Dear Geek:
How do I change ride height by using shims on the rear shock instead of moving the fork tubes in the triple clamp?
Jim Jeffries, Clanton, Alabama
1. Lift or remove the tank from your bike, and measure the diameter of the threads on the shock's clevis mount where it goes through the frame. You'll need a few washers that are big enough to fit around the threads (try a hardware or auto parts store) and 1mm or 2mm thick. Generally, a 2mm shim will raise ride height by around 5mm, and this would be a good increment to experiment with.
2.Measure the thickness of your washers or shims with a set of calipers so you know how much you are adding. Before you start, make sure you have a small enough outer diameter to clear any obstructions around the clevis. Slightly loosen the large nut on the clevis and the top shock mount.
3. Using jackstands or a rear frame stand (ahh, my kingdom for a centerstand!) support the rear of your bike somewhere other than the swingarm, so that the rear wheel is just off the ground. Measure from a point on the rear axle up to a hard point on the subframe for a baseline reading of ride height.
4. Remove the top shock bolt and rotate the shock away from the clevis as much as possible. On Kawasakis you can buy shims from your dealer that are open and can be slipped into place, once the large nut is unscrewed a few turns. If you're using washers, you'll have to drop the clevis down and slip a washer or two over the top and into position.
5.Reinstall the clevis, making sure there is plenty of clearance around the shim and that the clevis fits properly into position. Bolt the shock into place, and torque the top shock mount and large clevis nut to manufacturers' specs. Measure from the axle to the subframe reference point and calculate the change in ride height.
6. Remember this ratio so that you can add or take away shims as necessary at a later date for a desired ride height. Carefully lower your bike off the stand, reinstall the tank and seat, and you're done.