Air shocks

I've seen a handful of kz's with airshocks on them and just want to know what type of bike with airshocks would interchange with the kz 900 or 1000. The last bike I seen with this app was on was a 1976 900 that had a GS 1100 swingarm on it. It looked pretty cool. The rear fender hugged the tire like crazy and the seat was just above my knee. It was real knuckledragger. I wish I would've taken some pics of the bike. If anyone knows of this application and could let me know what type of bike these shocks come off of. I would be greatful. Thanks;)

my 1000 has air shocks on the rear, they say SW made in usa,

GS shocks are not eye to eye type like Kaw... they have a clevis fitting on the bottom so a GS shock will only work on a GS swingarm. I am not a fan of air shocks. Air doesn't dampen nearly as well most any other medium; including regular old oil filled shocks. When you have the amount of air set perfectly for two-up riding, the same setting will be jarring for solo. You can buy some Progressive 416s if you like and try them... the main advantage is the adjustability which is pretty good because of the wide ranges of air pressure that can be used. I had air shocks on my Voyager XII and they were harsh over rough roads when riding two-up. I prefer a premium oil filled shock. Progressive 12s with the correct springs are a nice choice for the KZ. Some KZs had air shocks I think... the 1100cc Spectre had them and probably some of the 1300cc models.

Thanks for the hit. I aswell prefer a premium oil filled shock. Me and a buddy of mine got into talkin about the air shock cuz where was taking his 1974 kz900 to the car wash yesterday and seen a guy with a 76 toolin down the road with air shocks and thought it looked cool. I was told once back in the day that some goldwang airshocks would fit but I didn't remember what year or size goldwang the said would fit. Something makes me wanna say like an early 80's 1100 size model. but I can't remember for the life of me. Also, The bike in my avatar has a GS swingarm with GS shocks. Maybe one day I will remember what kind of shocks that guy told would fit. :laugh:

Any Idea what the SW means? And what swingarm were you using? Stock kz, GS, or aftermarket? Thanks!

S&W Engineered Products was the company's name. Located in Cali

Cool beans man. I'll have to look it up and see what kinda stuff they have to offer. Thanks again.

I never looked to see who made the shocks, and I would agree with george, they are not the best shock to have on the bike, but they were on it when I bought it, and are chrome, yea,, got the bling bling thing,,,lol.

also, for some reason these are set up as seperate shocks, ie, has two valves, one for each shock, a real pain to get the right pressure in them.

I have a set of shocks for sale on the net. I think i still have a pic. They came off a XJ1100. Was holding air when i removed them. I polished them litely.


Ooops, i already sold them for $46.00 with free shipping. Roy

I had a 84 ltd700 4cyl. shaft drive. With stock air shocks front and rear.Dual disk front, rear drum brake.

Later, Boots