Triumphrat

rwoodhead

Thanks, everyone. This thread could save us some serious $. My '02 TB has 40K miles.... and I'd like to replace the rear shock. Is anyone able to venture a recommendation on the correct year range of a used Kawasaki ZX7 unit to use on the '02? Thanks, again.
WOODY

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Ron Woodhead, State College, PA.
"Growing Old may be mandatory, but Growing Up is optional."

BRG-BIRD

I am not sure if your frame and/or suspension is different but most are buying a 94 vintage ZX7 shock and few others (myself included) have use somewhat older shocks 91-92. Some of the brighter bulbs on this forum hopefully have more and better info.

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"You are either on something or onto something"........The Common Man

gregp

'92 - '94 ZX7 shocks fit for sure. Just do not confuse the standard ZX7 withe the ZX7R. The "R" uses a remote reservoir shock. And I am sure that there are others out there! I just took a stab at it one day by taking a few measurements of my stock shock and searching e-bay. I came across a couple of pics that had a ruler placed next to a ZX7 shock. It looked close, so I took a gamble. Somebody else here has used I think it was a ZX12 shock with remote preload adjustment and had to do a little modification. Yet another person here has fitted a remote reservoir shock by relocating the battery box.
Some of the ctritical dimensions are: the shock spring diameter (a very large diameter spring/shock probably will not fit), there must be an eye at the top and a clevis mount at the bottom (2 eyes = no good), The over all length should not be much longer than the stock shock (a little bit longer is Ok, like the ZX7 shock, but another inch or two would not be good), and remote nitrogen reservoirs of any kind will make life difficult for you.
Overall, I am very happy with my $20 ZX shock. The adjustable rebound damping makes a huge difference in the ride quality and allows me to adjust my ride from a bit bouncy for cruising, to a bit slower acting for more spirited riding. I have not had the need to purchase a stiffer spring.
Anyway, as far as these bikes go, your choices are a cheap ZX shock or a $400+ Hagon. I do not doubt that the Hagon's are worth every penny, but it just kills me to put a nice piece of bling like that on a $2500 bike.
You could always buy the ZX shock off of e-bay and then send it out to Race Tech for a full rebuild with a Gold Valve. I am sure that it would rival a Hagon.
Race-Tech/Paul Thede=Good Stuff! I have used their Gold Valves on my dirt bikes with surprisingly good results. You can also source parts for the ZX shock there.

idjk

I put a shock from a 2005 1200zzr on my bike and posted here on 2-09-08 under 'New Tbird monoshock 2002 on the cheap' I'm a big guy and looked at these shocks but wanted something that would better haul my big ass- do a search for monoshock and you will see it -also a few bad photos

patrol21

Hey Greg,

Genious fix...I slapped the new shock in with no need of any spacers, etc......bolted in like it was meant for it.........the ride is MUCH better.....I have the spring tension set at aprox 3/4..maybe a bit firmer and the dampening preset is on 3......dosn't ride like a hard tail anymore.....it did kick the height up a bit and my bike definetly leans a bit more but nothing to worry about.......thanks for the idea....brillant!!!

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The worst day riding beats the best day at work....no exceptions.

gregp

Now, that's what I'm talkin' about! I am happy to hear that it worked out for you! I put mine in last year, and I am still glad I did.
Just be sure to leave your chain a bit on the loose side, as the increased swingarm angle will induce more slack at rest. Have a heavy guy sit on your bike while you check the chain tension and you will see what I mean.

patrol21

no worries, already thought of it....

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The worst day riding beats the best day at work....no exceptions.

shortys

installed ZX7 shock ('92) $20...took less than an hour, just test rode, I love my Fabulous Thunderbird.

lvmp42

GregP
I just picked up my 96 adventurer and I am relatively new to motorcycle ride in general. But about how many miles were on your stock shock before you changed it. I only have 13500 on mine bike.

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gregp

My '96 Adventurer had about 22,500 miles on it when I changed the shock out. The Alternator drive bolt failed at 22,000.