For those that remember several months ago I embarked on a project to upgrade the suspension on my ZX 14R 2012. Standard the suspension was IMO sub-standard, the front suspension had a sag out of the box of around 54mm while the rear was somewhat better, wallowing and then harshness when the dampening was turned up to control the wallow. With gear I weigh around 270 lbs.
I started by buying a second hand set of forks from the US, I then purchased some Racetech 11n/mm springs & some 20mm Ohlins supersport valves. While I had them apart to do the machining for the ABS I had both fork legs re-chromed & the bottoms powder coated, once reassembled you could not tell them from new except for the colour difference. I had the fork oil changed to a 10 wt to allow for the extra dampening required for the stiffer springs.
I then removed the existing forks & replaced them with the upgraded ones. Immediately the problems with the rear suspension were apparent, so a Penske 8983 was ordered, this was matched to the machine & my weight at no extra cost from Hardracing/Penske.
After fitting the new shock, on the first ride it was like the bike had been transformed from a harsh wallowy ride into a plush controlled ride, & while some tweaking of the suspension has been necessary ie setting sag, rebound & compression settings (which actually do something now) all the time it has been improving, & now I beleive it is exactly were it needs to be for the performance of the bike. The bike is now much more responsive to road surface irregularities & has a much more planted feel. There is no more running wide & I am much more able to change lines mid corner ie it now steers where I want it to go!
For those considering suspension upgrades for this bike I say JUST DO IT The cost to do this was around $1800.00 aus but would be considerably less if you were to use your existing forks. I still have my original forks sitting untouched in a packing box.
IMO this has been well worth the money spent, the bike is now a joy to ride, & I beleive tyre life will also improve as the suspension is keeping the tyres in contact with the black stuff more consistently. The bike is now easier to ride & safer on poor roads.

Neil

Hi Neil,
New to this forum, I thought I was going crazy as nobody else is complaining about the suspension.I ended up with a full makeover from a local guy in Sydney. Full replacement rear with a Wilbers unit and new springs/valving in the front end for a much improved ride. Front originally had way too much sag and the rear was shithouse,came home from a ride feeling like a beaten red headed step child. Good to know im not the only one.

Hi
I have to say that I agree with both of you. The suspension out of the box is not the best. I find the front quite jittery over rough roads. Very little feel/feedback. Never feels "planted" to the road.Ryanc I Was wondering who you used in Sydney for your setup?
Cheers Scott

Hey Neil
I want to upgrade my front forks as well and was wondering if the stock 14R forks are the same as the earlier years forks? I have Racetech springs and valves i purchased for my 07 and never got around to installing them and I called racetech and they said they have no idea if they will fit the 14R because they havent got a hold of a 14R yet to try. So Im not sure if the springs will work on the 14R set of forks...any thoughts on if the springs will fit the 14R forks? I just upgraded the rear spring to ohlins and its a huge improvement.
Let Me Know What Ya think.
Thanks Snuffy

I weigh 220 right now and have no complaints with the suspension. At first it did take some time to get it setup properly but found a good setup for high speed and carving. It is much better than my 07 stock, but not quite as good as my 07 with all the race tech goodies & springs installed.

* Last updated by: seno on 10/8/2012 @ 10:24 AM *

Snuffy, I have no idea if the springs will fit. This is why I bought earlier model forks & upgraded them.
Nobody could tell me!
I dont think Kawasaki has changed much internally in the current forks.
One thing to check would be the manuals for the dfferent years & see what they say about the spring length etc.
Good luck!

Neil

Thanks for the In put Fellas...My bike is in the shop getting some odds and ends installed stuff I didnt feel comfortable doing myself but once I get it back I'm gonna bring it to a place where Leo goes in jerzy called washinton cycle works and get the susspension tweeked for me.

Snuffy

companies that sell fork kits / springs for the ZX14, do not have them for the ZX14R, so I would guess they are not interchangeable.

companies that sell fork kits / springs for the ZX14, do not have them for the ZX14R, so I would guess they are not interchangeable.

I would not consider this an accurate statement. Just like above, Racetech has no idea because they haven't gotten ahold of a 2012. That does not mean they will fit or wont, its just they have not attempted it yet.

They should for the sake of sales. I would offer a full fork rework for the first person who dropped of their 14R to test fit.

Well, I bit the bullet today and dropped my baby off to Teknic Racing Suspensions here in Sydney for a full suspension upgrade. Springs, Valving, Shims, the whole enchilada!!Going to take about a week so will post the results once I get her back. Never had a complete suspension service done on a bike before so will be interested to see the difference..
Cheers

Svscott, what are you doing at the back of the bike? I know someone who is selling his 8983 Penske shock for a zx14.

Neil

Hi Neil
The shock is being rebuilt as well to suit my weight and riding style. Just out of curiosity what sought of money is he asking for the Penske?
Cheers