lowering a z1000 2004 - Kawasaki Z1000 Forum: Kawasaki Z1000 Motorcycle Forums

petitbert · 01-28-2012, 11:14 AM

since two days i am the proud owner of a black z1000 from 2004
i am not the tallest man on earth so i have to lower the bike a little.
the store has sold me a longer version of the two metal strips on
bothside of the rear suspension.

what is the most save way to replace the original ones?

Hammer · 01-28-2012, 03:26 PM

You can't be shorter than me, I'm only 5'6" and I reach the ground just fine
on my Z

DISCLAIMER:
Lowering it will change the suspension geometry, causing it to handle different

Put it up on a rear stand and put jack stands under the footpegs, remove the rear stand and rear wheel change out suspension links
Then you'll need to lower the front end the same distance by moving the fork tubes up in the triple tree.

BennyV · 01-28-2012, 04:55 PM

+1 ^^^

Certainly think long and hard about if you really need to lower it. You will have fairly negative side effects on your handling from lowering it.

That being said, I'd attack it the same way Hammer said.

petitbert · 01-28-2012, 05:28 PM

Why do i have to take the rear wheel out?
is it to make sure that the rear suspension is out of tension?
i'm a little scared that the supension is to strong,to replace the metal strips

BennyV · 01-28-2012, 05:32 PM

There shouldn't be any tension on the shock just by nature of hanging the rear of the bike off the ground.

It is possible to remove the entire shock assembly and links on the Gen 3's without removing the tyre. Not sure about the Gen 2's.

Armiger · 01-28-2012, 08:02 PM

Oddly enough I have 2004 zx10r lower links on mine LOL

..... thinking about it.... there is a lot of zx10r stuff on my bike...

petitbert · 01-29-2012, 01:07 PM

i surely lower the front suspension in the triple tree.

i have the luck that my home made rear stand from my previous zrx1100 fits on te z1000,only 5mm of free space between it.

Hammer · 01-29-2012, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by petitbert

Why do i have to take the rear wheel out?
is it to make sure that the rear suspension is out of tension?
i'm a little scared that the supension is to strong,to replace the metal strips

It'll make the swingarm lighter and easier to move up and down
You can try it without removing the rear wheel, that's up to you

petitbert · 01-29-2012, 03:40 PM

oke thats the reason, its making it easier when you work alone. i will think about it, thanks for the response

kawtoy_77 · 01-30-2012, 08:16 AM

you could also try taking some of the pre-load out of your suspension..... just a thought.