the rear shock . I knew it was easy , but there was definitely a little trepidation as I let the gas out from the reservoir . Using a couple of ratchet straps I managed to compress the spring enough to remove the retainers . Spring off , the end cap needed removing . I used a couple of Torx keys ( they ’ re round rather than angled like an Allen key ) in the end cap pin-holes to twist it off . A quick clean with alcohol – the inside of the shock , not me – and the spacer was easy to put in place ( it splits in the middle and is secured together with a rubber band ). End cap pushed back down and spring back on , I took the shock back to the shop to be regassed . It was a 15 minute job , and I was on my way back home . As they say , assembly is the reverse of disassembly ... so an hour later the bike was back together . I opted to drop the forks 25mm through the yokes to bring the steering angle back to normal . It looks close , but the front wheel doesn ’ t touch the fender using drop off the garden retaining wall test . If I like how it all works , then I ’ ll get the forks shortened internally too .
when the track gets gnarly . I ’ ll let you how which direction I go with getting the forks lowered – either someone to do it for me ... or the Zeta fork spacers and do it myself .
Part : Zeta Racing Lowering Kit 46mm Spacer for KYB / WP Part number : DF-ZE56-32246 Price : $ 49.94 Buy : From your local dealer
TESTING An opportunity to test the bike came over Matiriki Weekend . I took the bike through the Porika 4WD track with a bit of playing on the trails to the side . So far I ’ ve not had the front tyre rub the fender and I ’ m liking the lower seat
42 KIWI RIDER