SLVR_BLT
Zone Head
Chicken Strips!
Posts: 589
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posted March 15, 2010 07:58 PM
ZX14 Fork upgrades?
Has anyone upgraded their front forks with something other then Ohlins which is big baller status? I see that the ZX14 has 43mm forks, is there a Showa BFP (Big Piston Fork) that can be respringed and fitted in its place? I guess i could respring and revalve the stock ZX14 forks but i love the way the new ZX6 and the new gixxer 1000 feels with their BFP forks, vastly improved from their conventional USD forks from the year before. I def know the rear shock on this thing has to go, its mushy as hell. I do understand this bike has to lug around much more weight but i want something to make it handle better.
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2006 Kawasaki ZX14, Muzzy Full Titanium Exhaust w/ Carbon Can, PCIII, BMC Street Filter
  
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INTIMIDA2OR
Needs a life
RED rider!
Posts: 13081
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posted March 15, 2010 10:25 PM
ZXBob has gone to the edge and back with ohlins 
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'06 Passion Red ZX-14
*Lee*
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Hellmutt
Needs a job
Posts: 2013
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posted March 16, 2010 09:04 AM
There's a thread from Feb 24th that touches on rear shock revalving that may help with the rear -- I'm assuming you're after improved streetability or road course handling, majority of what you'll get here is for drag applications. Since the ZX14 isn't part of the roadrace "class" bikes; there's probably little to be found with front fork options or aftermarket availability, especially only being on the market for the last 4 years - But the world wide web is huge and you never know what you can find out there --- Personally, I like the forks feedback for the most part until you plant the lever against the grip at lower speeds -- but some of that could be my front tire --- sorry I couldn't help out more 
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British flying couch with endtables and an orange thumper
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Hellmutt
Needs a job
Posts: 2013
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posted March 16, 2010 09:08 AM
I did find an old thread posted June 15, 2006 that shows some options with race tech fork springs and settings that may help too.
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British flying couch with endtables and an orange thumper
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Old Guy
Expert Class
Posts: 470
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posted March 16, 2010 10:21 AM
 Edited By: Old Guy on 16 Mar 2010 18:22
I had GP North suspension revalve and respring my forks. Went with a Penske in back.
Its like I have a different bike!
My stock stuff was toast from track days.
They do all the roadracer stuff up here in the Seattle area. There is another GP shop in Portland.
Seeing how you are in SoCal there should be a dynamite race shop that can fix you up. And then there is Race Tech etc.
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Living the good life...,
On a XZ !!!!!
Tsukigi stainless full system
pcIII w/custom map
NO freakin flies!!
GP suspension forks
Penske rear shock
Rich's custom seat
And a whole bunch of other stuff.
97 zx6r full race bike with all the
good stuff
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SLVR_BLT
Zone Head
Chicken Strips!
Posts: 589
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posted March 16, 2010 12:41 PM
Yea it looks im going to pay a visit to Racetech to rework my forks and back shock as my 230lb fat ass makes this bike feel like a Cadillac. The rear is too soft for sure, the fork nearly bottoms out during hard braking before the turn in. I just need something to make it handle nice, its never going to handle as nice as my gixxer but i want it to flick into a turn better and have a firmer suspension overall. I was also looking into running 190 55 series tires but i read a article that it caused the front end head shake, probably from the steeper fork angle. I plan on putting on a Scotts damper but unsure if that is simply sweeping problems under the rug instead of fixing a existing problem. I won't know till i try i guess. I'm not into drag racing so no stretched swingers or lowered bikes for me, i just want a comfortable commuter that i can pitch hard into a corner.
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2006 Kawasaki ZX14, Muzzy Full Titanium Exhaust w/ Carbon Can, PCIII, BMC Street Filter
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Old Guy
Expert Class
Posts: 470
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posted March 17, 2010 01:44 AM
Edited By: Old Guy on 17 Mar 2010 09:51
I have added a inch of ride height out back (Penske is adjustable) and actually dropped the forks 1/4 in the triple clamps( more cornering clearance) Turns in easier, no headshake.
