Author Topic: Works performance shock  (Read 2542 times)

Offline Los_gatos

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Works performance shock
« on: August 28, 2025, 08:01:13 PM »
My 92 k75 came with a Works shock on the back. I've tried using Web Archive to figure out which one it is or even if it's even for a K bike. This shock feels like it bottoms out, but has at least some pressure of whatever gas is still in the nitrogen reservoir. I see there's still some rebuild kits out there, but not sure if any would fit this shock. Would this shock even be worth rebuilding or should I just get a new YSS? If it is worth it, anyone know what model this is? Thanks.
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Offline Kaos

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Re: Works performance shock
« Reply #1 on: August 29, 2025, 01:40:22 AM »
Looks like older model Kawasaki (z750) performance shocks or honda mx model shocks. But as far as i know these were side by side shocks. So they're absolutely not OEM or even supposed to go on a K. Restauration could be an option, but if it was supposed to be a side by side shocks, i'd advice to replace it
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Offline frankenduck

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Re: Works performance shock
« Reply #2 on: August 29, 2025, 09:47:00 AM »
That looks like an early Works "piggyback" shock that they sold for Ks. Later Works shocks for Ks came with a separated reservoir that attached to the tail frame rail.

Works is out of business and "nobody" rebuilds them so YSS is an option.

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Offline Los_gatos

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Re: Works performance shock
« Reply #3 on: August 29, 2025, 10:02:07 AM »
Thanks! Looks like I'll be going with a YSS for the ol' money pit. :)
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Offline frankenduck

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Re: Works performance shock
« Reply #4 on: August 29, 2025, 10:02:16 AM »
Here's a similar one on Ebay which I'm surprised to find given how old it is:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/226258777733
Once I had a Collie pup. Dug a hole and covered him up. Now I sit there by the hour. Waiting for a Collie-flower.
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Offline Kaos

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Re: Works performance shock
« Reply #5 on: August 29, 2025, 08:39:42 PM »

Works is out of business


As far as I have to believe the interwebs works became worx shocks in 2017 when taken over by the daughter. Never the less. A replacement is in order.
Duck's recommendations Can be topped with other models, but with a bit of searching you'll be able to find m yourself
  • Basically Everywhere
  • 1988 K100 RT; 1988 K100 LT; 1989 K 100 LS
"When Kaos reigns, bolts shall break" - Vlad the extractor, 2024

Offline Edward

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Re: Works performance shock
« Reply #6 on: August 30, 2025, 12:54:20 AM »
You could go with Race Tech. They made me a custom shock for my K75S '87. It was pricey, but the performance is pretty darn amazing. I also had the forks sent to them for an RT rebuild. They transformed the old K into a performer. Along with floating discs for increased stopping power, this upgrade brought the bike up to date. It's worth dropping them an email.
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Offline natalena

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Re: Works performance shock
« Reply #7 on: August 30, 2025, 04:38:28 PM »
A rebuild would be nice for the sake of having a period part. If you actually want to ride and enjoy the brick, replacement with a YSS is an easy call. The model I installed has adjustable preload and damping settings that are simple to adjust for solo or loaded rides. Cheers
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Offline Los_gatos

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Re: Works performance shock
« Reply #8 on: August 31, 2025, 12:23:50 PM »
Thanks for the replies. I went with a YSS. It's coming from Europe so we'll see what happens with import taxes and shipping (at least it's shipped FedEx). I'll probably put that Works shock up on fleabay. Hopefully the new shock doesn't make the bike taller or I'll be in a pickle.
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  • 92 k75, 95 gs500

Offline Kaos

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Re: Works performance shock
« Reply #9 on: August 31, 2025, 02:32:57 PM »
Which one did you order?
Yss had their sizes in the productcode
  • Basically Everywhere
  • 1988 K100 RT; 1988 K100 LT; 1989 K 100 LS
"When Kaos reigns, bolts shall break" - Vlad the extractor, 2024

Offline Los_gatos

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Re: Works performance shock
« Reply #10 on: August 31, 2025, 03:20:33 PM »
The basic one that frankenduck posted, 350mm.
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Offline Smudgemo

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Re: Works performance shock
« Reply #11 on: August 31, 2025, 04:17:41 PM »
Works is out of business and "nobody" rebuilds them so YSS is an option.

Do you mean the early versions?  My '92 K75 RT project came with a Works with a remote reservoir, and it felt terrible.  After doing a bit of online shopping with limited spending my goal, I decided to have Schmidty Racing rebuild mine which cost about $250 all-in.  The guy I spoke to seemed knowledgeable and said the nitrogen bladder was almost certainly leaked out and even likely degraded being 20 years old. 

The currently iteration of the company's website (Worx) didn't offer much help nor inspire any confidence, and Schmidty turned it around in less than two weeks (SFO-PHX.)  I don't geek out on suspension, so take it for what it's worth, but the ride is a lot better now.

https://www.schmidtyracing.com/
  • '92 K75 RT / '08 GS
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Offline Kaos

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Re: Works performance shock
« Reply #12 on: September 01, 2025, 02:10:08 AM »
The basic one that frankenduck posted, 350mm.

Youll be fine then, 380 would rise the bike.
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  • 1988 K100 RT; 1988 K100 LT; 1989 K 100 LS
"When Kaos reigns, bolts shall break" - Vlad the extractor, 2024

Offline Laitch

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Re: Works performance shock
« Reply #13 on: September 01, 2025, 10:51:22 AM »
The YSS is adjustable by 10mm.
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Offline Los_gatos

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Re: Works performance shock
« Reply #14 on: September 01, 2025, 01:32:10 PM »
Thanks Liarch. Good to know. The old Works measured 330mm and was bottoming out, so we'll see how the YSS one goes.
  • Over there
  • 92 k75, 95 gs500