81 38KZ550 C LTD Shocks rebuildable?

Are the original shocks that came with this bike rebuildable? They're in nice condition with 14K miles but after 38 years I'm sure they could use freshening up. Thanks

NO

If you don't see any leaks the dampers are probably OK. And if the springs aren't broken then they're probably OK too. With the right tool you can take the springs off and clean any dirt or rust off the dampers. That's all I do to my shocks.

I've taken a few apart from 550 Ltd's. The plastic damper washers disintegrate into coarsely grated mozzarella cheese. So even if they don't leak, they might be too bouncy. It would be a good idea to make/get a tool to remove the springs. You might save some cash by re-using the springs. Some shocks require buying springs separately.

I use the stock Ltd 550C springs with new Progressive 12-series shocks on my Gpz 550D and they feel great. I just had to reduce the spring diameter a tiny bit at the top to make them fit right.

Stock shocks were 13.75" eye-to-eye free length.
Progressive Suspension 12-1207B shocks are 13.50" long.
Progressive Suspension 12-1206B shocks are 14.25" long.

I'm using the 1206B but I cut and welded them closer to stock length.

loudhvx wrote:
It would be a good idea to make/get a tool to remove the springs

The tool i use to remove the springs and keepers.

Is that a genuine Kawasaki tool? Theyre quite expensive!!
I see Koni printed on the spring. If they are Koni shocks you might be in with a chance of getting replacement parts from Ikon.

I have one of theses. Works well on Progressive shocks, and would likely work on most others.

www.progressivesuspension.com/product/14...-tool-for-psi-shocks