toledoUPSguy
Expert Class
An old guy with a new toy
Posts: 320
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posted July 19, 2012 03:04 AM
various methods of lowering?
From the searchs I've tried doing before posting it appears the adjustable links are preferred over the 3 hole links out back. If I'm correct the lowering links change the angle of the shock rocker??? which changes the shock progression??? what is the real world result of that on the street? would a shorter shock actually be a preferred (although way more expensive) solution?
Now to the front, you have lowering blocks, the Progressive lowering springs, raising the fork in the triple trees and lowering straps. Sure doesn't seem like a good idea to run around the street straped, understand the reason at the strip. That leaves the other 3. raising the forks is free. do the blocks or drop springs offer any advantages? Seems like Progressives drop springs would give you some nasty front end rise when you're hard on the gas.
Thanks in advance.
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The man on top of the mountain didn't fall there.
2014 ZX14r in nuclear sunset orange and black
  
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eklipse636
Needs a life
ZX-14
Posts: 6046
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posted July 19, 2012 03:30 AM
If your just riding on the street, slide forks up 3/4" and it's up to you as far as 3 hole lowering links or adjustable. I personally have the adjustable links because we are going as low as possible for the strip.
If your going to lower it pretty low, it's a MUST to get a modified pan. OSR has the best deal as far as pans.
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Seno
Pro
BANNED FOR LIFE!
Posts: 1230
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posted July 19, 2012 04:01 AM
One thing to mention is, when you slide the forks up 3/4" it changes the geometry of the bike which makes the bike handle a bit different. I use the 3 hole adjusting links (middle setting), and slide my forks up 3/4".... When I went around my first turn it scared the shit out of me, felt like I was on a completely different bike... At least it helped keep the front wheel down a little.
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2012 Black 14R -> Completely done!
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toledoUPSguy
Expert Class
An old guy with a new toy
Posts: 320
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posted July 19, 2012 11:26 AM
if one lowers the front and rear the same amount then the geometry will stay the same, correct? wanting to keep the geometry the same is a big plus in favor of the threaded adjustable rear links over the 3 hole versions.
I think I'm asking my question wrong. This bike is ridden on the street and the PLAN is drag stip trips also. I understand the reason for straping the front down at the strip but obviously you aren't going to want a cinched down tight front end on the street. I will strap it down at the track. That leaves the other 3 readily available methods for lowering the front.
1) slide tubes-free 2) progressive lowering springs- can the rebound circuit handle the extra free play these put into the fork? 3) lowering block-not sure what to expect from these. Heck, I guess there is a 4th, take it to a suspension shop and intenally lower it (isn't that what the blocks do?)
What i'm asking is what are the effects or drawbacks to the 3 methods of lowering the front?
OH, and what are you doing with the horn?
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The man on top of the mountain didn't fall there.
2014 ZX14r in nuclear sunset orange and black
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Seno
Pro
BANNED FOR LIFE!
Posts: 1230
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posted July 19, 2012 11:49 AM
I lowered my front 3/4 and lowered the back to the middle hole (about 1.5" I think) and it made the bike feel completely different.... not terrible but it dives into corners quicker, had to turn up the dampening...
As far as the horn, disconnected it and ran the lines to my NOS solenoid...
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2012 Black 14R -> Completely done!
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chromedout12r
Expert Class
Posts: 144
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posted July 20, 2012 07:34 AM
Seno is 100% correct if you mess with the front forks I highly suggest you get the suspenion tuned. It will throw your handling off big time.
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toledoUPSguy
Expert Class
An old guy with a new toy
Posts: 320
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posted July 20, 2012 12:37 PM
quote:
Seno is 100% correct if you mess with the front forks I highly suggest you get the suspenion tuned. It will throw your handling off big time.
I understand that and agree 100%. On the KTM/Husaberg dirt bikes we play with front end height all the time to adjust the handling, and their are guys making big bucks adjusting suspension. That was never the question though. the question is for a given drop of the front end (and the back will be dropped the same) is there any difference in the end result between the 3 methods. raise fork tubes/progressive lowering springs/the internal block kits.
if the end result is the same whether you choose the free method of raising the tubes comparted to $$ for the other two methods, why spend the money?
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The man on top of the mountain didn't fall there.
2014 ZX14r in nuclear sunset orange and black
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Quarter Pounder
Pro
with Cheese
Posts: 1069
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posted July 20, 2012 02:41 PM
yes, if you can lower the bike the same front/rear, you won't have any adverse handling issues. BUT, you will have some ground clearance issues if you get a bit aggressive cornering.
Pulling up the forks 3/4 and middle hole is very doable on the street with plenty of ground clearance for most of the time.
The advantage to doing the forks internally is that the springs and (if you get it done) valving is set up for a shorter suspension stroke compared to stock.
I've done the simple drop and was just fine on the street.
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SWB 2008 ZX-14
9.19 @ 151
5.98 @ 123
1.53 60'
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NinjaNick
Needs a job
'08 ZX14 (Blue)
Posts: 4558
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posted July 20, 2012 04:28 PM
I slid my forks up 3/4" and dropped rear to the last hole in my links. With my 6" over extended arm my shock was shit after this. I also ordered a Brocks Performance Drag Shock which kept my suspension stiffer. Also you may look into buying a tigertail for your undertail. I need to because I have melted plastic under my tail in one spot.
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Flyboy
Pro
Posts: 1536
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posted July 21, 2012 09:14 PM
Lowering the bike for the track or Bonneville is fine but when riding it on the streets when lowered its not very fun and quite a hard ride especially in the twisties. Surprisingly when lowered on the street the bike looks short and stubby and not very attractive. Like a bullet-- but to each his own.
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'There's more living in five minutes flat-out on a bike than some men have in an entire life'.
"The World's Fastest Indian"
One fast red ZX-14,
Three World and four National Land Speed Records,
One faster red and white Cessna Turbo 210
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Seno
Pro
BANNED FOR LIFE!
Posts: 1230
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posted July 22, 2012 05:06 AM
Rode another 14R yesterday and realized how much better it handled, yes it was really noticeable on the beautiful upstate twisties.... Going back to the stock ride height... but will install an adjustable link & strap for racing.
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2012 Black 14R -> Completely done!
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