Those of you who know me know I no longer have a ZX14 but now have a C14, a Concours 14 ABS machine.

Well, I found out Kyle Racing in Sand City CA had the very last new set of Ohlins FGRT forks for the ZX14, and snagged them for my C14. They fit perfectly, are pre-drilled for ABS, and the stock C14 fender bolts right up to them.

Putting the Ohlins C14 shock on the back, its pretty much just a heavy duty ZX14 model.

Of course the springs are all heavier than on a ZX14.

This is going to really make a big difference in how my C14 handles.

Next year I think I'll put Brembo brakes on her, and probably Marchesini cast magnesium wheels.

That should about do it. Will post a picture of her in my topic in the other bikes section after the forks get put on, so you can see the pretty gold forks. :)

How you guys been, anyway? Hope you have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

We are off the road here in western Maryland, snow about 2 feet deep in places.

Happy holidays yourself, stranger. Sounds like Santa has already brought you some nice presents.

Nice privateer, I got my ohlins forks from Dan Kyle as well, there great to deal with. I wasn't happy with the springs they installed, I like my bike set up a little stiff. They sent me different springs to try/ mix and match and all the tools needed to change them out. Once I got the ohlins dialed in it was like riding a whole new bike. Congrats. And your right, that pretty gold color is some nice eye candy.

Dan Kyle is good people!

He is genuinely upset with Ohlins for ceasing production of FGRT forks for the ZX14, though no doubt somewhat because he could sell 50 more of them probably.

Since Dan has done this for 2 guys in the Concours Owners Group already, he knew exactly what spring to put in it, and even had me hold to make sure he had a set in the back. Lucky me, he did.

No more FGRTs, but I'm happy I got a set.

He is genuinely upset with Ohlins for ceasing production of FGRT forks for the ZX14

I hope there is some other product that will be as good or better because I'm hoping to fix that some day.

Hi Privy! Merry Christmas to you and family! No riding here at all. 2 degrees yesterday, I don't even want to drive my car! Doing some modding on the bikes is all I am doing over the next couple months.

Yes, Rook, no riding here, snow on ground, very cold. Wind chill probably 5 degrees or something not going to find out.

I have my Ohlins shock and now the forks from Kyle, so once the new Pilot Road 4 tires are actually available I'll have my favorite dealer bring his trailer over and take my bike, and the suspension bits back to the shop, and put the suspension and the tires on.

That way she will be ready to go in the Spring. The Amsoil in the crankcase and final drive is fresh so its ready to go too. One reason I love synthetic, of many, it can sit all winter and be fine in the Spring.

I got a new Givi E55 top case for her, with Admore TS light kit, which puts LED lights in the lenses of the top case, and gives you turn signal, brake, and running lights up there. More visibility.

2014 will be very much better riding for me. Due to the string of surgeries in 2013, I got maybe a few hours total riding in. Next year I will be riding to Texas probably, possibly the west coast depending on when I retire. I think it will be August, which means I will be stuck in Monterey CA for the winter, because my old SEAL buddy lives there and I will be spending a month or two knocking around with him. And if he has a spare shotgun I'll stay for the opening of duck season, if CA will give me a new hunting license. LOL.

CA will give me a new hunting license. LOL.

out of state hunting licenses can make that some of the more expensive meat available but there's more to hunting than economy. I'm glad to hear you'll be getting more riding in. I hope to as well but if I get my usual 10K, that will be ok with me.

I am looking forward to upgrading the suspension on the 14 some day. Is there any other forks you would get by Ohlins other than the ones you have now that no longer are being made?

* Last updated by: Rook on 12/17/2013 @ 3:10 AM *

Rook, Traxxion Dynamics makes really good stuff, and you can still get an Ohlins shock at least.

EDIT: This gets rave reviews over on the COG site - AK-20 Cartridge Kit

* Last updated by: privateer on 12/17/2013 @ 4:39 AM *

Ok here they are.... just need PR4 tires to become available and then its all going on...

Merry Xmas!!!

Looks killer Priv.....good luck with the install and ride...post up your review if ya want.....

