Has anyone out there done a swingarm swap to a shorter swinger to improve handling on a 14? I cannot find anything on the search engine, but I thought I read about someone using a ZX 10 swinger for weight savings.

I was actually thinking about shortening the swingarm but couldn't find any sources as well. You should look at the ZX-12 which has a more similar DNA. That being said, because of the given rake, trail and torque you may transform one of the most stable bike into a tankslapper, head shaking-happy machine. I would not go more than 58.4-57.5=0.9 in. Which is the difference between the old and new model. Also if you could find out about the swingarms amount of flex before you try it...
Arkansas roads must be awesome if you're contemplating a more compact chassis

I was actually thinking about shortening the swingarm but couldn't find any sources as well. You should look at the ZX-12 which has a more similar DNA. That being said, because of the given rake, trail and torque you may transform one of the most stable bike into a tankslapper, head shaking-happy machine. I would not go more than 58.4-57.5=0.9 in. Which is the difference between the old and new model. Also if you could find out about the swingarms amount of flex before you try it...
Arkansas roads must be awesome if you're contemplating a more compact chassis

I looked into a ZX 12 forum and some of those guys have converted to a 2008ish ZX 10 swingarm with positive handling results. Arkansas roads may not be awesome, but I will say that bikers come from all over the country here to Hot Springs and Fayetteville for bike rallies. I live in Hot Springs, which has many curvy hills. "Scenic" HWY 7, which is quite well known to sportbikers, runs right through here. Come down for a ride some time.

It's on the list for sure. A couple of guys on the forum (including Danno) are heading there this month or next, I'm not sure anymore... Work messed up my plans and I can't make it but for sure before the fall, I'll come check it out, timing will be perfect because I will have had 3 track days by then. Thanks for the invite, I'll send you a pm or write something in the ride section when I know when I can make it.

In the meantime consider improving the suspensions. The Penske shock can raise the rear considerably, you add a 55 rear tire and that'll put a smile on your face.

Sounds good. My email is davidrobbins777@yahoo.com Email me if you are coming to the area. I have a 180/55 tire, but it is a cheap Shinko and the tail just slips out like crazy. I plan to get a better tire. This one came with the bike. I am 5'4", so raising it up is not a goal for me. I would lower it with my links, but don't want to mess up the handling. Also, I would not use a Zx12 swingarm, because some of the guys on that zx12 forum said they are trying to get zx14 swingarms, because they are a few pounds lighter.

* Last updated by: dissidentdave on 5/16/2013 @ 11:39 AM *

Hi Dissident, Someday we may just come out your way. My wife's adopted grandfather lives in Paris AR and when we visited we drove over to Hot Springs to look around. Beautiful roads and countryside out there. We've even looked at moving out that was as a retirement option, although I don't know how the locals would like a "librul" Californian.
I'll keep you posted if we ever head the 14 out that direction.

Mad

Sounds good. My email is davidrobbins777@yahoo.com Email me if you are coming to the area. I have a 180/55 tire, but it is a cheap Shinko and the tail just slips out like crazy. I plan to get a better tire. This one came with the bike. I am 5'4", so raising it up is not a goal for me. I would lower it with my links, but don't want to mess up the handling. Also, I would not use a Zx12 swingarm, because some of the guys on that zx12 forum said they are trying to get zx14 swingarms, because they are a few pounds lighter.

Dragking, Look forward to it and thanks for the tips. I would love the BST's, but I will probably have to put the kids through college first-LOL!

Maddevil, folks from all over come here to Garland County for retirement. Hot Springs village is a gated "Cooper Community" located a few miles out of Hot Springs and is a popular spot for Northerners, particularly, to retire. There are all walks of life here. This town has been a melting pot since its inception. I used to work with a gal who lives in Paris - small world.

Dragking, Look forward to it and thanks for the tips. I would love the BST's, but I will probably have to put the kids through college first-LOL!

Dave, have you considered sliding the forks up in the trees a bit? Mine are 1 1/4" from the top of the top clamp to the top of the fork tubes. Stock recommendation is 3/4". Sliding them up a little quickens the steering and may help a bit with your short inseam.