shocks

I have a 1981 KZ550C LTD, and would like to look into stronger shocks for it. Can anyone advise me where to look for (hopefully) adjustable shocks? My wife is a bit heavy, so I would like to be able to adjust them up a little when she is riding and let them down a bit when I am alone.

Thanks in advance!

You can order shocks from Progressive and order the desired spring rate also.

www.progressivesuspension.com/

It would be cheaper to research the part number for the shocks and springs at Progressives site then order them from somewhere else, Dennis Kirk, MAW, etc.

I just checked Progressive's site and it's all messesd up, I can't find anything there

I checked Dennis Kirks site and it shows a choice of three spring rates for your bike, 75/120, 95/140, and 105/150 LINK

I weigh 235 lbs and I had a pair of the 95/120 springs on a 79 KZ750B and that's as strong a spring as I would want, it was bordering on being to stiff.

Ok, let's try this a little differently...

My nic is a clue - I am a newbie. I have NO experience with bikes, so you have to treat me like the dummy that I am, here.

What do the numbers mean, and how can I find the right numbers for me and my needs? Trial and error?

I want to learn, I am mechanically inclined, and I intend to learn how to do whatever the bike may need done, so this forum seemed like a Godsend to me. I am hoping that there are enough people here that are nice enough that I can learn what I may not be able to find out anywhere else. I have purchased a repair and maintenance manual, and with the small engine course I took many many moons ago in high school, I hope to be able to tackle anything that comes along.

For instance, I bought the bike, brought it home, and rode it for almost a week before I noticed that the steering stem head is cracked at the main stem clamp. I had no idea what the part was even called, but with a little perseverance, I found what I needed, and have already purchased a replacement for it. Needless to say, the bike is parked in my garage until that gets fixed.

In the mean time, I am looking for information on how to get stronger shocks so my wife can ride with me on occasion (this is mainly going to take me back and forth to work every day - I am trying to save some money on gas). That being said (whew, I am almost done here!), any further help in educating me so I can figure out what I need for shocks will be GREATLY appreciated.

Thanks again for what has already been posted, and thanks in advance for any more help I may get!

~ New dumb guy in Weedsport, NY ~

First off, I suspect you want stronger springs, as the springs are what supports the bike, the shocks just dampen the springs. The stock shocks have adjustable spring preload, they are adjusted by turning the chrome collar at the bottom.

Much as I hate to ask, we need to know what kind of weight the bike will be carrying, both solo and two up

Post edited by: steell, at: 2006/05/28 23:07

Ok, there you have it - new dumb guy doesn't know what he is asking for. Same thing when I was trying to tell a couple of guys at work what was wrong with the steering stem. I got blank looks from them all because I had no idea what the part was called.

If it is the springs I need, that is fine, especially if they are cheaper than whole new shocks. As for weights? If I get caught putting this on here, I am a dead man, but I need to get this done right, so here goes.

I weigh around 225, and my wife weighs around 260. That seems like a lot of weight, I'm sure, but I really enjoy taking her for a cruise now and then. I had a bike about 5 years ago, but never had to do anything to it, as about 4 months after I got it, I totalled it. Whatever may have been on that bike held us both quite well, but again, I don't know anything about this stuff, so I am stumbling around in the dark here.

Once again, thanks for all your help!

NDG

You might try doing a fleabay search for a pair of "Sportster Shocks". You need to look for 13.25" eye to eye. You can usually find new take-offs From guys who have lowered their bikes. The bushings will need to be changed but the $40 - $50 price range is easier on the wallet.

I am a little lost, here, still...

I am told I probably need stronger springs, and then am told to look for 13.25 inch Sportster Shocks, and I admit some confusion. Which should I look for, and how do I tell what to get specifically?

Keep in mind that there is nothing wrong with the shocks and springs on the bike now, only that they will not support the combined weight of my wife and myself...

Stock Harley Davidson Sportsters come with rear shocks that measure 13.25 inch from eye to eye (meaning the hole in the end of the shock where the bolts pass through to mount the shocks to the motorcycle. 13.25 inches just happens to be about the exact length of the stock Kawi shocks. The bushings you will need to change are in the "EYES" where the bolt passes through. Harley is a standard size (SAE) and the Kawi bolts are metric. If you have the original 25 year old shocks on your bike than I think you would notice a significant difference replacing with Sportster shocks. The Sportster shocks have a much beefier (how's that for a technical term?) spring and will also have an adjustable preload. I guess the best way to describe preload is it is the amount the spring is compressed before you sit on the bike or before you encounter a bump while riding. Now hopefully I haven't confused you any more. If I have I'm sorry....

Ok, I hear what you are saying, but my concern all along has been something that will support my wife and I riding together. I profess again that I know nothing about this, so I ask direct -

Will these sportster shocks you talk about adjust enough to handle the heavier load?

I am not trying to be difficult, though I feel like maybe I am coming across that way. Thanks again for all the help!

I would venture to guess the Sportster shocks would handle a heavier load than 25 year old stock kawi shocks. Will they give you a perfectly comfortable ride under any conditions? Beats the heck outa me. I guess the point I was trying to make is if bucks are an issue Sportster shocks are a good option. If moneys no object then a set of Progressive Springs and shocks or even air adjustable shocks might be a better option.

del

Is everyone ready for a good laugh at the new dumb guy?

Like I said earlier, the stearing head was cracked, and I had the bike stored in a friend's garage until I could get it fixed - mine had NO room at that time, though I was working on that problem all along. The part arrived yesterday, and I went to get my bike and bring it home (all of a block and a half of pushing - but I cheated and rode it nice and slow).

On getting the bike home, I gave it all a good looking over, only to discover that the damn thing has adjustable shocks on it after all! :blush:

I learned from all of you, and I thank you for being willing to share your knowledge, and I offer myself up for sacrifice at the next bonfire - what a dummy!!!

Now, does anyone have a shock wrench? :whistle: