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kz650 Stiffer Fork Springs
- gane
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[img][/img] 1977 KZ1000A1
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- Patton
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I am looking to stiffen up the front a little....
If not alreay done, could also try using ATF with existing springs and set-up.
Good Luck!
1973 Z1
KZ900 LTD
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- trianglelaguna
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- New and improved - extra strength
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1976 KZ900
2003 ZX12R
2007 FZ1000
2004 ninja 250R for wife
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- gane
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[img][/img] 1977 KZ1000A1
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- l0g1c
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I went through the same thing last year, threw down the cash for the progressive springs and found that my springs were fine, and the seals were the main culprit. I ran 30w motor oil in them and this year I'm draining them and going to a lighter weight for the sake of my poor wrists.
I don't think you would want them any stiffer than mine are right now. For serious. :blink:
'81 KZ750 LTD
'72 CB350K
Omaha, NE
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- Patton
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I don't recall the viscosity rating of the ATF involved, and don't know whether ATF weight rating is directly comparable with motor oil weight ratings.
However, as suggested in the magazine articles, I did indeed experiment with using ATF in the forks instead of the factory recommended 10 wt motor oil, and recall the front suspension did feel stiffer with the ATF.
But desiring a softer cushier more comfortable front-end suspension for long distance cross-country riding, I soon installed progressive springs and started experimenting with various weights of design specific "fork" oils.
Same as above with the 1976 KZ900-B1 LTD (where FSM specifies 10 wt motor oil, non detergent).
Still using progressive springs in both bikes and continue to goof around with the various fork oil alternatives. :lol:
Good Luck!
1973 Z1
KZ900 LTD
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- Tony
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On my kz1000 if the air pressure drops to around 20 psi or below on the front tire the steering becomes almost dangerous.
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- KawiConvert
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One thing I am looking at are some springs from a gs1000 that uses the same springs as my KZ according to the progressive site. Does anyone know if it would be a bad thing if I cut off about 1-2" of spring and used a fender washer to stack it on my stock springs like the PVC but with the extra spring? I am wondering how well this would work or if anyone has tried it before.
1978 KZ650 D1 ~ Carb jetting: 107.5 & 20 & 4th groove with pods and 4-1 Exhaust
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- Patton
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Am thinking it may not be worth the effort to cut a short section from another spring to install instead of using a simple spacer.
Good Luck.
1973 Z1
KZ900 LTD
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- KawiConvert
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1978 KZ650 D1 ~ Carb jetting: 107.5 & 20 & 4th groove with pods and 4-1 Exhaust
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- l0g1c
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'81 KZ750 LTD
'72 CB350K
Omaha, NE
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- KawiConvert
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1978 KZ650 D1 ~ Carb jetting: 107.5 & 20 & 4th groove with pods and 4-1 Exhaust
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