I just received my issue of Sport Rider for June as well as Cycle World.

Sport Rider tested ZX against Hayabusa. Of course the ZX ran away with almost all the accolades; only showing a bit less acceleration in roll ons from 60 to 100 mph. However, they could not launch the ZX in the quarter with the ktrc off! So the times they got there were compromised accordingly.

The only truly questionable item in the article was the dyno rating of only 184 hp for the ZX. Same dyno returned 166 plus for the Hayabusa; which sounds reasonable for it. The only other dyno test that I can remember seeing for the ZX that was less than 190 hp was a case where the ktric had been left on for the test! The dyno concensus for the ZX seems to be 192 to 197 hp for all other tests. I wonder if Sport Rider left the level in F 1 instead of turning the traction control off during the dyno testing (or their dyno guy did and failed to inform them of his error)? What do the some of you think? I thought I might drop the mag an inquiry.

They also published the following settings for the suspension as "recommended":

Front: spring preload @ 6 lines showing, rebound damping @ 5 clicks out, compression damping @ 9 clicks out

Rear: spring preload @ 15mm thread showing, rebound damping @ 1.5 turns out, compression damping @ 2.5 turns out.

Now this would be for an "average" size rider riding aggressively. So for us bigger guys, stiffer might be in order.

On the old ZX, I found their suspension recommendations to be fine for me; a consequence of my less than Sport Rider level aggressiveness coupled with my greater than their test rider's body mass, I suspect.

I haven't checked against the stock settings yet to see how much their recommendations differ, but I hope that they will improve the stock behavior in a similar way to the improvement in the first gen ZX for me. I'm guessing, though,
that the difference will not be as great with the new model since Kawi improved it overall to begin with. I haven't felt any great need to fiddle with the stock settings on my own to date, but will undoubtedly give Sport Rider configuration a try based on past experience.

Interestingly, they also expressed the view that the Metzlers needed a bit more stickiness at the outer edges of the tread pattern. Believe they noted a deficiency under acceleration out of a turn, if I recall correctly. Some of us have experienced the same and noted it here on the forum.

Cheers!

Well...IDK where they got 180 something HP either.Maybe for an earlier model?LOL!I've seen nothing but 197's across the board stock...some higher.My suspension's set at somewhat near their advice...I'm 180,but I stiffened the rear preload about 5 turns,the comp...I think is at like 2,and the rebound is around 1 and 1/4(for the rear).The front I have 4 lines showing,4 or so clicks for rebound,and I think about 6 compression.It took 'a teensy' bit of plushness out...but she rails in the corners...160 so far in a few of em...without a wiggle.The Angel ST 190/55 rear is holding great.

Hey, Grn14;

Looks like only you and me here on this one.

Well, I dialed in the Sport Rider settings on the suspension except for the rear spring preload. I don't have the resources to do that properly and will let the dlr adjust for me at next oil change.

I was surprised that the front was stock set at 5.25 lines, estimate, on preload and that was actually more cw than the magazine suggested. I backed it off to exactly 6 lines showing. The rebound and compression on the front were adjusted according to the recommendations above as well and that tightened them up a bit, especially rebound. On the rear both the rebound and compression were tightened as well to the magazine recs. The preload rear shows only about 12 or 13 mm of thread and so would have to be tightened down some to meet their recs.

Result on test run this afternoon was noticeably firmer and sharper handling characteristics. The front end seemed to be both more compliant and more in contact with he irregularities in the road surface; better able to stay in touch, so to speak. I like it! For me, it is definitely a positive change and increase in sure footedness on an already good handling package. The rear end feels more solid and better able to "dig in" over the same surfaces and curves on my test route. Did a 30 mile loop or two and I don't think I will be returning to stock settings, that's fer sure. The rear end stiffened up enough that I am unsure whether I really want to increase the preload as they suggest or not. Could be a bit too much for this rider's comfort. Will probably have it done and try it before I decide to leave it at stock.

I don't know how these guys come up with their recommendations but I do appreciate it! They made a world of difference on the 07 and initial tests today with the 14 are very agreeable.

Bike feels a bit more "heads up" and "alive" if that makes any sense to you. Just encourages me to take the thottle back a bit more and drive the corners in a more brisk manner...............not necessarily a good thing for my license longevity expectations, perhaps; but great for generating miles of smiles.

"Looks like only you and me here on this one"...sa'll good...I've got a sweet 14R....You've got a sweet 14R....who else IS there here that's experimenting with their new baby's.I can't leave things alone for long...I'm always R&Ding my bikes.....

"The front end seemed to be both more compliant and more in contact with the irregularities in the road surface; better able to stay in touch, so to speak. I like it!"....yup.The faster I go...whether carving or straights...the more smooth and stable she feels with these settings.A tad bit more 'firm' feeling yes...but nothing needing any softening up for lack of comfort.She's still very plush and comfy.

"For me, it is definitely a positive change and increase in sure footedness on an already good handling package. The rear end feels more solid"

Ya...sounds good.Me too...my settings got rid of the 'wiggle' at high speed cornering that was going on...the same 'wiggle' you see on those race videos.I know exactly what you mean by "alive'...yes....I get it.Why don't you order the Kawasaki Hook Tool...it's there in the manual where they show the tools needed for any given component work(suspension in this case)...it's right at the beginning of the chapter(special tools) or whatever they call em.Then you simply remove the left side(as sitting on the bike)heel guard...and get that tool in there and start adjusting.Makes shock preload very easy really.

I think it was like 26 bucks or something...a very good and simple investment that you'll use time and again.I'm happy with mine.I would NOT recommend the hook tools that have that rivet in em....forget that.One piece...much easier.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 4/29/2012 @ 11:35 PM *