Rear shocks on a 1999J.... are they air shocks?

[JMJ77]

Hi, yeah, seat is from Classic. Had to make new rear brackets, otherwise direct fit. Hard to find oem solo, if someone have one and like to sell it, please let me know. Have also Singh style spring solo seat, but have to make all mounts etc for that in future.

Black rack is self made, chrome is original Kawa item. Maybe for EU area, not sure about that. Attached German Kawa Cruiser broschure, look page 18.

Regards Jani

[53Indian]

Never seen one of those racks before.
Looks like you got a seat off a Classic (?) fitted too. 

[chief]

Thanks for directing attention to that... didn't even think to look in the manual!! I'm going to modify some info to ensure this is more obvious to other users in future. Again thanks.

I believe only the 1999 and probably 2000 EU/German/Swiss 1500's had the spring shocks. This info appears in the 1999 manual. The 2001 and later manuals don't mention the non-air shocks. Though they do keep the headings which include "Suspension (Air Type)". I am  going to do some research to see what manual variants are out there, especially those which differ from the english versions. If any of you know of such manuals please let me know.

Even after 20+ years, we learn new stuff all the time about these great bikes.

Cheers

[JMJ77]

Hi, actually I got original Kawasaki VN1500J service manual yesterday, and there it is under suspension part. Air shocks except EU, German and Swiss models, which are spring types. But it's fine for me, will see later if there's any need for upgrade.

I really hope that this cold and snowy winter is soon over. There's nothing much to do now except wait and killing time, so made rear rack of some spare steel. Also found original Kawa rear rack, last one in one of the EU parts store.

Jani

Edit some typos..

[chief]

MODIFIED THANKS to JMJ77: 03/10/2022

SPRING REAR SHOCKS ON 1999 (AND POSSIBLY 2000) EU, GERMAN and SWISS 1500 Drifters. AIR SHOCKS ON ALL OTHERS.

(English) 1999 1500 promo information indicated air shocks standard. Kaw official US site parts info refers to air shocks.  USA and Canada were all air shocks and any found now without air shocks have been modified by previous owners.

People have changed out the rear shocks from the beginning. I have Progressive brand non-air on mine... added about 20 years ago or so.

Attached is the suspension pdf from Kawasaki for US etc.

Cheers

[JMJ77]

Hi all, old topic but didn't start new thread because my question concerns "non air" oem shocks used on early 1500 Drifters. As BugzeeMalone said in first post, there aren't any air valves on 99' shocks. At first I was wondering that too, but you can see that from part diagram also. Maybe European version thing, don't know for sure. If I'm right, you can only adjust preload.

My question is, has someone changed oem spring to stiffer or progressive springs? Does any of you know, what is the stiffness of those oem springs? I can't open those shocks and check springs right now, because bike is in winter storage far away.

Maybe if there's no stiffer springs available, it's time to upgrade those shocks for some aftermarket shocks, will see.

Cheers, Jani

[BugzeeMalone]

Thanks for everone's input. I appreciate it.
I am going to have a play with the set up
Regards
Ray in NZ

[chief]

The OEM are fine but they require some work to get and keep them properly set. Personally, I replaced mine and believe they are much better than the oem.

[BugzeeMalone]

Thanks so much for posting this photo.
I appreciate the fact that you had to remove it from your Drifter to do this for me 
Yes,the previous owner must have replaced them.
Are the std shocks any good? Is it worth picking up a set as I have always thought mine rode a little hard compared to my previous BMWs
Regards,
Ray in NZ

[drifter-paul]

Anything for a countryman from the Northern Islands. Course , I won't be able to go for a ride until I put it back on.

[BugzeeMalone]

Yes I was expecting them mounted on the top.
They look stock with 4 settings for preload.
They are black on top and chrome on the bottom with no exposed spring.
Could someone please post a photo of their stock shock for me please
Ray in NZ

[drifter-paul]

Air valves - as in like what you have on your tires to pump air into.
Black surround 3 3/8" at top, air valve at top, black sping & lower surround. If these don't describe yours, then you have aftermarket.

[BugzeeMalone]

I have read that the adjustable rear shocks on 1500 Drifters also have air valves. I looked on my 1500 99J model and I can't find any air valves. Did they come on later models?
Ray in NZ