that move the lower shock mount back further. You can also lower the front end an inch or so by simply sliding the fork legs through the triple clamps.

You can also use the "Search Forum" functions as I'm sure I haven't covered all the methods available. Personally I would purchase shorter shocks and have the forks internally lowered.

Oh and WELCOME!

Later, Doug

short shocks and kz650 fork tubes on front

So were can I find the shorter shocks for the back and the lowering blocks or 650 forks for the front?

I got my lowering blocks for the front forks from Schnitz Racing, about $15 if I remember correctly.I've seen shorter shocks from a Sportster used before,my streetbike has 25 year old rear shock mounts that lower the back end about 2".
Make sure the rear tire doesn't rub on the inner fender...

so you have new (old) shocks or just shock mounts that lower the bike appropriately?

I found a set of kz 650 front end on ebay, says it is 34.5 long. Is that correct for the front? I am conserned with changing the geometry of the factory fron end will you get more travel from the 650 front end. (not really wanting that much travel now that I think about it though) just more performance

Just my .02, how much riding are you planning to do?
I've ran struts on the rear with no problem, been out of town (250) several times, but must omit the ride is extremely hard on your body. If riding a ways,like out of town, use shocks.


Here is a recent post on a front end for KZ900, should work for you as well.

kzrider.com/index.php?option=com_kunena&...ew&catid=5&id=240411

slugging the front end to lower it will play hell on your shoulders after a few bumps in road,shorter forks are safest bet in my experiance.

I lowered my 79 KZ1000 1" front and rear. 1" shorter 750 shocks in the rear and slide the front forks 1" in the trees. Two different brands of 4 into 1 headers drag.

yeah i know about draggin headers!:laugh:

in an effort to lower the front end I went on ebay and found a set of 650 frks. The ad states they are 34.5 inches. Is this the correct forks? Are there different 650 forks out there?