Rook, Traxxion Dynamics makes really good stuff, and you can still get an Ohlins shock at least.
EDIT: This gets rave reviews over on the COG site - AK-20 Cartridge Kit

Thanks priv. I'm a little dissapointed even if the TD forks are as good as the Ohlins. The Ohlins are much prettier. Coincidentally MAssZX-14 (remember him?)recommended a Penske shock sold on that same site. He liked better than the Ohlins. Again, not as nice looking and that does weigh into the decision just a bit unless there is clear superiority of one product. My God, I'm a sucker for that yellow spring and gold anodized tubes.

Thanks. I've filed you info away with Mass'. It will be a long time before I can spend that kind of bread.

Also, Rook, there is a group buy brewing over at COG for forks etc. from GP Suspension.

No information on it other than it is being considered by some.

GP Suspension

EDIT: link to COG forum where group buy is offered..... GP Suspension COG Group Buy

* Last updated by: privateer on 12/18/2013 @ 6:20 AM *

It will be a long time before I can spend that kind of bread.

I understand well. Think I've been lusting after the FGRT forks since before Ohlins quit making them, so a few years. Didn't quite have the money all that time, until recently out of the clear blue I thought I'd call Kyle and ask.

sometimes things line up just enough....and you go for it. i see the traaxxion dynamics product is the internals only....you keep your OEM tube. No price listed. i bet its cheaper but still gonna be costly.

SOLOMOTO - OHLINS FGRTs
I have to have these. these or nuthin. I bet they are lighter than the TD cartridge with stock tubes and they sure look nice. by the time i have the $$$ these will be gone..unless a pile of money falls out of the sky. oh well, maybe if I have to wait a year or more, there will b something else. or as my dad always says, "wait long enough and you don't want it anymore."

Hmmm...lookin good.I wonder just what is the difference in frontend feel with something like this?What makes it so much 'better'?With fully adjustable stock forks...and good quality....what would you feel different?

Wow Rook, you found someone else with at least one set! Impressive!

They are charging more than Kyle charged me, though. A couple hundred more, like 700 more.

Hmmm...lookin good.I wonder just what is the difference in frontend feel with something like this?What makes it so much 'better'?With fully adjustable stock forks...and good quality....what would you feel different?

I can compare gen2 busa to 14 and have to say suspension is the area the busa outshines the 14. We got brakes, they got suspension. what I have been reading about the Ohlins suspension on busa forums is that MOST of us cannot outride the stock busa suspension on the street. Unless you are better than the OEM setup, no real practical reason to go aftermarket. However, as previously stated, the 14 has a sorta crappy suspension. Many of us CAN outride it once we get used to the bike. Suspension upgrade on the 14 is going to be one mod that most of us can use all the time in touring, drag racing or track riding.

You guys know I love my 14 but I cannot make any apologies for my opinion on the suspension. I have gotten used to it but that is exactly how I know there MUST be something better. I don't think it will be the long sought after n mod to turn the 14 into a track bike but it should help bring a long way in that direction.

Allow me to dream for a moment or two...

Bueni $2316

BAYSIDE $2299

HARDRACING $2299

MOTOMUMMY $2150

DAN KYLE (Call for price)

* Last updated by: Rook on 12/24/2013 @ 11:47 PM *

Grn, you thinking about getting Ohlins' for the new bike???

Exhaust, wheels, suspension....all the rest is optional.

Go for 3 for 3 if you have the $$ waiting.

Not exactly thinking about it...but curious."stiffness"?What does that mean in the street world on a bike like this?She's not stock anymore...weight is much less...I wouldn't want some harsh,bouncy bike under me for street riding...I found stiffening up the suspension really made for a not so conformed ride.There was a nice spot with her tuned in to just a bit firmer than stock.The Busa(an 08)I rode...it was sketchy...in the corners.I didn't like that.Didn't feel planted.My 13...feels planted...solid.Could be the damper,IDK.Then again,I'm no tuner..so really,it's mainly 'guesswork' on my part.Any ideas?

