Shock Length for 1981 GPZ550

  • Dorre
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Shock Length for 1981 GPZ550

21 Jul 2016 13:55
#735763
I'm in the process of restoring a 1981 GPZ550. It came with a set of Hagon shocks and they look to be in good condition but they are only 12.5 inches eye to eye.

I don't think this is correct as the bike sits very low in the rear.

Does anyone know what the proper shock length is supposed to be and can anyone recommend a good aftermarket road shock that wont blow the budget all in one place :)

Thanks in Advance

Chris

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  • Nessism
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Re: Shock Length for 1981 GPZ550

21 Jul 2016 17:07
#735767
I don't know exactly but most aftermarket shock fitment guides spec 335-350 mm long. I suspect the stock shocks are on the shorter side of this range.

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  • riturbo
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Re: Shock Length for 1981 GPZ550

21 Jul 2016 17:19
#735768
Just measured a aftermarket set I had in my garage They were on one of my 81 when i got it 13 1/2 inches . Both my 81 are at my other garage .. I can go by tomorrow and check the stock ones .
Gpz 750 turbo The one I ride
Gpz 750 turbo Not finished
Gpz 750 turbo Not started
Gpz 550 1981
Gpz 550 1983
Bunch of other junk

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  • Dorre
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Re: Shock Length for 1981 GPZ550

22 Jul 2016 05:31 - 22 Jul 2016 05:32
#735810
Thanks All. I thought it looked a little low on the backend.

Any recommendations on a decent replacement set?

Chris
Last edit: 22 Jul 2016 05:32 by Dorre.

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  • TexasKZ
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Re: Shock Length for 1981 GPZ550

22 Jul 2016 07:22
#735834
There seem to be a lot of happy Hagon owners out there. Ikon could be another good choice if they offer a set for the 550.
1982 KZ1000 LTD parts donor
1981 KZ1000 LTD awaiting resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough

www.kzrider.com/11-projects/620336-anoth...uild-thread?start=24

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  • TexasKZ
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Re: Shock Length for 1981 GPZ550

22 Jul 2016 07:29 - 22 Jul 2016 07:36
#735836
Scroll down to page 35---

www.ikonsuspension.com/download/ikon-catalogue.pdf

Hagon has the '81 GPz 550 covered as well.

www.hagonshocksusa.com/HagApps5.htm

I bet a quick call to either will get you on the road with a smile.
1982 KZ1000 LTD parts donor
1981 KZ1000 LTD awaiting resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough

www.kzrider.com/11-projects/620336-anoth...uild-thread?start=24
Last edit: 22 Jul 2016 07:36 by TexasKZ.

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  • Dorre
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Re: Shock Length for 1981 GPZ550

22 Jul 2016 08:35
#735840
Thanks to all. I this should get me going. I had hagons on a RD400 and was please with them

Chris

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  • riturbo
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Re: Shock Length for 1981 GPZ550

22 Jul 2016 15:33
#735889
Measured both bikes. Both have stock shocks . One was 13 the other was adjusted up it measured 13 1/2
Gpz 750 turbo The one I ride
Gpz 750 turbo Not finished
Gpz 750 turbo Not started
Gpz 550 1981
Gpz 550 1983
Bunch of other junk

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  • loudhvx
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Re: Shock Length for 1981 GPZ550

25 Jul 2016 10:01 - 25 Jul 2016 10:08
#736165
The factory shocks for the 1981 Kz550D1 Gpz were 13.75", center-to-center of the mounting points.

Most of the aftermarket shocks listed for that model will be around 13.5".

I prefer something closer to 14.0".

Z1 enterprises have some really good ones that are not too expensive. They are almost exactly the same length as stock. My buddy put these on his Kz550:
Hagons from Z1enterprises $220.
HSSA-35007-350. Can use black or chrome springs.
Eye-to-eye is 350mm (13.78").
Black standard springs are HSRS-Black-18. They are 18kg/100lbs. The spring's diameter is 60mm. These felt great on his bike.
Shock travel is 80mm (3.1").
Top bushing is 14mm x 24mm. Bottom bushing is 10mm x 19mm.
Last edit: 25 Jul 2016 10:08 by loudhvx.

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  • Dorre
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Re: Shock Length for 1981 GPZ550

26 Jul 2016 10:22
#736280
Thanks for all the information. This is very detailed.

Shocks ordered :)

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