Most of the test you read on 14`s comment on the softness of the front-end . Even with the preload cranked-up they are still very mushy . Are there different springs available from Kawasaki or Progressive ? I don`t know many rider that weigh around 150 - 175 pounds , which is what the factory springs feel like there designed for . With my riding gear on , I`m at about 235 pounds and would better about the whole thing if I could get the front-end firmed-up a bit . I`ve considered a lower-link to drop the rear an inch & a half , and take a little of the load off the front-end . What does the membership think ? Thanks for any input . OH , by the way . I`m almost 6 ft. 4 , so it`s not like I`m round or anything . I would like to drop about 10 pounds but that another deal completely . Thanks again !!

Hi, Fordman.

I'm about in the same situation (6' 3", about 220) and have the very same question. I hope someone can help us.

One of the reasons I decided on the 14 was that I had heard that it was OK for tall people, and that seems to be the case.

But I do believe it is set up for a 150# person, suspension-wise... -bg

Hi guys,

If by chance you haven't adjusted the forks according to the settings from the old net; that is a good place to start. I am 6'3" and 210 lbs and those adjustments made a world of difference for me.

Sp preload: 5 "lines" visible

Rebound damping: 3 clicks out

Compression damping: 7 clicks out

Now I ride like a pansy / not a thrasher at all. Occaisionally see 130-140 mph and take some nice 45 mph curves at 90-95 mph; and am on same original skins at about 4000 miles after one season. Only wheelie by accident. Probably will pick up some BT 016s or Avon VPSs this spring.

Also adjusted rear as per net instructions.

Rebound damping: 1 turn out

Compression damping: 1.5 turns out

Sp preload: stock

Bike is much firmer and controlled thru road deviations and in quick corections. Ride is even a bit harsh on rough freeze/thaw damaged pavement.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,

Paul
07 Blue ZX14

Thanks, Paul!

I'm going to try these settings... -bg

what's up all, New to the sight. I am bout 6-2 bout 290, (yikes!!!) but anyway, i immedialty felt the front end was soft, i paid my dealer to adjust the front and back and it was, it was firmer for a couple of weeks then seemed like it go mushy all over again. I said to hell with it and bought race teck internals and springs front and back and to date i think that has been by best upgrade dollar for dollar. total rece teck upgrade ran about eight hundred including labor.

Paul, those damping settings seem to be around the most popular recomendations
for stock preload ZX14s.
These Sportrider settings are different from a similar "stock, magazine, personal" setup
[3 different damping settings] that was on the old forum.
Maybe it was your post since it was "06BlueZX14" ?

Anyway, the settings in this article even seem a little odd, any Thoughts?

http://www.sportrider.com/features/146_0804_kawasaki_zx14_suzuki_gsx1300r/index.html

When it stops raining here I'm taking the bike to a suspension shop to set it up,
haven't done it before and hopefully it will be a good learning experience.

I'll post the results when I have it done.

Cheers,
Dave

Hi Dave,

Where's "here"; in as: "When it stops raining]here I'm taking the bike..." ? I'm in the Chicago area and its been raining here for a day now and snow tonite. When the salt is off the roads here I will take the bike everywhere.. :) :)

Well yes those settings look odd to me in the article. They are using an '08 and it would appear that its rear preload is user adjustable? Mines an '07 and since I am NOT "Hub" or "06BlueZX14"; I let the shop do any technical or "heavy" wrenching. The article's rear suspension setting appears extremely tight on damping to me and the trade off from my list and their front settings for pre and rebound seems compromising toward the harsh end; as is keep it from compressing to start with and you won't have to worry about rebound! By definition of the magazine title, those testers must be agressive riders (thrashers).

I can't swear where I got the settings I posted; maybe they did not come from the old forum; I thought they did. All I know is that, like the article you referenced, I had been trying multiple changes and combos without a lot of luck at taming the beast and when I dialed in the ones I posted the diference was like night and day. The settings are suposed to be for heavy or aggressive riders as I remember and they are for the first generation ZX14s. Like I said, I am heavier than the typical sport bike rider at 210 lbs. I am NOT terribly aggressive. Don't throw it back and forth thru the canyons with a knee dragging (I leave that for my little brother in CA). So I haven't changed the settings much from the post and while I might have a little more "dialing" to do, it works very well for my weight and riding style.

Look fwd to your results and maybe some info about your weight and riding style for reference.

Cheers,
Paul

I am 5’ 7” tipping the scale at 2 bills even, the spousal unit rings in at 185. I used the adjustments from the last forum and went a little closer to the “hard” end of the scale to improve the 2 up handling and provide a crisp response when I am alone and hanging it out on the corners. The ride is harsher but the pay off when 2 up or carving is worth it.. First adjustment was Jan 08 with the bike barely 2 months old right on the numbers from last forum. Latest adjustment was 15 Dec 08 and I might just mess with them again tonight……

Recommended value (my current setting)
Rebound damping: 3 clicks out (2)
Compression damping: 7 clicks out (6) [might stand another click clockwise {5}]
Spring preload: 5 "lines" visible (3.875 lines {.40}) [might take this down as low as .30]

REAR setup (didn’t mess with this till the last adjustment in Dec 08
Rebound damping: 1 turn out
Compression damping: 1.5 turns out
Spring preload: stock

PaulAB the setting you posted were in fact from the last forum {zx14ninja.com} and you are correct it is a day/night difference.

Dave, after reviewing the “SportRider” article I think I will try the setup mentioned for the rear. The rebound damping (9 out) on the front would be way to soft IMO and as mentioned above I am using the same compression damping (6 out) now. They recommend the preload (3 lines) that I am considering.

Now all this is just seat of the pants tuning, and I ride it like I stole it more often than not… Look forward to further updates by the many members on how they have it setup ..

Keep the rubber side down,
AirForceBlue

Toecutter posted a great read on suspension basics .

I had a NW company revalve my forks, new springs and Penske shock.
Totally different bike now.
Race Tech also does work on the 14. Go to their site and hit the "check out what race tech has for your Bike link."
That will get you eventually to their products for the 14.
Their spring rate calculator is a handy way to figure what kg. springs you'll need.
You will have to talk with on of their local techs in your area to see whats what.
I havent heard anything about them for our 14's. I do know the smaller bikes and Mxers like them.

The factory valving is a joke.
I wasted my stock stuff after 3 track days/ 7500 miles.
After Barry at GP Suspension North did my forks each clip is profound!
The Penske shock is a huge improvement.
The adjustable ride height really makes a difference.
Lost a bit of cushy ride due to the straight wound springs.
A great trade off FOR ME as I bomb the twisties here in the NW.
And if I ever go back to track days I have a suspension that can handle the G's.
Here is the links.

http://www.racetech.com/page.aspx?id=53&menuid=61

http://www.gpsuspension.com/

* Last updated by: OldGuy on 3/27/2009 @ 11:13 AM *