ST lowering detail.

[Aztec Warrior]

Can the ST's rear end be lowered a touch? The Hagons on mine are approx 348mm between the centres (bike on centre stand). With the 17" rear wheel it looks like a lot of room at the rear. And the front forks are sitting proud of the yokes by over 15mm. I want to put the forks level with the yoke tops and replace the wide, low Renthals with z900 type bars to make it a little more manouverable around my tight back yard. I tried 'searching' here, but no joy....Also, is there a lower seat option? It is currently fitted with a new DK Imports std. type seat.

[Mark Tiller]

Just look for shorter shocks

[malmojoe]

if you're looking at fork tubes, here's an interesting table of lengths and diameters.


http://www.tarozzipaolo.com/inglese/kawasaki.htm

[Aztec Warrior]

Thanks. I wasn't sure if it was a simple as that, especially with the ST. How low can you go, handling effects ect ect. As they, normally, say, factory standard settings are tried and tested, until us amateurs come along and screw it all up?

[Aztec Warrior]

Cheers. Interesting information, especially the two figures quoted for the MkII and ST, with the latter being some 54mm longer and 4mm larger on the diameter. Shall check mine out to see what I've got. Saying that, I assume the ST's are greater in dimensions due to the extra overall kerb weight plus the 17" rear wheel.


http://www.tarozzipaolo.com/inglese/kawasaki.htm[/quote]

[Redbeard]

Aztec the ST has leading axle forks and the geometry including fork rake is different between the two models. You will run into problems if you fit the shorter standard type forks from the mk2. You will find, like me, that the two bikes share little in common. I would look at 300mm rear shocks, and if that is not enough get the seat foam shaved down a bit. They are tall bikes, I am 6' and the ground was sometimes a stretch. The forks can be raised but only slightly through the yokes (the handling will sharpen slightly) but overall the ST won't be drastically effected by lowering it a couple of inches unless you are scraping your knees in the corners of course. It's a torquey behemoth, enjoy it.

[Aztec Warrior]

Cheers Redbeard.
You've enlightened me with those detail differences. I shall see if I can find any suitable shockers at Kempton Park today.
Seat wise, my old MkII had something akin to a Lawson Rep type. That would be my choice over the standard one. My height (5'10") is no problem, just the high slung weight is a bit of a handful when I'm trying to push/pull it about. Steady as rock and straight as a line at all speeds I've found.
The torque reaction when you wind it open is something else!
And I will need to investigate why the front wheel likes to wobble a bit doing exactly the above powering off into a sweeper. It may be the plastic front guard causing this. I'm sure the metal one, with it's slight bracing, would cure this though.

[Vendetta761]

Red beard is right STs are different from MK2s in loads of ways.from my records of the 6 STs I have had , rear shocks have varied from 330s to 365s, never sure what exactly the original should be.
My first ever ST which I had for 10 years odd have 350s on which was ok for me being 6ft but I have 345s and 340s on my 2 now and I think I prefer the 340s but the330s make for a more interesting green lane run.
I put Vincent flats with a 15 degree pull back on ST number 2 and that works for my body shape.

[Vendetta761]

Defo get a metal mudguard whatever you do , you will need the bracing as the plastic guards do not do diddly squat unless you have a fork brace fitted.
Just checked and my 1st Marzocchis were 320s and they worked well if not a little hard.

[Aztec Warrior]

Cheers Vendetta,
Shall take note here. Kempton Park today had loads of shocks on offer and quite a few cheap dampers too....lol? Too risky though, no I.d's on most. I was advised there to get the right 'loading' at some 230kg per spring. Will be searching for some 330mm's and looking at the seat too. A few worthy bits on offer today, but, as is the norm here, Brit stuff rules.
I turned down a Z650 front guard too, not being sure if it will fit the ST. These subtle differences are trying at times.....

[Pigford]

Front end wobble is often down to poor front tyre - either worn, tread pattern or pressure. Trye different tyre pressures - ranging from 25 - 35psi. My W650 (a modern bike!) use to shake its head when I took my hands off the bars at 30 - 40mph.... swapped tyres for new TT100's and it went away... same for an EFE I had couple years back.

A steel front mudguard is also a good point Are the from headraces correctly adjusted & smooth

[Aztec Warrior]

Cheers Pigford,
All is ok up front, with so many new parts fitted and all checked over. Avon AM19's are spot on, front and rear. The plastic guard (why!) is surely the problem. About £60 from DK. They also have some 325mm shocks, which means I'll gain an inch. Seat mods are an option.
I note it's a minefield out there on fleabay for prices/parts. Spoilt for choice. May just take the easy option and get everything from DK?

Going to be a real shame losing this expensive paintjob/bodywork. Other than selling the bike, there's no real way of salvaging the paintjob as one whole. Bit by bit as I start to make changes, this paintjob will be lost, but it really does need a headlight or twin spots, which then means the 'face' is redundant? Was thinking to adapt the 'face', like a cockpit fairing, and have the headlight/s below it.

[oldzed]

If You are going to modify your seat. Look at narrowing it slightly at the front.
Cutting it down like a Lawson seat may actually make it harder to get your feet down.
My 2/4 seat is wider at the front than a standard seat and splays my legs out.
I put gsx1400 shocks on mine and dropped the forks by about 30mm
Im only about 5'6" and can just reach the ground.

Never noticed any clearance problems even 2 up

[Redbeard]

Hi Aztec, you've probably realised but other model front mudguards won't fit the ST, mounting holes are located differently to accommodate the leading axle. However, the LTD also has a leading axle so that might fit if you can't find an ST one. I have one in the garage if interested.

oldzed makes a good point about the width of the seat playing a part in reach to the ground. I remember that being the case with mine.

[Aztec Warrior]

Cheers Redbeard and Oldzed,
I've noted these points. I have acquired a front guard from a local member (cheers Kevin) to be fitted soon. Higher bars to be fitted too. These flat, wide Renthals work but are arm wrenching at prolonged lower speeds, in traffic ect. Forks were already 15mm 'proud' of the top yoke. Really need dropping down to std. Should be slightly higher at the front but lower mid to rear end. Shorter shocks and a modded seat to be looked at.
Ongoing....