has anyone installed a GPR or Ohlins steering dampers on thier zx14?

I was looking into them wanted to get some input before buying. I have had them on previous smaller bikes.

let me know
thanks

I have a Scotts on my bike.
Might save me from a slapper if the front was to ever come down hard at high speeds, but for the most part a damper is unnecessary on a zx14.
zxbob has an Ohlins.
masszx has a GPR (haven't seen him here yet though)

* Last updated by: DogoZX on 3/2/2009 @ 5:50 PM *

I have a GPR on mine. Pretty much same reason as Dogo. The 14 is pretty stable, but i get stupid sometimes so I like the insurance there to help.

I plan on getting a gpr for 2 reasons. first since I lowered the rear of my bike it seems to handle better but is more susceptible to head shake (probably from upsetting the geometry of the bike but its cool cause I think it handles better). and 2 they make you have a damper to run the Texas Mile, and I really want to give the mile a try.

I like the GPR cause no drilling required and they replace the oil and seals once a year for FREE.

thanks guys

DO you need to buy a base with that GPR?

Going to get the Ohlins unit this summer.

I have the Scotts, the reason I went with it is I've had it on other bikes and had no issues with it or any head shake, tank slappers or ill effects while installed.

I really had a hard thoughts of having to drill holes for the install though, but the kit comes with a punch, drill bit and tap that made the job very simple.

I looked hard at the GPR and probably would have went with it if I had ever had one with good results, mostly because I wouldn't have to drill holes in the frame.

The little I have gotten to use the Scotts on my new ZX-14 has given me good results and only had one occasion that it may have helped, coming out of a turn at pretty much full tilt and crested a rise under power which both wheels got light and jumped a foot or so to the side with nary a wimper from the front end!

I have noticed that my 14 wobbles when I let go of the bars.Might just be too loose?

Take a realy good look and feel of your front tire, this was my prob . Tire change all went away .Wide open now all is tight .

I bought my 08 used with 2k miles. The first thing that I did was put new shinko 05's on it. So it is not the tire.I'm guessing the bearings are a shade loose.I've seen these do this after initial break in or after the first couple wheelies seat the bearings fully.

My 08 is the third new bike in 20 years, first the 88 Yam XJ900, then the 98 Yam R1 until third time lucky with the ZX14.

Every time, I take the bike to my favourite mechanic and have them pull the bike apart, re grease all the bearings (cause the factories don't do it properly) and reassemble correctly, tensioned etc. Using this approach, I've never had a loose or worn bearing. I pulled them all apart at the 10 year mark and the bearings were as good as new with 10 years of perfect performance. I hate flat steering head bearings!!!

I recommend the same approach for you all. The bike always feels like new...

I was planning on a steering damper as well, what do you guys know about the brand Hyper pro??I like to have some feed back to make a decision,thanks.

Newf14

RE: STEERING DAMPERS
03/04/09 5:32 PM

DO you need to buy a base with that GPR?

It comes with it when you one.

wfoshawn: I have noticed that my 14 wobbles when I let go of the bars.Might just be too loose?

I've heard of this problem before. The bars are fine with your hands on them but if you lighten up your grip to almost just touching or actually let go, they shake. What I remember reading is that it could be a loose bar end weight. If you have aftermarket bar ends, you might want to try switching back to OEM and see if you still get the shakes.

Rook

The only time I have ever had a wobble like that in the bars in the 43 years of owning Motorcycles has been from a front tire being slightly out of round or way out of balance.

I even had a brand new Michelin wobble from new, they made it good with "Bib Bucks" certificates for a new tire.

I have the GPR V4 and really like it- full season on it with 0 issues so far!

Nice Photo.

It was taken last fall at Hampton beach NH... on a great day for riding!

what do you guys know about the brand Hyper pro??I like to have some feed back to make a decision,thanks.

Newf14

The Hyper pro works great until you decide to instal bar risers then the bars are in the way.

are there any issues with clearance with the GPR with one inch heli-risers?

Hi everybody, Im new to the site. I have a GPR on my 08 and really like it. I did have to modify the post that bolts thru the top of the shelter that hold the damping arm. Maybe they packaged the wrong piece for the bike it did not sit flush with the arm. I have had them on alot of other bikes and there customer service is great.

Jeff01ss
I have the GPR with 1 inch heli bar raisers. no problem at all... I strongly recomend it i have road for hours bike stay straight and no wrist cramp.

good to hear! looking at getting one this summer. right after slip ons and a dyno tune.