Shock Advice

Hi all. It’s been about seven years since I last posted…basically since the last time I needed help. After selling my KZ before a move, I finally managed to score another. It’s a 1979 KZ1000 Shaft drive with Vetter fairing, saddle bags and trunk. I’ve been riding it now for a couple of months and now I think I’m ready to change it up a bit to suit my wants.

First order of business is the rear shocks. On my 1996 KZ1000P, I bought an old pair of progressive and had them chopped (I don’t remember by who, but they came recommended at the time) and I loved the look and feel. I was going to head in that direction again (not chopped, but a shorter shock maybe) and would like to know if anyone has any experience with going with a 12” or 11.5” on this type of bike with the luggage. I don’t want to scrape, but I’d like to go as low as I can comfortably go.

I’m thinking of adding an accessory plug (or two) for my phone and changing the seat. I really liked the solo seat from the copcycle, but it doesn’t really fit correctly. I’ll probably have to get some custom work done locally.

Thanks.

Chris

Lowering a little wouldnt be bad as long as you werent carrying anything super heavy, I lowered my 76 900ltd 2 inches in the rear n i gotta really watch it on any bump over 2 or 3 inches and thats without any bags or passengers. hope this helps


Joe

Hmm, I should probably limit the drop then. I would like to go the whole two inches, but with the weight of the luggage (plus the 60 pounds of “whatever” in them), I think that may be a bit much. Wish there was a way to try them out instead of shelling out a bill or two and risk getting stuck with them.

Did you have a center stand on your 76? I think that hit more often than anything on the police bike.

Thanks for the reply.

I think with a two inch drop you will need a lot stiffer spring to keep it of the tire loaded and then be to stiff to ride unloaded.