Hey ZX14 fam! Had a quick question and needed some opinions. I'm thinking of stretching my 08 about 4-6 inches and lowering it about 1 inch in the rear. What's a good set up for it if I do that? I'm 6 foot /225-230lbs...

Any advice?????

Hey, Freddy--where've you been man?

Can't speak to your question about stretching but if you're budget minded, I'm sure swing arm extensions are going to cost a lot less than going to a whole McIntosh extended swingarm. If you're going to the Grove, might want that fancy race arm for other reasons than just wheelie control. Either way, plan on getting a new chain to make that extra length + extra sprocket teeth if you go with shorter gearing.

A few companies make lowering links for the rear shock but you'll want to know which are best for your application.

If you're thinking about gearing your gen1 lower, you can easily go to a 45 tooth rear sticking with a standard 17 tooth front. I did that with mine at stock wheel base and it's a nice change. I was honestly not too shocked by the increase in acceleration but it is noticeable in the mid to upper revs or if you slip the clutch on takeoff. Top speed is still about 170. You could easily go shorter with a 16 tooth front and 45 tooth rear. That be a little stronger than a 47 tooth (call it 47.5 tooth rear) with stock front sprocket. Might limit your top speed too much though. 160 mph, maybe???

Might want to get some expert opinions on gearing if you're drag racing. I often hear stock gearing is best for launching.

Rook - what's going on brother! I'm still around. Still hanging out here in WI. Appreciate the help. Yes, I just purchased some swing arm extensions. Only want to strech it about 4 inches really and down an inch in the rear; looking at some lower links now.

Thanks for the advice, think I might go with the 16/45 set up and see how that feels. What you think, maybe like a 130 link chain, or is that too long?

I can only guess at the length required. Stock is 118, I think? My guess is you will need a lot more than 130 links. You will be cutting it to the right length anyway. Can't go too long but extra links are extra money. Best thing to do would be to get your wheel extended and run a string over the sprockets to get a good idea of what length you need. ALSO--find out how loose you will be running the chain. Might have special chain tension requirements for extensions. A stock chain will fit a 45/16 without extensions. Changing the front sprocket and the chain is quite a project but if you do one, I suggest you do all. Need a GOOD chain tool. Front sprocket nut is sometimes a real beotch. I have a tutorial on that.

https://zx14ninjaforum.com/messages.cfm?threadid=EB2E6BDC-D56B-84E2-1D17B62DAE7BB066

Are you also lowering the front? They just go with a simple strap for that but you can also raise the forks in the clamps a bit along with a strap maybe. I believe there is a limit to how high forks can be raised. Just talked to someone on here about that.