I've done a dozen or more track days. Only time i 've gotten any shake was landin the front wheel while still leaned over on exits. Very minimum.
Guys that run Michelins say they help turn in too. I dont know myself. I run pirellis and currently Dunlops.
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Living the good life...,
On a XZ !!!!!
Tsukigi stainless full system
pcIII w/custom map
NO freakin flies!!
GP suspension forks
Penske rear shock
Rich's custom seat
And a whole bunch of other stuff.
97 zx6r full race bike with all the
good stuff
|
SLVR_BLT
Zone Head
Chicken Strips!
Posts: 589
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posted March 17, 2010 09:50 AM
quote:
I have added a inch of ride height out back (Penske is adjustable) and actually dropped the forks 1/4 in the triple clamps( more cornering clearance) Turns in easier, no headshake.
I've done a dozen or more track days. Only time i 've gotten any shake was landin the front wheel while still leaned over on exits. Very minimum.
Guys that run Michelins say they help turn in too. I dont know myself. I run pirellis and currently Dunlops.
Good info. I am looking forward to setting her up for canyon carving on my spare time  I know its a less then ideal bike to do it on because of its mass and weight but its more fun to smoke up the back tires upon exiting corners  I was worried that the 190 55 might cause headshake because i read a article online someone did the 190 55 upgrade and it started to get high frequency headshake, granted it could be simple loose headstock bearings or suspension settings etc...:
http://www.sportrider.com/tech/146_0809_motorcycle_headshake_synthetic_engine_oil/index.html
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2006 Kawasaki ZX14, Muzzy Full Titanium Exhaust w/ Carbon Can, PCIII, BMC Street Filter
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Old Guy
Expert Class
Posts: 470
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posted March 17, 2010 10:21 AM
Edited By: Old Guy on 17 Mar 2010 18:24
The 14 is a great Grand Touring bike with a few mods.
Many 14 owners lower the front end by a 1/4" by siding the forks up in the triple clamps to quicken steering. Dont go much more than that as there will be clearance problems.
I had to remove the lowers for track days with stock suspension as I would brag many parts and the first to touch would be the bulges in the plastics. Then the kickstand, shifter and hose going into the waterpump on the left. Bottom of the sight glass and header mid pipe on the right.
I removed the feeler posts on the pegs and used my boots toe guards as feelers
Shouldnt be a problem with heavier springs and improved dampening in street riding, Unless you are throwing caution to the wind. I tend to ride with a reserve of ground clearance and lane spacing on the street. Just in case.
At track days you can take to the edge. No cars, pets etc. AND there is a ambulance nearby if it all goes wrong.
You might check the Ca. road racing sites. There most likely is a suspension shop advertising or you can figure out who is really good by members list of mods/sponsors.
That is how I found GP North.
Or go to a track day. There will be several suspension guys out there as well as tire reps. Great place to buy tires and get qualified answers on changing the rear size for turn in. I've found that the tire reps up here sell at prices comparable to the best internet deals. AND I get to pick their brains, about stuff like tire psi for track and street, compounds, suspension settings and which chick is available.....,lol
Beware on track days. They are addicting. The one place you can ride to your maximum. I love them. The instruction is invaluable. Your street riding will change forever.
For example;
After I highsided my track only 600 and ended up in the hospital my daughter stated she prefered I stay on the track.
"The street is way too dangerous Dad. I worry about getting the call when you are on a trip. I know a car will kill you. A call from the track just means you busted your dumb ass up and you are safely on the way too the hospital."
She is right. Thats the way it happened
____________
Living the good life...,
On a XZ !!!!!
Tsukigi stainless full system
pcIII w/custom map
NO freakin flies!!
GP suspension forks
Penske rear shock
Rich's custom seat
And a whole bunch of other stuff.
97 zx6r full race bike with all the
good stuff
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