Struts 80-83 kz440

Hey i was wondering if its possible to adjust the ride height on stock struts (1983 kz440 ltd Belt) . if so how? i haven't been able to find any information on this
thanks

Using the right terminology would help.


.

If you are asking about the shocks, the answer is no. If you are asking about the forks, the answer is, you can lower the front end a little perhaps an inch.

No eBay APP ID and/or Cert ID defined in Kunena configurationThere are probably different shocks that could be installed. New aftermarket come in various lengths.
HD Sportster shocks might be an option as they also come in different lengths, but might be a tad stiff for a 440.
Vulcan 500 shocks are another option >> I think they're around 11.5" L, but don't quote me on that.

just an example. I have no idea how long these are.
....

@Nebr_rex what terminology would you like me to use?

@texasKZ cool thanks for helping is their a tutorial on how to lower front forks?

@Martin_CSR i didn't know it was as simple as buying shocks from a different bike. are they that universal ?

NewYorKZ440 wrote: @texasKZ cool thanks for helping is their a tutorial on how to lower front forks?

You just loosen the triple trees and slide the forks up some. Thats the easy way to do it.

NewYorKZ440 wrote: @Nebr_rex what terminology would you like me to use?

Struts are solid bars that offer zero cushion. If your bike has struts it transfers any energy caused by a bump or hole in the road directly to the frame; this is not helpful for handling, braking, or your kidneys. Shocks are generally hydraulic units and they dampen the effect of bumps and holes in the road. You stated "..... i was wondering if its possible to adjust the ride height on stock struts" but your bike never had stock struts, it came with shocks, so your question was somewhat confusing. Ed



.

By NewYorKZ440: .....

@Martin_CSR i didn't know it was as simple as buying shocks from a different bike. are they that universal ?[

I wouldn't say shocks are universal, but you can find some that ought to fit. You should visually compare any donor shocks to the stockers. Something to note is how wide they are near the bottom section >> some are kind of fat there, such as the harleys, but KZ shocks typically have more taper. The HD Sportster shocks may rub or touch the chain guard, but the shocks should move with the chain guard & some guys don't worry about it. you have to swap bushings. no big deal. I believe Andy-the-gringo put Vulcan 500 shocks on his KZ550 & I would guess they can be used on the 440.

Z1Enterprises.com may have Emgo shocks for the 440.
...

If using shorter shocks make sure the tire won't crash into the rear fender.

650ed wrote:

NewYorKZ440 wrote: @Nebr_rex what terminology would you like me to use?

Struts are solid bars that offer zero cushion. If your bike has struts it transfers any energy caused by a bump or hole in the road directly to the frame; this is not helpful for handling, braking, or your kidneys. Shocks are generally hydraulic units and they dampen the effect of bumps and holes in the road. You stated "..... i was wondering if its possible to adjust the ride height on stock struts" but your bike never had stock struts, it came with shocks, so your question was somewhat confusing. Ed

.OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH I SEE, whats the point in just struts then, like why even bother as manufacturer ? just cheaper ?

thanks for the info you guys are awesome

i don't know if i'm imagining this wrong but how you lower the forks sounds pretty counter intuitive lol

NewYorKZ440 wrote: .................... whats the point in just struts then, like why even bother as manufacturer ? just cheaper ?

I don't think any motorcycle manufacturer ever used struts rather than shocks. I suspect some folks use them instead of shocks because they then can mount the rear wheel very close to the fender and frame since the rear wheel will not move up and down inside the fender or frame. Of course, one big problem with struts is the fact that when going over a bump or pothole the hole bike will jump up and down rather than just the rear swingarm, and this can lead to a serious handling problem especially if hitting the bump or hole while riding around a turn. The other problem is the fact that the jolt from any bump will be transferred to the rider, so some folks using struts mount the seat on springs. If you take a look at the seat in the picture of struts I provided you will see it has springs under it. Ed