heavenlyride
Novice Class
Posts: 76
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posted May 29, 2006 05:53 AM
soft suspension??
I am not build like the 150 to 200 lb rider this thing was set up for. I am 280 and tall.
What mods can I make to the front end to make the bike sag right. I have been riding aprilia and BMW's before coming back to Kawi. The BMW just took a ohlin to fix it front and back. The aprilia had 1.05 springs.
This one seems to be lighter in the spring in front. anyone know what is standard? Has anyone replaced without revalve to see if the issue is just a weak spring for my need?
Any advise or help is welcome If you know of someone in Houston who does the front forks please advise.
Thanks.
    
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FasterThanStink
Pro
Posts: 1218
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posted May 29, 2006 07:10 AM
 Edited By: FasterThanStink on 29 May 2006 08:10
Increase the Pre-load by turning the pre-load adjusters 1 full turn clockwise. The go for a ride and note the difference. A 1/4 turn increase in the compression dampening located on the lower fork leg will also help. Do adjustments 1 at a time and write down what you did so you can note the difference and if need be, go back a step if you see a problem.
You may need a heavier front fork spring. Racetech can help you out. There are quite a few listed in Texas. Here is a link to the Racetech centers in TX:
http://www.racetech.com/cdsearch.asp?showPage=dirt
There web site is kind of goofy. Disregard the "dirt" reference at the top of the page.
____________
Speed has never killed anyone,
suddenly becoming stationary...
That's what gets you.
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Tool Man
Needs a job
Posts: 4493
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posted May 29, 2006 07:22 AM
heavenlyride: I'm 6'5 320 I turned up the fork preload 1 3/4 turn and then dialed out 2 clicks on the comp. Left the rebound alone. Play with it some go to the extremes at either end( soft - hard) to see the differences then work back to the middle. You will find what works for you.
____________
The banks are failing..
The banks are failing...
Invest in Ammo
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dubious
Needs a life
Needs more time to ride!
Posts: 8442
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posted May 29, 2006 08:28 AM
Edited By: dubious on 29 May 2006 09:43
Anyone over 240 is gonna see a tremendous difference with a spring change.
-Preload sets up the ride height, but does not change the total compressed rate of the spring and therfor will not help bottoming at all.
-Compression adjustments will also slow the speed the forks compress, but will give an initial harsh ride over stutters / frost heaves if turned in far enough to compensate for bottoming.
-Additional oil level in the forks will help bottoming but will affect initial travel somewhat, if too much is needed due to weak spring rate.
-Increased compression and oil height, to compensate for a weak spring, and to prevent bottoming can give the suspension a dead, slow responding feel the tire will skip off bumps rather than soaking them up, and when the rubber leaves the pavement leaned over .... that can be BAD
Get proper springs, it will allow the suspension to conform to the road, keeping the tire planted, give good initial compliance, and hold the suspension up to prevent bottoming.
Go to a good reputable shop... Race tech is one that comes to mind but there are many others.
Those who want to dispute this can go to the race tech website, choose a bike( zx14 is not listed then use zx12r), pick a rider weight of 170, and your skill level. Look at the suggested spring rate.
Now choose same bike, same skill level, and 250lb rider weight.
Look at the spring rate.....
Difference of 0.2KG/mm or 11 lbs per inch! (x's 2 forks =22lbs / inch)
The rear spring rate is 2kg/ mm or 110 lbs per inch sugested difference for 170 to 240 lb rider.
I am not saying the rates will be same for 12r vs 14, just used 12r model for spring rate comparison sake
Get the suspension set up, especially if you ginormous like Tool Man.
It will be the single best mod you will ever make .... trust me!
____________
natural selection.....
destiny will overcome intervention.
Some are not worthy of the effort.
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thevak
Expert Class
Posts: 274
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posted May 30, 2006 09:42 PM
Im telling you right now so LISTEN the 14's are comming with f#*king
marshmellow setting. If you ride hard this can be dangerous so check
your shit. And don't forget that the stock chain stretches quite a bit after
a few power shifts and or wheelies so watch it close.
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