Raise the back end h1 500

[H1anker]

Hi guys
Iam currently building / restoring to some extend, my first kawasaki.
H1 500 from 1970 i beleieve, first reg. 72
It needs work and looked at different shocks
Will 370mm work on a stock frame /swingarm?

Thinking that it might help on handling lifting it a bit..

[g6mow]

That’s a big jump from 320mm standard

[Hal]

You may run into a problem if you are using standard pipes as the centre one is sort of under the swinging arm.

[H1anker]

Yes i know

Plan is to run aftermarket pipes maybe Jim lomas polished ss.
Just read that some have raised their h1 later model 60mm with stock swingarm and improved handling.

I might Want to try the 370mm shocks and see how it looks and works

[Wolfie]

Can you lower the front by dropping the tubes through the clamps? I had to do it on the H2 cos I was on tiptoe.

It has the same effect and the added bonus that it sits better on the sidestand.

[scouse]

Can you lower the front by dropping the tubes through the clamps? I had to do it on the H2 cos I was on tiptoe.

It has the same effect and the added bonus that it sits better on the sidestand.

Nope not possible
Even if you could the ground clearance would go from zero to minus 2

Gary T

[scouse]

Have you ridden the bike?
If not then start off standard
Then you hsve a base line to compare your alterations too

Best handling improvement?
Take the front forks to Maxton they'll throw the internals out and build a complete new set of internals.
Ring Hagon get them to build some shocks to match you
Maxton might do back shox as well they want around a grand to do the front end

If you've never ridden a drum brake H1, your in for a shock especially if you ride a bike from 1990s on
You'll grab a handful of front brake and you'll slowly loose speed

Enjoy the build

Gary T

[Neil the Don]

Have you ridden the bike?
If not then start off standard
Then you hsve a base line to compare your alterations too

Best handling improvement?
Take the front forks to Maxton they'll throw the internals out and build a complete new set of internals.
Ring Hagon get them to build some shocks to match you
Maxton might do back shox as well they want around a grand to do the front end

If you've never ridden a drum brake H1, your in for a shock especially if you ride a bike from 1990s on
You'll grab a handful of front brake and you'll slowly loose speed

Enjoy the build

Gary T

Sensible post Gaz !!

There is a guy in the States who has done this ? I questioned it then , and I stil do now. TOO much weight put onto front end. Which is spindly , marginal at best , even stock ?

You would find the steering way too quick , it would shake its head (at least ,). And the skinny front tyre/wheel isnt designed for a more modern " front end " steering style.

Then again , I would bad talk tt100s on a triple , while some people love the feel of a sloppy vague tracking front end ? (Eh Bill ?!!)

You'd be far far better off fitting some Hagons at correct std length 320mm. And using some proper stiff sidewalled modern tyres. e.g. Avon roadriders. Those in themselves completely transform the handling , steering and comfort of the old triple ?

[Peter Mac]

I run 20mm longer shocks which is fine and looks cool , go any higher it looks like the bike’s been kicked up the arse you also need a kh250 kickstand as stock will be way short

[husson73]

genuine handling is rather good and I don't really understand why some guys try to improve it.
good rear shocks, front fork set up and good tyres are the only interesting improvement as some wrote before on this post.

[H1anker]

Oh yes, there is a lot of factors..
I have never ridden a kawasaki let alone this.

I have a set of avon tires to be put on and Will rebuild the front end with new stanchions. I do not have different springs.
Regarding the rear shocks just found some nice bilstein 370 with a little blue text and thought they would look nice and then i read some guy raised the rear of his h1 500 with 60mm, so thought it would be good to go.

Thanks guys i Will try the tires and front first proberly.

[Barrie]

When tuning one change at a time,
quantify the change , move onto the next item and so on ,
not start in front of the start line and the change everything in one go , a recipe for disaster

[gary62]

I run Hagons 340mm eye to eye with a 19'' rim on rear, that will give you more ground clearance. any more height on shocks your chain will rub on swing arm

[gary62]

And when you have raised the rear end you will find your side stand will be too short, Fit one from an S3 or KH 400 which are longer

[H1anker]

Gary62
Do you have pictures of your bike with those 340 hagons?
I was looking at hagons as well, the Black model.

[30yrs-on]

320 Hagons

[scouse]

Gary62
Do you have pictures of your bike with those 340 hagons?
I was looking at hagons as well, the Black model.

Buy direct from hagon and they will fit a spring top suit your weight and riding style

Gary T