Fork Oil

I need to do my fork seals and was wondering what fork oil is everyone using. I do some "spirited" riding, but don't plan to race the bike or anything. Bike is a 1979 LTD 1000. I appreciate any recommendations. Thx!

Bel Ray 15w fork oil has worked very well for me for the past 36 years (I change it every couple years). Be sure to follow the instructions in the Kawasaki Service Manual regarding purging the old fluid and on how to properly measure the correct fluid level when putting in new fluid. Do no simply rely on a given number of CC or ounces of fluid, you must measure from the top of the fork tube with the tire off the ground. Ed

Good advice, thanks!

Can someone tell me the fork oil level for a 1979 1000 LTD? I believe it is measures with wheels off the ground fully extended? I can't seem to find it in the Clymer. Thanks!

when measuring the fork oil, the springs must be removed, then measure like Ed said,441 mm. from top of inner tube, to oil level, It'll be about160cc's, that's a ball park figure, so you must measure..Pete

pete greek1 wrote: when measuring the fork oil, the springs must be removed, then measure like Ed said,441 mm. from top of inner tube, to oil level, It'll be about160cc's, that's a ball park figure, so you must measure..Pete

Whether the springs should stay in place or be removed depends on the model bike. It's best to check the Kawasaki Service Manual for your specific model to see if the springs should stay in or be removed and to see what the correct distance between the fork oil level and top of tubes should be. That is only one of many reasons why it is important to have the Kawasaki Service Manual for the year/model bike you own. On the KZ650 models the springs must be left in place when measuring (see image below), but that is not necessarily true for all KZ models. Ed

Thank you guys. I actually have a Clymer and of course t's in there, however not where I thought in the "Chassis" section, but in the maintenance section Anyway thanks for motivation me to read my stuff! And yes it is 441mm with springs out.

Who has the best prices on the progressive springs for these? I've seen them on eBay for about $85 a pair, but not sure if this is the best price or not.
TIA

$85.00 is just about retail.

Ok, thanks. Next question is what is the right spring diameter for my 1981 KZ1000-K1 I see that there are 1.2" and 1.08" springs. Also who is a good source for new fork seals?

TIA

Stazi wrote: Ok, thanks. Next question is what is the right spring diameter for my 1981 KZ1000-K1 I see that there are 1.2" and 1.08" springs. Also who is a good source for new fork seals?

TIA

Contact Z1Enterprises.com. Their prices are better than those mentioned in this topic.
I didn't see the Progressive springs listed for your bike, but Z1Ent can probably get them.

The Progressive site lists their #11-1110 fork springs for the 1981 KZ1000-Ltd, but they do not provide any measurements.
I looked around but couldn't find any specifications.

As for fork seals, whatever you get, make sure they are made in Japan. OEM may still be available for your bike.
K&L parts are made in Japan & oem quality IMHO. I don't know if Z1Ent caries K&L fork seals any more, but they can get oem if they are still an Active Kaw part.

Stazi wrote: ... who is a good source for new fork seals?....

For fork seals part number 92049-1102,
click here > www.z1enterprises.com/ListItems.aspx?keywords=92049-1102

Good Fortune!