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KZ440 which rear shocks
- Michi
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23 Aug 2024 10:20 #903589
by Michi
KZ440A LTD (1980)
KZ440 which rear shocks was created by Michi
Hi
What's the go-to replacement these days for rear shocks on old Kawasakis please? I've got a KZ440, and I've got the front dialled in exactly how I want it, with a bit of additional preload and heavier fork oil. Works nicely. However, the rear shocks are the weakest link, and the bike is like a pogo stick if it hits a slight bump (not even a pothole, just a bit of tree root pushing up the tarmac) at speed. It will corner though. The rear shocks are (I believe) original Kawasaki, and they're very basic with no adjustability except for preload. At the moment it's on the zero preload setting. I don't really know if they would start working better with more preload or whether the problem is rebound damping causing a bottleneck restriction with sudden impacts, or packing or whatever. I think it may be a nicer experience all around with modern shocks.
Thanks
What's the go-to replacement these days for rear shocks on old Kawasakis please? I've got a KZ440, and I've got the front dialled in exactly how I want it, with a bit of additional preload and heavier fork oil. Works nicely. However, the rear shocks are the weakest link, and the bike is like a pogo stick if it hits a slight bump (not even a pothole, just a bit of tree root pushing up the tarmac) at speed. It will corner though. The rear shocks are (I believe) original Kawasaki, and they're very basic with no adjustability except for preload. At the moment it's on the zero preload setting. I don't really know if they would start working better with more preload or whether the problem is rebound damping causing a bottleneck restriction with sudden impacts, or packing or whatever. I think it may be a nicer experience all around with modern shocks.
Thanks
KZ440A LTD (1980)
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- TexasKZ
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24 Aug 2024 21:18 #903642
by TexasKZ
1982 KZ1000 LTD parts donor
1981 KZ1000 LTD awaiting resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough
Replied by TexasKZ on topic KZ440 which rear shocks
I would check Hagon and Ikon. Some folks like Progressive shocks, but I am not one of them.
1982 KZ1000 LTD parts donor
1981 KZ1000 LTD awaiting resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough
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