Welcome, Guest
Username: Password: Remember me
  • Page:
  • 1

TOPIC:

Front forks 07 Jul 2023 13:58 #886962

  • Beaner242
  • Beaner242's Avatar Topic Author
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 253
  • Thank you received: 16
My front forks are just working off the spring compression. If I add a little air pressure, when I come out the next day they are low again. I’ve never rebuilt forks before. I’m assuming it’s just new for seals? Thanks. 
1982 KZ1000K LTD Chopper

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Front forks 07 Jul 2023 14:17 #886963

  • Nessism
  • Nessism's Avatar
  • Offline
  • Sustaining Member
  • Posts: 7288
  • Thank you received: 2678
Air forks were a fad of the KZ era.  They leak, and air forks commonly have more stiction because the seals are being pressed into the stanchion tubes.  OEM's discontinued using air in the mid/late '80's, because of those reasons.

If your springs are too soft, it's advised to get some new, stiffer, springs, and ditch the air entirely.  Sonic springs is a great source.
The following user(s) said Thank You: sf4t7, Beaner242

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Front forks 07 Jul 2023 14:46 #886967

  • Beaner242
  • Beaner242's Avatar Topic Author
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 253
  • Thank you received: 16
I’m used to riding it this way at this point. LOL. Just thought I would fix it if it was a simple problem. Thanks
1982 KZ1000K LTD Chopper

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Front forks 07 Jul 2023 14:57 #886969

  • Ojisan rider
  • Ojisan rider's Avatar
  • Offline
  • Sustaining Member
  • Posts: 360
  • Thank you received: 63
For you (or anybody else) to change the fork seal, you need to disassemble the front fork. For your question, yes, it's just as changing the seal, assuming nothing else is leaking (Like air valve or fork top).

But as I mentioned, you need to disassemble the fork, need to measure the fork oil, yada yada yada.............................. So why not do it the right way and get some spring, ditch the air system and not have to worry about it down the line (depending on your riding/situation, you need to change the fork seal every few years if you want to keep the air system).

I got Sonic spring as well. Detailed instruction included, so it's pretty much bolt-on. I'm still working on my bike so haven't try it on the road, but initial feeling is much better than the stock setup.
82' KZ750-R1 cafe racer style. Clip-on, Rear set, Fork-Brace, Mikuni Flat-slide (forgot the size), Kerker.
84' GPz750 (basket case). everything are in pieces.
89' ZX750-H1 (ZX-7 Ninja). Resurrection project are on going with my KZ750. Everything is stock.
The following user(s) said Thank You: Nessism, Beaner242

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Front forks 07 Jul 2023 16:30 #886971

  • Beaner242
  • Beaner242's Avatar Topic Author
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 253
  • Thank you received: 16
What is the website to get these springs?
1982 KZ1000K LTD Chopper

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Front forks 07 Jul 2023 20:47 #886976

  • TexasKZ
  • TexasKZ's Avatar
  • Offline
  • Platinum Member
  • Posts: 7218
  • Thank you received: 2067
1982 KZ1000 LTD parts donor
1981 KZ1000 LTD awaiting resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Front forks 16 Jul 2023 10:08 #887296

  • Deuce
  • Deuce's Avatar
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 69
  • Thank you received: 4
Do the Sonic springs come as 1 for each side or are they a set of 2 per side, like stock?  I'm having problems with my bike feeling like it's got heavy steering.  
I took them out yesterday to check fluid level and I measured the springs.  They actually measured a little longer than what the manual says.  
www.flickr.com/gp/162005819@N03/J055kUZ1a8


1982 GS1100G
1997 Yamaha Vmax
1979 Kawasaki 1000

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Front forks 16 Jul 2023 10:59 #887297

  • Nessism
  • Nessism's Avatar
  • Offline
  • Sustaining Member
  • Posts: 7288
  • Thank you received: 2678

Do the Sonic springs come as 1 for each side or are they a set of 2 per side, like stock?  I'm having problems with my bike feeling like it's got heavy steering.  
I took them out yesterday to check fluid level and I measured the springs.  They actually measured a little longer than what the manual says.  

One per side, along with a hunk of PVC pipe, for making spacers.
The following user(s) said Thank You: slayer61

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Front forks 17 Jul 2023 13:21 #887344

  • Kidkawie
  • Kidkawie's Avatar
  • Offline
  • User
  • I bleed premix
  • Posts: 1919
  • Thank you received: 245
For the record, Ive been doing MX and streetbike suspension for 12 years or so.  The RaceTech "one size fits all" fork springs are (expletive) garbage!  Find a company that makes, or will make, proper springs for your bike.  The twin spring setup is a dual stage setup.  Its used on alot of older bikes both forks and shocks.
With old damper forks you can play with oil weight/capacity, mod the dampers (drill), install emulators, etc.
1975 Z1 900
1994 KX250 Supermoto
2004 KX125

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Front forks 18 Jul 2023 14:40 #887382

  • gordone
  • gordone's Avatar
  • Offline
  • Sustaining Member
  • Posts: 1373
  • Thank you received: 67
1981 KZ650-D4, with 1981 z750L engine (Wiensco 810 big bore).

Project:
www.kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/607213...sr-1981-z750l-engine
The following user(s) said Thank You: SWest

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Front forks 18 Jul 2023 21:40 #887399

  • SWest
  • SWest's Avatar
  • Offline
  • Sustaining Member
  • 10 22 2014
  • Posts: 22434
  • Thank you received: 2621
Been planning on installing them, keeping my stock springs and dialing them in to see how they work. Already have the dampening rods mods done to accept them. The progressive springs I have in now provide a nice smooth ride but I suspect they are the culprit making the front end feel light at a ton. We'll see. 
Steve 

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Page:
  • 1
Powered by Kunena Forum