How uncomfortable are struts?

Send me a U2U. We can get together maybe to figure your ride out. I am in Michigan City,IN. Where were you exactly? I forget.....

-Matt

Thanks for the offer ten6. I am in Valparaiso, and my bike is currently up on the center stand waiting for my first attempt at lowering the forks. I am going to slide them out, remove the light mount ears, put an aftermarket set on, remove the air valve assembly, re-insert the forks into the tree, then put the air valve assembly on top of the tree.

I am not sure, but I think when I do this, I will not be able to use the light mounts anymore, as they look like they are spaced to have the air valve next to them, so I am going to pick up a set of cafe mounts.

My only other problem is what to do with the bars? My forks will be sitting over the tree by about 1 1/2". I bought a 1" bar riser, but am not sure it is enough. I guess I can use a longer spacer, or perhaps clip-ons?

Anyway, I would love some advice...Thanks

Sorry it took me so long...here's a long thread about seat construction, start-to finish. Let me know U2U if you run into anything you can't figure out.

www.kawasakimotorcycle.org/forum/showthread.php?t=16039

Hey i know this post is super old. But please please can you tell me where you got them or sell me your old struts? Much appreciated!!

Struts on a KZ650? Egads - why would anyone want to do that? :S Ed

Better wear a kidney belt. :lol:
Steve

Why not just fit shorter shocks ? ( as someone already said ) Most aftermarket shock companies do a range of lengths and some even build to your spec.. Try YSS or Nikon or even Hagon.
As for lowering the front end, Bar raisers come in many sizes. You should be able to find a set thatll give you enough clearance at the bars. Be sure not to go too far with lowering as you dont want to be banging the exhaust going over bumps or under hard braking and watch out for the top of the tyre hitting the inside of the rear mudguard.

Are you drag racing?

Way back I picked up a real nice set of home made alum struts that were a inch and a half shorter...... put em on and loved the look.... thought I will lower the fork a inch and lose around 4 lbs as a bonus. Then I tool it out for a 80 mile trip and felt like I was beat up after. When I got gas two diff guys told me how much they like the bike and both realized I had it lower and like that which surprised me.

Tried two more rides that week thinking maybe I'd get used to it but gave up. You can give it a try but am thinking you will not like it.

OH MY ACHING BACK JUST THINKING OF IT. :pinch:
Steve