Replacement Rear Shocks?

Forums:  1979 KZ1300 A1 Kawasaki 2026-04-21 Progressive Suspension Rear Shock Replacement

Thinking about replacing the PS shocks. For the PS shock rebuild thread, clicky.

YSS   and Black Diamond  have KZ1300 replacements.

The Black Diamond shocks look interesting - compression and rebound tuning, height adjustable, adjustable pre-load. For 639 USD, a bargain.



Unfortunately, my 79 Kz1300 runs a rear rack, so no piggy-back resevoir can be used. As KawBoy says, Form, Fit, Function!

That leaves the YSS, thinking of this one..  only pre-load adjustability, not serviceable.. Great price point at USD 250.
https://epmperformance.com/cdn/shop/files/RE302-365T-03-88_c9f6e545-e608-4b67-bcc6-a3f29431e679.jpg?v=1753974298&width=1100
Or... this one, which can be rebuilt.  
https://epmperformance.com/products/yss-rz362-twin-emulsion-shocks-kawasaki-z-1300-rz362-370tr-05-88
More expensive, at USD 629.
https://epmperformance.com/cdn/shop/files/RZ362-365TRJ-03-88_1623a52d-0e0b-408e-8caa-746bd9586d60.jpg?v=1753975241&width=1100/img]

I called brian this morning, he said they do make a heavier spring.
20–40 is stock, they also have a 25–45, which is an inch smaller in height.

He recommends trying to stock spring. Let the preload results determine if the heavier spring is required.

He said that for the non-serviceable shock they typically last 20 to 30,000 miles and have a two year guarantee.

The serviceable shock can be worked on by them.