Chain/shock problem
- Lnovak7493
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Chain/shock problem
30 May 2017 20:08
My rear wheel assembly is put together correctly. I used a shop manual. My rear sprocket is a 38t. 630 chain. Stock rear shocks. Chain hits the shock slightly. Ive tried tightening the chain, loosening the chain. Its in soec right now. What is my problem? Is the sprocket to big? The sprocket is not stock i dont believe.
1981 kawasaki kz1000-k1 ltd
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- 650ed
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Re: Chain/shock problem
30 May 2017 20:17 - 30 May 2017 20:17
I HIGHLY recommend you add your bike's year and exact model to your signature line. It's very simple to do, and once you've added it you won't need to remember to include it in the text of your postings every time. Doing that will help others help you. Ed
1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)
Last edit: 30 May 2017 20:17 by 650ed.
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- Patton
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Re: Chain/shock problem
30 May 2017 22:04
Creation of a signature in a poster's profile is a means to include information about bike year and model in each post, which is helpful to viewers. The signature helps avoid needing to search though the thread in hopes of finding the information.
While it may sometimes be possible to comb through another member's various earlier postings among other threads in an effort to help guess what make and model is being referred to, I suspect that many members who are normally generous toward posting helpful replies will simply pass and move on without bothering to comb.
It's easy to put information in your signature where it shows in every posted message, past and future. And the signature may be changed whenever and as often as desired.
Here's how:
Good Fortune!
While it may sometimes be possible to comb through another member's various earlier postings among other threads in an effort to help guess what make and model is being referred to, I suspect that many members who are normally generous toward posting helpful replies will simply pass and move on without bothering to comb.
It's easy to put information in your signature where it shows in every posted message, past and future. And the signature may be changed whenever and as often as desired.
Here's how:
Good Fortune!

1973 Z1
KZ900 LTD
KZ900 LTD
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- martin_csr
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Re: Chain/shock problem
31 May 2017 05:39 - 31 May 2017 05:44
You may need to post a photo or two.
In the diagrams at Partzilla for the 1981 KZ1000-K1 Ltd, the stock rear sprocket is 39T.
Before removing the rear wheel did you happen to notice how much clearance there was between the chain & shocks?
A couple of possibilities is that it could be assembled wrong or maybe the shocks aren't stock.
I had a problem with the chain guard rubbing Sportster shocks, but not the chain itself.
In the diagrams at Partzilla for the 1981 KZ1000-K1 Ltd, the stock rear sprocket is 39T.
Before removing the rear wheel did you happen to notice how much clearance there was between the chain & shocks?
A couple of possibilities is that it could be assembled wrong or maybe the shocks aren't stock.
I had a problem with the chain guard rubbing Sportster shocks, but not the chain itself.
Last edit: 31 May 2017 05:44 by martin_csr.
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- Lnovak7493
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Re: Chain/shock problem
01 Jun 2017 15:03
I recieved the bike torn apart. It was a frame with a engine in it then a milk crate of parts and bolts
1981 kawasaki kz1000-k1 ltd
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Re: Chain/shock problem
02 Jun 2017 08:53 - 02 Jun 2017 12:47
Since it was in pieces, you can't really be sure if everything is stock. Using the diagrams at partzilla & eebbaayy photos, I would check to see exactly what each part should look like, preferably pics of nos parts. I would also compare the diagram in the manual with partzilla to make certain everything was assembled correctly. maybe a wrong part is mixed in or it was assembled incorrectly. Other than that, I have no idea, but this is one of those cases in which a photo might be helpful.
Last edit: 02 Jun 2017 12:47 by martin_csr.
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- Lnovak7493
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Re: Chain/shock problem
03 Jun 2017 16:02
It only goes together one way correctly so im confused on if im missing a washer or if my shocks need to be switched out to something thinner
1981 kawasaki kz1000-k1 ltd
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Re: Chain/shock problem
03 Jun 2017 16:13
I suspect it's the spacers in the wheel. There's not enough threads showing in the castle nut.
Steve
Steve
Z1b1000 1975 Z1b
kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/598262-kz-...-will-it-live#672882
kzrider.com/forum/2-engine/597654-poser?start=240#704229
kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/598262-kz-...-will-it-live#672882
kzrider.com/forum/2-engine/597654-poser?start=240#704229
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Re: Chain/shock problem
03 Jun 2017 18:29 - 03 Jun 2017 18:32
The sprocket doesn't look right to my eye. There appears to be a gap between the sprocket carrier & sprocket. I think the sprocket should be flush up against the carrier. The manual has a pic which also shows that there is a spacer visible against the chain adjuster. pg 2-15.
I'm not familiar with the KZ1000 K Ltd, so I could be wrong.
Keep in mind that the bike was in boxes, so who knows whether or not everything is correct.
I'm not familiar with the KZ1000 K Ltd, so I could be wrong.
Keep in mind that the bike was in boxes, so who knows whether or not everything is correct.
Last edit: 03 Jun 2017 18:32 by martin_csr.
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- 650ed
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Re: Chain/shock problem
03 Jun 2017 19:09 - 03 Jun 2017 19:10
I have a couple observations –
You state “My rear sprocket is a 38t. 630 chain.” The stock sprocket had 39 teeth (see 1st image below). The sprocket in the photo you provided appears to be marked for 37 teeth (see 2nd image below). This may at least partially explain why the chain adjusters are set so far out.
However, installing the larger 39 tooth sprocket would likely cause the chain to contact the shocks even more. That makes me believe that a spacer may be turned the wrong way around or installed in the wrong spot. Also, notice in the 3rd image below the sprocket nuts are running way too close to the lower shock mount bolt. The 4th image below shows the spacer on my KZ650-C1. You can see there is a bit more of it between the sprocket and swing arm than on your bike.
What I don’t understand is this – if you were to change the spacers, theoretically correcting them, such that the sprocket and wheel moved a bit toward the right side of the bike it would seem to me that the brake rotor might then come in contact with the brake caliper. Can you tell if the rotor currently is centered inside the caliper? Ed
You state “My rear sprocket is a 38t. 630 chain.” The stock sprocket had 39 teeth (see 1st image below). The sprocket in the photo you provided appears to be marked for 37 teeth (see 2nd image below). This may at least partially explain why the chain adjusters are set so far out.
However, installing the larger 39 tooth sprocket would likely cause the chain to contact the shocks even more. That makes me believe that a spacer may be turned the wrong way around or installed in the wrong spot. Also, notice in the 3rd image below the sprocket nuts are running way too close to the lower shock mount bolt. The 4th image below shows the spacer on my KZ650-C1. You can see there is a bit more of it between the sprocket and swing arm than on your bike.
What I don’t understand is this – if you were to change the spacers, theoretically correcting them, such that the sprocket and wheel moved a bit toward the right side of the bike it would seem to me that the brake rotor might then come in contact with the brake caliper. Can you tell if the rotor currently is centered inside the caliper? Ed
1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)
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Last edit: 03 Jun 2017 19:10 by 650ed.
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Re: Chain/shock problem
03 Jun 2017 19:42
I suspect it takes a 15-35 set of sprockets.
Steve
www.chaparral-racing.com/product/sunstar...-_KZ750-H2_%28LTD%29
Steve
www.chaparral-racing.com/product/sunstar...-_KZ750-H2_%28LTD%29
Z1b1000 1975 Z1b
kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/598262-kz-...-will-it-live#672882
kzrider.com/forum/2-engine/597654-poser?start=240#704229
kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/598262-kz-...-will-it-live#672882
kzrider.com/forum/2-engine/597654-poser?start=240#704229
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