I'm looking forward to riding the 14 soon. I'm a little concerned about the Ohlins rear shock getting dinged up. Do you think a hugger keeps it safe from rock strikes? I know the bottom joint got just a little nicked up on my stocker. I don't plan to put the belly pan back on so I guess that leaves it somewhat vulnerable anyway.

A hugger will help, have one on my bike. You could also use a "shock sock" which covers up the shock, haven't seen one in a while but bet you could google it. I think Traxxion Dynamics might sell them.

The downside to the shock sock is the shock, being enclosed, retains more heat.

Shock Sock! I love it!!
TRAXION DYNAMICS 14 British pounds. Breathable fabric. Velcro closure--I suppose that is easy off/easy on. washable /reusable. Like it but a little baggy looking for my taste.

SHOCKPRO same thing as the Traxxion Dynamics but in colors. I think these are for buggies. Don't know if it would be short enough for a motorcycle.

BAD HORSIE
These are really cool looking. 4/$10!!! I bet they get holes in them quick but DO they look hot! I'd take yellow if I could find one the right size for the Ohlins. I'll bet that would not be hard, these things stretch. ...but you have to remove the damned lower pivot every time you need to change socks? Can't see that.

OHLINS MAKES THEM!
This is sickness. Looks like heavy duty lycra. Stretchy and durable. I wonder if they have in yellow?

Thanks for the great idea, Rktsled. You know, I have a sewing machine. I could make one of these with yellow Lycra (see it for $6.25/yard) and silk screen blue Ohlins logos on it! That's the best in-between. I like the rubbers but no way can I see removing the shock every 7,000 miles or maybe less. Maybe I go with lycra and a velcro closure with drawstrings on top and bottom?? Great idea. Next item in the Rook Racing product line!

* Last updated by: Rook on 4/1/2015 @ 7:29 PM *

I could make socks for the shock oil reservoir, too!

I could be wrong, but unless you dual sport your ZX (or your rides start off like Grn14, lol), I don't think you need to worry about much damage to your shock.

Always glad to help, could turn in to another great project and how-to.

I do have to agree with BigBloke, chance of damaging a shock on this bike is pretty nil.

The downside to the shock sock is the shock, being enclosed, retains more heat.

BigBloke and Rktsled, thanks for confirming that. My OEM shock spring was dirty after 43,000 miles but other than that, it looked like new. The bottom pivot had a few pits in it from an occasional rock strike. I think the bottom pivot is removable/replaceable on the Ohlins shock. You adjust the height by loosening the locknut and threading the pivot rod out. I don't see why it couldn't be threaded all the way off and polished up or replaced. I do like this shock sock idea though. ...but even that wouldn't cover the pivot. hmmmmmm Rook Racing Shock Sock and chainguardless hugger ...hmmm

* Last updated by: Rook on 4/2/2015 @ 3:20 AM *

I only mentioned it as a possibility.
I kind of doubt it would cause harm but I do know that shocks, as well as forks, heat up when in use.
My buddy has a shock/fork dyno and he runs the parts through many cycles to get everything up to temp prior to plotting the compression/rebound curves and deciding on changes.

Hey Rook, while you're at it, all my socks have holes in the toes. Make me some that say "Mad Kaw" on them. Thanks pal...

Mad

LOL, My socks are the same. I better get to work!

Try Geelong Carbon in Victoria, they make a sick looking hugger

Geelong Carbon http://www.geelongcarboncraft.com.au/

Thanks, Richard. I've heard that is a nice one. I believe the only one with a shield that drops below the swing arm.

Geelong carbon is based on the Gold Coast in Qld

Neil