how to lower rear shocks

Heres what Im working 1982 kz305csr with 2200miles its my first bike got a pretty good deal it So from what I noticed it came with a few modifications on it Like took the original seat n brackets off etc and Really cant tell if these are the origial handle bars. Well to make this short I'm not to sure how I would like to finish the bike off to really give it that look i desire. I want to lower the rear shock n give it that hardtail bobber look But not to sure what I would be chopping n welding so i WANT TO leave that for last but any suggestions on how i can achieve that look with out chopping and also does any one know what bobber seat kit would fit just perfect for it. Its my first bike so feel free to break it down for me I will post more pictures soon

Greenkz305csr wrote: ...1982 kz305csr... my first bike... want to lower the rear shock n give it that hardtail bobber look But not to sure what I would be chopping n welding so i WANT TO leave that for last but any suggestions on how i can achieve that look with out chopping...my first bike so feel free to break it down for me....

Could replace shocks with struts, and test ride to see how a hardtail will feel. :pinch:

Before actually going anywhere, would first schedule dental and chiropractic appointments. :lol:

Good Fortune!

I recently bought an 83 KZ1100 LTD and have purchased 11" shocks to lower the rear end fkorm 13" shocks. I haven't swapped out the shocks yet. Are there things to look for in regards to lowering...do you think 2" is too much?

dano83-1100 wrote: I recently bought an 83 KZ1100 LTD and have purchased 11" shocks to lower the rear end fkorm 13" shocks. I haven't swapped out the shocks yet. Are there things to look for in regards to lowering...do you think 2" is too much?

At maximum compression of the shocks, it's important that the tire not contact the underside of the fender or tear away any wiring located underneath the fender.

Good Fortune!

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Martin, thanks for that info..I wish I had asked BEFORE I purchased new shocks. The ones I bought are 11". I believe they should bolt up ok.
Is a two inch drop too much?
Do you forsee any issues with the drive shaft?

I was at a local shop today and they said 2 inch drop was too much for the shaft angle. I was reading on other threads of people with shafty's putting on struts and dropping the tail more than 4 inches without any noticable problems with the shaft.

I will post pics when the transfer has been made. I am sure that being able to reach the ground is gonna rock...I just don't want to ruin my new pride and joy by going too low. I have an aftermarket Vance and Hines header and collector pipe combo...previous owner piped it and jetted, so I shouldn't be dragging the pipe. It's super smooth and I want to keep it that way...just lower a bit so I can flat foot stop signs.

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Yea in fact I believe these shocks are for a sportser. They are all chrome and look pretty sharpe. After doing more research I have come to the conclusion the guys at that shop are not into customizing bikes and are looking for buisness. (for me to spend my money with them instead of doing it myself.)

SO now I am just waiting for the shocks to arrive.

New Question: Are there alternate routes for wiring, etc. that runs under the fender? Any suggestions?

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dano83-1100 wrote:
New Question: Are there alternate routes for wiring, etc.
that runs under the fender? Any suggestions?

I ran into the same problem when I lowered my KZ1000 so when I did my swingarm
swap I knew It would be worse so I took a piece of thin wall
steel tubing cut it long ways and welded it to the bar and ran my wiring
through it. (I noticed my wires were pretty chewed up when I took it apart
for the swap)

Just looking at any other problems due to the lowering of the shocks. I am worried about tire rubbing on wiring routed under the fender. I am probably just worring to to worry. I won't really know what the problems are until I swap out the shocks.

Thanks to all for the input...I am starting over. The shocks i ordered don't fit...they are not tapered so the springs hit on the shaft side Hub before the shock is pushed on far enough to bolt up. back to the drawing board. will go with Martin's advice...picking up 11.5" shocks after retun...now on to other issues. Thanks again for all the input. You guys are great.