kz1000 + gs1200 swingarm = bad torque link

I just bought a 79' kz1000 that has a very cool gs1200 swingarm attached to it. It's also got the suzuki rear disk brake. The problem is that the torque link that goes with that setup rubs the rear suspension spring.

I'm thinking of having a torque link machined for it that kinks or bends away from the spring. Any idea what something like that might involve (costs n such) at a machine shop?

Anybody else have this setup? Any alternatives?


(been away from the forum for a few years ... just replaced my stolen ride.. it's nice to be back)

do you mean a gs1100 swingarm?

Looks like you're right. The PO said gs1200, but it looks to be the aluminum gs1100 swingarm.

Sweet. Knowledge is power.

Anyway, same question.. except replace gs1200 with gs1100.

maybe the suzuki motor was punched to 1200.try the kawasaki brakecaliper and suzuki shocks,should fit.goodluck,happy wrenching:whistle:

Post edited by: wireman, at: 2006/02/18 22:03

Ah, thanks for the advice.

I'm glad I asked. Further inspection reveals that it's a KZ rear brake. I'll check out those Suzy shocks. I'm looking forward to knowing this bike better.

Thanks a bunch.

You think these will do?

cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1982-Suzuki-GS11...dZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

I'm in the process of doing the same s/a mod you are doing. I found that the GS shocks are a bit too short, besides the upper bushings won't fit the KZ mounts.
I also found some Honda CBX and CB1100F shocks that looked pretty good, but the clevis isn't wide enough to git over the GS arm. Two wasted purchases.:blink:
I don't want to spend the money, but it looks like I'll have to give Works Performance a call and havem them to tailor me a set.
Good luck with your project.
Jim

inline4 wrote:

I'm in the process of doing the same s/a mod you are doing. I found that the GS shocks are a bit too short, besides the upper bushings won't fit the KZ mounts.

If the shock is a bit short, doesn't that leave room to fab an adapter, bolts to shock and frame at the top? I think that would be cheaper than a Works custom shock? But not quite as kewl.

all considered, I'm back to thinking about having a new torque link machined.

Cardin wrote:

all considered, I'm back to thinking about having a new torque link machined.

Get me a pic. I'll come up with some way to get around it without getting something machined. ($$$$$$)

That's what I like to hear.

This is kind of a bad picture for these purposes. I'm not near the bike at this time. But, to get your gears workin:

I think that the suz torque arm is made from pipe, why dont you either make a new one up from flat bar completely or modify the existing one with flat till its past the shock spring or you can notch out the pipe where its rubbing and then plate the hole to get the strength back.

Dave