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We ran the ZX10 at the track last week (track day, not a race) and used the settings from Roadracing World, which were a pretty good starting point. Here is where we ended up:

FRONT
Preload @5th line (4 showing)
Sag was 31mm w/160lb rider + gear
Compression - 9 clicks from hard
Rebound - 9 clicks from hard

REAR
Preload - backed adjuster off 1 full turn from stock
Sag was 25mm
Compression - 3.0 turns from hard
Rebound - 1.75 turns from hard

We had severe headshake problems getting on the gas without a steering damper. That is the first and most obvious thing this bike needs, and cost us several seconds per lap. Also found some chatter from the front from entry through middle section of a couple turns. The front of the bike feels too light and tries to push / run wide. We may need to drop the front in the triples and/or raise the rear. Suprisingly, traction out of the turns wasn't much of an issue. We will see if that holds true when we get a steering damper.

Rider commented that compression was too stiff front and rear, and it was not something we could adjust out. We wil try a Penske rear and get the forks revalved & see where that puts us.

These were just the picky details. My rider really, really liked the way the 10R handled and felt overall, except for the headshake.

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OK - so you didn't like my settings. What have you found that works for you on the track, other than what you have read???

You think 31mm is too much sag for the front? I've rarely run less, on any racebike. Let us know how much sag you are running. We did have more preload dialed in at one time (which would have reduced sag), but the chatter was worse, and we ran slower lap times. FYI we are running about the same front preload as the Motorrad setting you posted.

The chatter was fairly minor - the main issue holding us back was the lack of a steering damper. We have never run a racebike without one, and it is obviously needed for this bike. Another ZX10R owner at the track day also noticed head shake with his Pirellis, but he was not running quite as fast as my rider was. From my experience, the headshake is not a tire issue.

Since it was a track day, we were able to make a lot of adjustments to the suspension, and this is just where we ended up. It's nowhere near "dialed in" yet because of the issue with the steering damper. Once we get that solved and really start going fast, I expect that our suspension settings will change again. They always do as you increase your speed.

But it will be meanigless soon as I've already got the forks pulled for revalving, and the Penske is on the way. Can't wait until the next track day. Race bodywork will be here in May, then the real fun starts.

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