Lowering my 1975 Z900

OK, I am looking for helpful info ( Not criticism please) for lowering my '75 Z900. Goal is 1"-2"
I am going to lower the front forks by raising them in the triple trees approx. 1 inch. I want to lower the rear and the only way I know of is to try a shorter shock, Bike is otherwise stock, 18" wheel on rear 19"wheel on front. Has anyone had any experience doing this???
I guess I will need a fairly "Stiff Shock" cause i am a hefty guy. Now I am sure sure there are plenty of $300.00 shocks, but I want something that is priced realistic.
Surely someone out there has knowledge of affordable shocks?? nI dont care if it was originally designed to fit a Harley, am wanting something that will lower it at least an inch without rear tire clearance issues during riding, BTW, I am a cruising type of rider, no crazy stuff, too old.
Thanks
TennesseeZ aka ED

there are some old lowering shock mounts that moves the bottom of your shocks back to lower it which also stiffens it up.

sportster shocks have also been used,it seems like you have to grind the bottom eyes a little to narrow em up enough to fit in the bracket.

i am wanting to say the sportster shocks are 11 1/2 inches which would be acouple inches shorter than your factory shocks.

hth,
leon

I was going to recommend a lower seat but it looks like you did that already.

You can buy shorter shocks or find a serviceable shock like the ZRX shocks and install a limiter. It's basically a disc that fits in between the shock piston and body of the shock limiting how far it expands. I've made them for MX shocks out of polyethlene rod.

May find some helpful info:
www.kzrider.com/forum/5-chassis/578706-l...t=20&start=20#580622

Good Fortune!

What is the size (such as 120/90-18) of the rear tire currently on the bike? Ed

I seem to recall that the shocks off a Kawi cruiser bike fit also. Can't remember the name but it was the one that sorta looked like a Harley from a few years back. It was mentioned in a topic on here awhile(years) back but that's about all I remember about it.

I think an older member here used Vulcan 500 shock on his 650 but I could be totally wrong.

Later, Doug

I put sportster shocks on mine. Had to trim the bushings flush with the eyes and drill out the top mount to 14 mm and sleeve the bottom mount to 10mm. Lowered the bike an inch and a quarter. Stock were 13.25 and Harley shocks were 11.75.

I have a 76 kz900 and am thinking of lowering the rear shocks as well. I was wondering if anyone knew what the shortest shock was that could be used on my bike without having to remove the inner fender or make major modifications? Would an 11 inch eye to eye progressive sportster shock work? Thanks.

I don't know the answer to your question, but if you do change shocks be sure to sell the S&W shocks that are currently on the bike; don't toss them. They are hard to find in good shape and will bring you at least $100. Ed

Yeah, I usually keep my original hard wear. I appreciate the original parts on my kz. I really just want a slightly shorter rear shock. On a side note, I have a complete engine from a 75 z1 900 as well. Is there a way to start it without connecting it to anything else to verify it is working? I might consider selling that, it has just been sitting around my garage forever.

Hi Bromz
Thanks for the info, looking at your bikes pic, is that a 16" rear wheel? Mine still has stock wheels front and back ( 19" front,18" rear) also just curious where did you buy the sporty shock? Where / how did you get the bushings for the shock? Is the Sporty shock "Stiff"?? I am, a big guy so while I want to lower the bike,I am a big guy ( 230lbs) I also worry about tire rubbing the rear inner fender. Had any interference issues? Or did you adjust the sporty shock?
Sorry for all the questions, try to do as much research as I can.
Thanks Again
Ed aka TennesseeZ