"stiffness"?What does that mean in the street world on a bike like this?

I found stiffening up the suspension really made for a not so conformed ride.

I also found the ride rougher with the OEM suspension set up tighter on my bike. It was not a comfort advantage to tighten it up but when I got the front and back balanced, it made for an overall improvement in handling.

The Busa(an 08)I rode...it was sketchy...in the corners.I didn't like that.Didn't feel planted.

Any ideas?

'vertical compliance

horizontal compliance

14 swingarm not made for handling....not deep.....liter bike much taller stiff up and down but flexible laterally.

the 14s suspension pitches for and aft a lot when you are braking hard. '

I think the last statement sums up the performance deficit in the stock suspension. Braking hard into a corner, there is a pronounced dive to the suspension. I have my suspension set up according to proper street and track sag specs but still seems like it could be better for performance, especially the front. I could go tighter but that might actually start cause top outs.

So how does an Ohlins suspension operate to improve performance when needed and hopefully still offer comfort? IDK, Grn.. I'll have to go do some reading at the Ohlins site and report back here.

Ohlins USA

http://www.ohlinsusa.com/

"The dynamic relationship between rider and road is managed solely by a motorcycle’s suspension. Because of that, the feel, the feedback, and the fun of riding all depend on the quality of the suspension. "

"The fastest starts, the quickest stops, the highest speeds, the slowest crawls, the tightest turns, and the sharpest bumps, are where Öhlins suspension tuning and components excel."
Sales talk. I want to hear why and how.

"Single or Twin tube design"

"36,39,44,46 or 50 mm
Piston diameter"

"Adjustable high & low speed compression damping."

"Electronically controlled (EC) compression damping"

"Hose mounted hydraulic spring preload adjuster"

"Adjustable length"
This info refers to Ohlins rear suspension but I think you can see they are more adjustable and adjustable on the fly.

Ohlins suspensions are tailor made and tested for each individual model of bike. Shim stacks and calibration of adjusters are individual to each model.

The Twin Tube X design eliminates cavitation(unequal pressure in the shock caused by formation of gas within the oil). This technology is used in Ohlins forks and shocks.

Mechatronics which is the combining of mechanical and electronic controls to meet demands of various riding styles. This technology is something that is applied to the rear suspension, sometimes including a computerized monitor called an SCU that automatically adjusts to changing conditions.

"Reduced weight"

"improved tire feel, brake support and general handling"

so .........that does not really answer it for us, does it Grn?

might be one of those things we have to follow the crowd on. I haven't been sorry yet. I'd bet it's safe to say am Ohlins suspension would be a noticeable upgrade on a 14. Is it worth the $$??? That is always subjective whether the mod works or not.

* Last updated by: Rook on 12/25/2013 @ 11:21 AM *

Also, I asked Kyle, and he says chances those websites actually can get a set of FGRT forks are pretty slim. They can't have them drop shipped from Ohlins, which is what they usually do, because Ohlins doesn't make them any more.

So I'd want some assurances from them before I'd pay during an online order or even over the phone, like I did with Dan Kyle.

Dan started by saying he wasn't sure he actually had a set left. I asked him to go back in the back and eyeball the spring (which is as important, and rare, as the fork tubes) and the forks and see if he had them. He did. One set. Which had set there for over 6 months unbought.

Maybe they forgot they had it, I don't care. Its mine now, and he gave me a COG discount to boot. :)

I asked Kyle, and he says chances those websites actually can get a set of FGRT forks are pretty slim.

Priv you just depressed me.

So I'd want some assurances from them before I'd pay during an online order or even over the phone, like I did with Dan Kyle.

So,ething wierd happened over the holiday. I looked at DK's site and saw the FGRT advertised for the 14 ZZR. He had the price shown as ~$2100. Busa price was $1900. Next day, the busa was still there and the ZZR was taken off the site.......I wonder?? Mayne it was just an error on my part...but I don't think it was.

damn this sucks.

well, Grn, looks like you saved yourself a couple thousand bucks. Merry Christmas!