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how to lower my kz550
- joshjones84
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07 Jun 2012 17:04 #527507
by joshjones84
82 KZ550 LTD
how to lower my kz550 was created by joshjones84
i think my 550 would look better lowered. how can i lower the front? what do i need? any suggestions for the rear? thank you.
82 KZ550 LTD
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- faffi
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07 Jun 2012 18:22 #527527
by faffi
1977 KZ650B1
1980 F1 engine
B1 3-phase alternator
B1 Points ignition
Replied by faffi on topic how to lower my kz550
You can lower the front in several ways. Here are some:
Fit a shorter fork stanchions or complete fork
Shorthen the fork stanchions at the top, requires grove or threads machined inside to compensate for the ones cut off
For shorter damper rods
Space the damper rods so they cannot use all travel (insert spacer/spring below the head of the damper but inside stanchion)
All these methods will, with the stock springs, increase preload by the same amount that you shorten travel.
You can fit softer springs
Reduce preload
Pull fork legs through the yokes - just make sure there is enough room to use all travel without the fender hitting yokes
Remember that lowering the front will reduce rake and trail and ground and cornering clearance and may affect handling and safety in a manner not wanted. Lowering the front and rear the same amount will only affect clearance.
The rear end can be lowered by:
Fitting shorter shocks
Fitting softer springs
Moving the lower mounting lugs further back and/or the upper further forward - will soften the spring effect
Fit a shorter fork stanchions or complete fork
Shorthen the fork stanchions at the top, requires grove or threads machined inside to compensate for the ones cut off
For shorter damper rods
Space the damper rods so they cannot use all travel (insert spacer/spring below the head of the damper but inside stanchion)
All these methods will, with the stock springs, increase preload by the same amount that you shorten travel.
You can fit softer springs
Reduce preload
Pull fork legs through the yokes - just make sure there is enough room to use all travel without the fender hitting yokes
Remember that lowering the front will reduce rake and trail and ground and cornering clearance and may affect handling and safety in a manner not wanted. Lowering the front and rear the same amount will only affect clearance.
The rear end can be lowered by:
Fitting shorter shocks
Fitting softer springs
Moving the lower mounting lugs further back and/or the upper further forward - will soften the spring effect
1977 KZ650B1
1980 F1 engine
B1 3-phase alternator
B1 Points ignition
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- Patton
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07 Jun 2012 22:29 #527563
by Patton
Will increase flickability and twitchiness of the front end (i.e., quicker steering), so the rear end may also be lowered a comparable amount to help offset the change in steering characteristics.
As some of these bikes are already prone to front end wobble, would be careful about lowering the front end which will likely worsen any tendency to wobble.
Good Fortune!
1973 Z1
KZ900 LTD
Replied by Patton on topic how to lower my kz550
Some folks slide the fork tubes up higher in the clamps, so the clamps grip (say 3/4") below the cap.joshjones84 wrote: i think my 550 would look better lowered. how can i lower the front? what do i need? any suggestions for the rear? thank you.
Will increase flickability and twitchiness of the front end (i.e., quicker steering), so the rear end may also be lowered a comparable amount to help offset the change in steering characteristics.
As some of these bikes are already prone to front end wobble, would be careful about lowering the front end which will likely worsen any tendency to wobble.
Good Fortune!
1973 Z1
KZ900 LTD
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- wireman
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- The most interesting prick in the world
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08 Jun 2012 02:16 #527599
by wireman
posting from deep under a non-descript barn in an undisclosed location southwest of Omaha.
Replied by wireman on topic how to lower my kz550
Let the air out of the tires! :woohoo:
posting from deep under a non-descript barn in an undisclosed location southwest of Omaha.
The following user(s) said Thank You: Roca
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- ready2ryde1985
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- got to love these kzs
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08 Jun 2012 07:35 #527610
by ready2ryde1985
84 kz 700 a1
82 kz550 ltd
Replied by ready2ryde1985 on topic how to lower my kz550
Is this the ltd?
I just bought one for my wife and had a question about a lower profile rear tire.
the tier on the bike is a 130 90 16 I think and I was wondering if it was ok to run say a 130 70 16.
I think sportster 11.5 shocks the lower profile rear tire and chop some foam out of the seat should put her flat footed .. then as patton said I will leval the frame by lowering the forks in the trees ..
Dont mean to thred jack just noticed a verry close thred to one I have thought to ask.
also adding the bike in question to your signiture helps alot ..
I just bought one for my wife and had a question about a lower profile rear tire.
the tier on the bike is a 130 90 16 I think and I was wondering if it was ok to run say a 130 70 16.
I think sportster 11.5 shocks the lower profile rear tire and chop some foam out of the seat should put her flat footed .. then as patton said I will leval the frame by lowering the forks in the trees ..
Dont mean to thred jack just noticed a verry close thred to one I have thought to ask.
also adding the bike in question to your signiture helps alot ..
84 kz 700 a1
82 kz550 ltd
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- HDDAN
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08 Jun 2012 15:17 #527664
by HDDAN
Replied by HDDAN on topic how to lower my kz550
As you can see by the picture of my KZ1000CSR, the previous owner lowered the back using Progressive Suspension Harley style shocks. They are now GONE! They were going to get me killed. They were 1.5" shorter between the eyelets. I am an agreesive rider and I started bashing down the frame and exhust pipes.I purchased a pair of stock length replica shocks from Z1 Enterprises and what a difference. My advice would be to not lower the bike.
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