ZRX1100 shocks on a Z1?

Stock Z1 shocks (actually aftermarket shocks) are 13 7/8" eye to eye.
ZRX shocks are 14.25" eye to eye

I measured the sags from the center of the axle vertically to the bottom edge of the rear fender.

Stock shock sag
Free sag 15 1/2"
Static sag 15"

ZRX shock sag
Free sag 16"
Static sag 16" ???

Ride height was measured from the floor vertical to the center of the top shock mount.

Stock - 27 1/2"
ZRX 27 3/4 - 7/8"

Main issue is the chain guard. I was going to save mine but it was a little scratched so I decided I'd cut it and find an OEM one later for replacement, or not. There were burrs on the top shock mount studs I had to file down, not sure how they got there but since the ZRX shocks have a steel inner sleeve the top stud has to be clean. With the bike on the center stand, the swingarm hits the exhaust mount so you have to pry the bottom of the shock to insert the bolt.











Might hear a clunk when the suspension fully extends while riding. When I service the shocks I'll install a limiter so the shock's bump stop takes the hit.

Hello Kidkawie,
I have a 78 KZ1000 LTD on which I've installed a set of ZRX1200 shocks like you did.

I noticed my chain rubbed on the swingarm since doing the swap and I noticed on your post you have pictures that seem to show you modified the top preload adjuster.

The photos are blurry so I'm not sure how you modified them, could you send me pictures?

Thanks!

Im going to be taking these apart in a few weeks to shorten them a little, but Ill describe whats already been done.

You remove the stock spring prelosd "pin" and use the housing instead. The problem is the inner sleeve is only held in by friction now. I welded the inner sleeve to the outer adjuster ring. The left side shock is spaced out with a couple washers for clearance.

My plan is to install a limiter (like the last pic) to lower it about an inch.

Nice, thanks for the quick reply!
You want to install the limiter because it's still too long for your taste with the modified preload adjuster?

With the preload adjuster welded as I did, its inoperable. But the shocks stock are too long. You might be better off just installing a limiter and leaving the prelosd adjuster alone. You will need to shorten the spring though because you are adding preload by limiting travel.

And yes, I want the bike a touch lower.