TOPIC:

I just bought a pair of rear shocks from Z1 to make my 79 K1000 sit just a little lower. When I purchased these shocks they were for the year /make/model that I have. But when I was installing them they didn’t fit because the “eyes” were too small. So my question is what are the bolts supposed to be in diameter? Did someone hack this up or are these original specs? Any help would be appreciated. 

The lower eyes on shocks should be 10mm, upper welded "post" from frame is approx 14mm. Don't know what you purchased? Is that Z1Parts or Z1enterprises?

Z1 enterprises. The post is what I’m referring to sorry not bolt. 

Since the original proprietor of Z1enterprises retired a few years ago i've noticed a profound difference in that co. We used to talk on the phone, can't even call them anymore, gotta go thru an email thingy. Jeff would of known for sure of fitment before advertising such things.  

Who do you recommend for buying parts? I’ve looked at Diablo as well. 

Ron Ayers is a great resource for OEM & after market parts.

www.ronayers.com/

Slj029 wrote:

Who do you recommend for buying parts? I’ve looked at Diablo as well. 

I've used all three. Z1parts has the best return policy, Z1E responds well by email but both come up short on quality on some parts while Diablo has PMC intake manifolds that are much better than the others. jetsRus had the best but the ones I was buying were discontinued. Don't know about the other ones they have. I buy all my carb parts from Mike at jetsRus responds well too. I got my seat cover from Z1parts and they sent me the rubber seat bumpers free while I bought some from Diablo but the return shipping made it not worth it. It's nice having a choice and Z1E returned my money when they sent the wrong cover when they didn't have the right one but Z1parts did. I do miss being able to call Z1E as they were first on my list for parts but now it takes a little research to get it done. 
BTW some are listed on eBay at a discount price. Got my Ricks starter brushes that way. 
It takes time to save money and it's worth in in the end. 

Steve
 

Did you try calling/emailing Z1E before posting on forums?

Would a shock damper kit work?  Some shocks come with an assortment of dampers to fit various different shock mounts, but I've seen dampers and damper/bushing kits on eebbaayy.

Or could you swap out the dampers from your old shocks? one way to press them out is with a ratchet wrench socket and C-clamp.

That might be an option. Thank you to everyone. 

Slj029 wrote:

I just bought a pair of rear shocks from Z1 to make my 79 K1000 sit just a little lower. When I purchased these shocks they were for the year /make/model that I have. But when I was installing them they didn’t fit because the “eyes” were too small. So my question is what are the bolts supposed to be in diameter? Did someone hack this up or are these original specs? Any help would be appreciated. 

Ride height is controlled by the spring, are your springs removable on your current shocks? if the dampers are OK you could possibly simply replace the springs

Might also check the fully compressed length of those shock you'd purchased too. The damper rod controls the "static/resting" height and then spring rate controls "sag", usually around 20ish percent when sitting on the bike. The damper assy will bottom out before coil bind or should. So if as suggested changing springs around could create this unwanted situation. If "whatever" shock you use check that the tire doesn't rub on the inner/rear fender or the metal frame bit where these fenders meet. Seems like a lot of unnecessary work though, unless you like to fiddle!