Fork Dipstick for '80 KZ750E1

I was wondering if anyone has made a fork dipstick with the springs IN for a '80 KZ750 E1? I have read the service manual and know that with the springs OUT it should be 355mm (+ or - 4mm) from the top. Just trying to keep a) dis-assembly to a minimum and b) from re-inventing the wheel if I can.

Thanks in advance.

If the current fork oil is grey & dirty, you should go ahead & do the complete disassembly. Otherwise, the old goop that remains inside the forks after draining them will contaminate the new fork oil. i would go ahead & do the job correctly, install new fork seals, & be done with it,

There is a misprint in one of the manuals for oil capacity - I used 250ml 20 weight in each side my 750R, very similar to yours.

May easily fab a wood dowel dipstick for fork oil level

With correct level absent springs (per factory method), replace the springs, insert dowel, mark upper alignment with top of fork tube, remove dowel, mark dowel at oil level.

Dowel then has two marks, being one upper mark to align with top of fork tube and one lower mark to gauge oil level inside forks with springs inserted.

Good Fortune!

I made one from a brass rod and a small, adjustable clamp. I measured down from the clamp the required distance and scored the rod with a hacksaw. Now, by moving the clamp closer to or farther from the score, I can use it on a variety of forks.

If you want to get real fancy, you can go with one of these.
pitposse.com/fooillega.html
Basically pour the oil in, set the tube collar to the desired depth, and suck out the excess to the exact level every time. It was worth it for me when I was racing MX because I was rebuilding forks several times a year. It's also handy if your playing with oil levels to fine tune your suspension. 10cc can make a big difference. I'm sure you could improvise something a little cheaper for occasional use.
You'll still have to set the oil level by the manual (springs out) and then take a second measurement with the springs in for future use.

A baby snot sucker and a tube worked for me. :woohoo:
Steve