KZ550 project

Hi, I am working on my 1984 KZ550 LTD Shaft drive. I am attempting a cafe racer build. My question is what is the best way to raise the rear of the bike a little. I need new shocks anyway. The one's I had were 13". Could I just get 14" shocks to raise it about and inch? Any suggestions would be great.

I am also still trying to figure out how I am gonna achieve the signature cafe racer tail if anyone has any suggestions for that.

Thnks Guys,

Clay

Good question. How sensitive is the shaft to being permanently at a steeper angle than it was before. Will the U joints wear faster?

Here is a cool thread on making a home made fiberglass cafe seat.





kzrider.com/index.php?option=com_kunena&...ew&catid=6&id=206578

yah, new longer shocks, a cafe racer isnt a long trip cruser so u joints will wear quicker but hell, it probably wont feel much different????!
see if you can pick up a cafe seat and tail off ebay or something. could be from another bike possibly.
you might have to do some mod, but fiberglass is forgiving if ya got the time, and paint.

take all the unneccisary stuff off,
short flat bars.
speedo
brakes


Im sure you got an image in mind, get it done man. Keep us posted.

longer shocks will def raise the rear of your bike. the cafe seat thing well go over to dotheton.com they have a whole section on building seats. There is even one for using an old army helmet as the bum stop. Youll have to use the old seat pan as the top rails of the subframe are not flat and straight. It can be done

Thanks for the insights guys, keep the suggestions coming. That thread link one of you gave was great. I have been thinking about tryin my own fiberglass tail since I have experience with the material but haven't pulled the trigger. I think that guys project has inspired me to go for it.

I have already done some things to the bike to get it toward my vision. The only major parts left are new shocks, cafe tail and seat, paint, and reassembly.

I just broke the engine down and replaced some gaskets because my middle head gasket was leaking slightly. I painted up the motor and its looking good. I have painted my fork tubes and head light bucket gloss black. I put new brake pads on it. When I get to a point where I can make some more progress on it I'll make a build thread and post all the pics.

Thanks again for the replies, Clay