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Rear shock length problem 12 Jan 2023 15:07 #878782

  • Feanor_twh
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I bought new IKON shocks for my KZ400. They are very good, seems solid and durable, but they measure 325mm eye/eye, while the stock ones are 315. I thought that was a standard thing and I just didn't take that measurement.

With my 4.00 rear wheel setup (original 3.50), the wheel is lightly touching the ground with the center stand on. With the new springs, the center stand is already unstable.

I am debating between trying to return them, trying to adjust the length or even raising the whole height of the bike, which I don't dislike as I have always thought it has low ground clearance.

What is your opinion?
(1976) Kawasaki KZ400-D3. All original, but: electronic reg/rec (Oregon Motorcycle Parts), new handlebar controls (w/ PASS/HORN/lights switch, LED dash lights (superbrightleds.com), Dynatek coil (3ohm), MAC mufflers, HEL brake hoses, rubber fork boots, 4.00 rear tyre (Dunlop K70), chromed chainguard

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Last edit: by Feanor_twh.

Rear shock length problem 12 Jan 2023 16:17 #878786

  • Nessism
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Ride the bike a lot and burn up the rear tire.  Then for the next purchase, get something lower profile.

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Rear shock length problem 13 Jan 2023 02:12 #878794

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Nessism post=878786 userid=14026
Ride the bike a lot and burn up the rear tire.  Then for the next purchase, get something lower profile.

I'm really happy with my Dunlop K70, I don't want to burn it.
(1976) Kawasaki KZ400-D3. All original, but: electronic reg/rec (Oregon Motorcycle Parts), new handlebar controls (w/ PASS/HORN/lights switch, LED dash lights (superbrightleds.com), Dynatek coil (3ohm), MAC mufflers, HEL brake hoses, rubber fork boots, 4.00 rear tyre (Dunlop K70), chromed chainguard

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Last edit: by Feanor_twh.

Rear shock length problem 13 Jan 2023 04:15 #878795

  • Wookie58
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Looking at pictures these bikes seem to have a reasonable amount of clearance normally. Is the "stop" excessively worn allowing the stand to come too far forward (the extra width on the rim shouldn't make that much difference) alternatively you could get a welder to "add some material" to the feet of the stand so it lifts a little higher

 
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Rear shock length problem 14 Jan 2023 07:04 #878818

  • Wheelhop
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Put a piece of 3/4 inch plywood under the centerstand.
1978 KZ 1000B (73 tribute)
1977 KZ1000 project
1976 KZ 900
1976 KV 75
1976 Honda Elsinore MT250
1974 Z1 900 project
1971 Honda CT70

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Rear shock length problem 20 Jan 2023 05:19 #879039

  • Feanor_twh
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Looking at pictures these bikes seem to have a reasonable amount of clearance normally. Is the "stop" excessively worn allowing the stand to come too far forward (the extra width on the rim shouldn't make that much difference) alternatively you could get a welder to "add some material" to the feet of the stand so it lifts a little higher

 
The legs of the center stand are the same as in the photo you posted. I think the problem is the extra width on the rim plus the longer shocks.

I'm going to consider lengthening the center stand a bit. Maybe screwing into the base some very hard thick rubber (I don't have access to an electric welder)

If anyone here has a KZ400-D3, maybe you can confirm for me if the rear shocks are 315mm or if I'm the one with a problem.

Thanks mate.
(1976) Kawasaki KZ400-D3. All original, but: electronic reg/rec (Oregon Motorcycle Parts), new handlebar controls (w/ PASS/HORN/lights switch, LED dash lights (superbrightleds.com), Dynatek coil (3ohm), MAC mufflers, HEL brake hoses, rubber fork boots, 4.00 rear tyre (Dunlop K70), chromed chainguard

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Rear shock length problem 20 Jan 2023 06:45 #879050

  • TexasKZ
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The width of the rim is not part of the problem. Is the rear tire the stock size? If its radius is longer than the stock size tire, that will cause this problem.
For example, let us say that the stock tire size was 100/80-18 and you replaced it with a 120/80-18. The radius of the stock setup would be about 308.6 mm. ((100 * .80) + 228.6)). Furthermore, let us assume a clearance of 25mm when on the center stand.
The new setup will have a radius of about 324.6 mm, a gain of 16, which means a new clearance of 9 mm.
Add shocks that are 10mm longer and you have -1 clearance.
Also make sure the forks are installed correctly. If they are pushed down in the clamps a bit, that will reduce rear clearance when on the stand. Conversely, you could raise the forks a few mm to help. Personally, I would not raise them more than 10 mm or so, for fear of creating other problems.
1982 KZ1000 LTD parts donor
1981 KZ1000 LTD awaiting resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough

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Last edit: by TexasKZ.
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