I have an 87 KZ 1000 police special that the previous owner lowered by taking off the shocks and welding steel plates from the swing arm to the frame. It sits great for me as I'm only 5'-8" and its nice to be able to stand flat footed over the bike.
I took the freeway to work the other day and hit a pothole and nearly bit it as the back end flew up and out at least 9 inches. I'm done with the hard tail. I've been looking at Progressive shocks but don't have any idea which size to get.
The shock mounts are at 11" center to center currently in the rigid configuration and that's where I'd like it to stay. When the spec on shocks says 11" does that mean under load, bike and rider?
I went with 1" shorter rear shocks on my KZ1100A, and love the difference all the way around. I abandoned the stock air-ride set for a set of 412 Progressive 1201 shocks. Remember, you will likely need to purchase the springs separately for whatever set you determine is doable.
Contact Frank VanEess at Progressive Shocks...he is very-knowledgeable about the product.
