81 KZ1100A Fork Preload Adjusters

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27 Jan 2022 17:01 #861195 by ghostdive
Replied by ghostdive on topic 81 KZ1100A Fork Preload Adjusters
If you're set on adjustable preload, maybe you could just modify your existing fork caps? Like, drilling and tapping threads for a bolt through them, a couple lock nuts on top, maybe some sort of plate inside the fork that the bolt presses on. 

I dunno though, I don't notice my front forks behaving that differently whether I have a passenger or not - just the rear shocks. I have a spacer in my forks that has the preload about where I like it and I don't worry about it. 

1982 KZ750 Spectre - 6 speed swap, BS34s, 18" rear wheel

2001 ZX-6R

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28 Jan 2022 05:33 - 28 Jan 2022 05:43 #861226 by AmStaFF
Replied by AmStaFF on topic 81 KZ1100A Fork Preload Adjusters
That’s a DIY thing if you have a lath and can cut a groove for an o ring inside the borehole for the adjuster. Forks need to hold air pressure even if the air ride is removed. After pulling a cap, not hopeful of finding an adjuster given the 31.8x1.0mm thread.

1981 KZ1100A
2021 Husq FE350
2023 KTM 890 Adventure S
Last edit: 28 Jan 2022 05:43 by AmStaFF.

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28 Jan 2022 05:34 - 28 Jan 2022 05:36 #861227 by AmStaFF
Replied by AmStaFF on topic 81 KZ1100A Fork Preload Adjusters
Still researching the spring rate. Here’s Progressive Suspension’s spring


1981 KZ1100A
2021 Husq FE350
2023 KTM 890 Adventure S
Last edit: 28 Jan 2022 05:36 by AmStaFF.

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28 Jan 2022 06:15 #861229 by Mikaw
Replied by Mikaw on topic 81 KZ1100A Fork Preload Adjusters
Im buying Sonic fork springs for my Kz750 E, stock trim. I’m about 225-230, I ride one up almost exclusively. Sonic recommended .95kg/mm. I don’t know anything about your factors but I’d think a .54 is to soft. 

1976 KZ 900 A4 kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/613548-1976-kz-900-a4
1976 KZ 900 B1 LTD
1978 KZ 1000 B2 LTD
1980 KZ 750 E1
Kowledge Speaks, But Wisdom Listens.
Jimi Hendrix.

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28 Jan 2022 08:42 - 28 Jan 2022 08:45 #861235 by DOHC
Replied by DOHC on topic 81 KZ1100A Fork Preload Adjusters
Race Tech has a spring rate calculator that is model and rider specific.  About half way down this page ("Calculate Spring Rates"):

racetech.com/ProductSearch/12/Kawasaki/GPz1100%20(KZ1100)/1981

Guessing at some numbers, I came up with 0.95kg/mm which is the same as the number Mikaw mentioned, and the Race Tech springs come in roughly the same range (0.8 to 1.0) as the springs offered by Sonic.  It could be that the Progressive table you posted is assuming that you would still be supplementing the spring force with the air pressure system.

Also, the dual-rate/rising-rate/progressive springs that Progressive sells seem to have fallen out of favor.  The current preference seems to be to use single-rate / linear springs.

 

'78 Z1-R in blue , '78 Z1-R in black, '78 Z1-R in pieces
My dad's '74 Z1
'00 ZRX1100
Last edit: 28 Jan 2022 08:45 by DOHC.

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