Looking for those with experience with suspension setup. I have a set of BST Rapid TEK wheels to install on my 2012 ZX14R. The bike was bought used and has a Ohlins shock and I suspect the fork internals were upgraded. Theses wheels are at least 50% lighter than the stock ones. Brock's site says no changes should need to be made on a heavy bike like the 14. This bike will be primarily 99% street ridden with occasional drag strip use, no road racing. I suspect that some rebound dampening may have to be removed.

Second question is on new tires. I am looking for a good compromise between grip and tire life with the bias toward traction. I am not looking for race rubber either drag or road race. Appreciate any input on either subject as I plan to do a lot of riding around deals gap and the blue ridge next summer.

* Last updated by: jstewart on 11/23/2020 @ 7:41 AM *

I can't help you with suspension. However, I put on 1400 miles down on the Dragon, Cherohala, Moonshiver, et al on a set of Shinko Raven 009s, on my 2016 ZX14R SE, back in Sept. I am not the fastest guy, but I pass many more people than pass me, and I do tag the footpegs once in a while. My Shinkos have no chicken strips. These tires surprised the shit out of me for handling, stick, and wear. And they are soooo inexpensive. I'll end up with about 4,000 miles total including the time at the Dragon.

That's my .02,
ominousone

I believe Shinkos are very heavy though. Something is going off in my brain about that.

They could be heavier than some of the other brands out there. I've just had pretty good luck with them.

I use Shinkos on my 2003 HD Superglide. I am using a rear drag race compound tire from Shinko on this bike since they are about the best. The front Shinko is a regular street compound. Very good tires for this bike and in this application. If I was not still riding pretty hard I would consider them on the 12R. LOL, who am I kidding, the Raven 009's are probably perfectly adequate for 99% of the street riders out there. A few years ago one of the major MC magazines ran a street test on sport touring vs sport tires. On the street within the limits these very capable riders could ride they concluded the sport touring tires were just as capable as sport compound tires, and to them surprisingly were a better choice for fast street riders. As I remember both sets of tires were Michelin so they were top brand tires.

Thanks guys for the input. After reading a lot of magazine reviews I ordered a set of Dunlop Sport Max Q3 plus tires.
They get consistently great reviews and the newer plus model gets better street mileage and even better reviews for wet & dry grip than the well reviewed Sport Max Q3. Rook I will let you know what they weigh as I know that is important to you.

Next time look at Conti Sport Attack tires. Much lighter than Shinko. $124 for rear 190/55-17
I've used 3 sets so far. Love them. I buy mine from Cycle Gear

Mad

Rook I will let you know what they weigh as I know that is important to you.

Thanks. Shoot some pics on the fish scale if you can. I'll save them for my collection of tires on fish scales. Otherwise, a mail scale works too but it is very tricky balancing the tire on center long enough to take the pic.

jstewart, I was going to suggest the Q3+. I've been using them and the previous Q3 for years. They are excellent on the 14R. Very neutral, easy turn in, great grip, and decent life.

As I responded to you on the other forum, I have BST's on my bike as well. The only adjustment I needed to make was a bit less compression damping on the front because the lighter wheel transmitted more kick back of bumps.

Ok Rook the Dunlop Q3+ tire weights are as follows. I will post pictures as soon as I figure out how.
Front 120/60---8# 3.1 oz.
Rear 190/50---13# 3 oz.
These are the tires that came on my bike and I love them. Not the lightest but they stick, turn in easy and are very predictable. That's why in the end I decided to put another set on the new BST wheels.

Thanks J. I have that recorded. Nice light tires you got!

If you dont have someone that can do a setup properly then I suggest you check with Dave Moss tuning. He has a youtube channel and he can do a remote tune on your suspension. All you need is a way to facetime and have someone else to help you as he gives you instructions. I was going to have mine done by him but I ended up getting it done at Wheelers down at the dragon. Might not be absolutely perfect but I think they did a good job and it makes a difference.

I have always went with Michelin 2CT’s on my 14’s (this is my 3rd one), with that being said I have not bought tires in 6 years so the technology has probably increased drastically. Personally I have never had a shitty Michelin product....

jstewart
With regards to suspension set up
It’s a very personal thing in MHO
No right answer, that will suit all riders.
The Dave Moss video on a ZX14 at the track suggests the front springs are too soft as standard.
I would 100% agree.
However ( how ) soft depends on your riding.
For many, standard is fine, the bike never gets pushed along.
You sound like me, love the twisties not the track
As I see it the harder you ride, the more your forks compress hard under breaking into a corner & the stronger the springs need to be. To support the weight, a lot In the 1441,s case. Rear to match of course. Balanced.
I would no where near profess to b an expert but maybe read my recent ( drivel ) post on suspension upgrade needed for ground clearance.
As merely a starting point
Id suggest spending a few bucks on professional help
But choose carefully who you go too
There’s a lot of snake oil salesman out there
eg the guy I now use is basically doing race bikes, but added road bikes to his repertoire, mine was the first 1441 he’d done so it took a little while to get 100%.
He got it spot on in the end, others may give up half way, not have the time, charge you a fortune for iffy results.
You get the idea.
Best of luck Buddy.

* Last updated by: banknyank on 4/21/2021 @ 9:45 AM *

Thanks banknyank that's good advice.

I think if you are an aggressive 14R driver, and do track days you need 3 different suspension setups.
One for fun but "respectful" street riding. One for aggressive street riding. One for the track.

Before I installed the full Ohlin's on my '14 BBW that's what I had going. The track settings were way to much for the street. The aggressive street setting were borderline to much for the street and in my useless opinion close to dangerous. There is too much crap and dirt and oil - whatever on the street to really be able to use the bike aggressively. So I really ended up with fun-to-ride suspension settings and track settings.

Haven't been to the track with the Ohlin's yet and where I ride now there is too more dirt, pine needles and crap on the twisty roads to be riding aggressive. Fun twisties here for sure as long as a Deer, Javilina, Coyote or Elk dont run out at ya.

So until I get the track bug again the Supercorsa's are on the shelf and I sail around in style and only nail the exits for ZX14R fun.

Keep it safe and tell your stories