64 replies to this topic

[Kawiboy514 TT Bronze Member]

looking at your bike to my kz in the garage just makes me wanna go all out ill post a pic of it in just a sec its all original except for the bars, i got the original bars with it, im not sure if the tools are with it? its probably under the seat hopefully. but seriously they fetch 500?

[Kawiboy514 TT Bronze Member]

Hey j! check this out i got a 75 z1 yesterday! lol maybe itll look like yours one day



had a tool set but its not complete.

[naturaledge]

Just found this thread. Absolutely outstanding read. Great job Jeek Bike looks gorgeous.

[Jeekinz Get Help Now]

This year the Z is pretty much the same except I decided I HAVE to do something about the crappy suspension.  I'm not hacking it or putting a ZX front end or anything, just massaging it.  I got some info on the web on ZRX shocks so I figured I'd give them a try.  Had to trim the chain guard but the installation was pretty straight forward.  The ZRX shocks are ~1/2" longer so I may have to address that using limiters.  I also read about a mod the ZRX guys are doing to get more sag out of the shocks by cutting the spring preload nibs off and using the adjacent cast nibs instead.  This would releive alot of preload.  So that and a 10mm limiter might be the ticket.


Stock Z1 shocks (actually aftermarket shocks) are 13 7/8" eye to eye.
ZRX shocks are 14.25" eye to eye

I measured the sags from the center of the axle vertically to the bottom edge of the rear fender.

Stock shock sag
Free sag 15 1/2"
Static sag 15"

ZRX shock sag
Free sag 16"
Static sag 16"  ???  

Ride height was measured from the floor vertical to the center of the top shock mount.

Stock - 27 1/2"
ZRX 27 3/4 - 7/8"

Main issue is the chain guard.  I was going to save mine but it was a little scratched so I decided I'd cut it and find an OEM one later for replacement, or not.  There were burrs on the top shock mount studs I had to file down, not sure how they got there but since the ZRX shocks have a steel inner sleeve the top stud has to be clean.  With the bike on the center stand, the swingarm hits the exhaust mount so you have to pry the bottom of the shock to insert the bolt.












Might hear a clunk when the suspension fully extends while riding.  When I service the shocks I'll install a limiter so the shock's bump stop takes the hit.

Edited by Jeekinz, 07 June 2012 - 07:42 AM.

[naturaledge]

Good stuff! Nice touch on the rear fender.