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Thread: 2014 Suspension Upgrade Advice...

Created on: 09/22/15 01:55 PM

Replies: 10

Blown3UR



Joined: 05/14/15

Posts: 26

2014 Suspension Upgrade Advice...
09/22/15 1:55 PM

Alright Gents.. I tried holding off as much as possible but the issue is becoming more and more apparent... I tried lurking on here and figuring out what I need but I couldn't come to a conclusion and I am clue less with regards to fine tuning my stock suspension plus, every 'recommended' settings I ran into were way off my requirements.

I am 6'5 and weigh a mere 350lbs... The 14 is just not handling well for me especially on bumpy corners. It's not a bad handling vehicle, it’s just too wallowy and non-confidence inspiring in the turns especially the tighter ones.

I would like some help on this please... If changing suspension is inevitable then so be it because I love everything else about the bike and would just like to improve a little in this to keep with my average sized friends riding the newer European Naked bikes (Ducati Monster, KTM Super Duke 1290, MV Agusta Brutale etc...)

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yannih


yannih's Gravatar

Location:

Queenstown New Zealand

Joined: 11/08/12

Posts: 2176

RE: 2014 Suspension Upgrade Advice...
09/22/15 2:55 PM

If you have tried all settings options with your stock suspension setup with no acceptable results, get some custom work done by professionals to ensure what you have can work for you or upgrade to their recommendations.
But I'm not so sure your suspension is the only reason you aren't staying with your mates...


* Last updated by: yannih on 9/22/2015 @ 2:56 PM *



2012 Metalic Spark Black Kawasaki ZX-14R. Yoshimura carbon R-77 slip ons,Custom dyno ECU flash,Striker rearsets,Hyperpro RSC steering damper,HM Plus quickshifter,ASV C5 levers,Hel SS transparent red front/rear brake and clutch lines,Kawasaki/MRA vented spoiler screen,Carbon heel guards,R&G radiator guard,Powerbronze carbon rear hugger,ZX-10 front fender with fender extender,Yoshimura frame sliders,M-Factory rear stand stoppers,Escort Redline radar detector,Techspec tank grips and tank protector,Versys 1000 fender eliminator,Kaoko cruise control,Moto red oil cap,Oxford heated grips,Red magnetic oil drain plug,Red and black Bagster Spider rear seat bag (for touring only).

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Rook


Rook's Gravatar

Joined: 03/28/09

Posts: 20856

RE: 2014 Suspension Upgrade Advice...
09/22/15 3:07 PM

I would suggest a Racetech rebuild. Much cheaper than Ohlins and just as good I'm told. If you like bling, you might try Ohlins but the OEM fork tubes are better (even if less bling). You won't want to do wheelies with Ohlins forks. Looks like clamp slip risk. Haven't tried it yet. I hear RaceTech has a nice sticker for bling.

I had no more problems bucking or bottoming after tuning my OEM suspension/Solo suspension tune tutorial (by moi) in How-Tos. I'm just a sorta average sized guy though, 190-200 lbs. Big dudes like you are probably going to need some stiffer springs nd maybe some heavier or more oil. Racetech will iron ll that out for ya...or Dan Kyle if you want Ohlins which will run ya about $4000, front and rear.



08 MIDNIGHT SAPPHIRE BLUE ZX-14 Now Deceased, will be resurected 2024 ZX-14R bran friggin NEW!

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Rook


Rook's Gravatar

Joined: 03/28/09

Posts: 20856

RE: 2014 Suspension Upgrade Advice...
09/22/15 3:18 PM

QUICK REVIEW: AFA handling, for me the OHLINS' are no better than stock at low speed. Literally can't tell the dif. Hi speed, yes, better. Large dips, I feel the suspension extend and the bike stays dead nuts level. Cornering, .........better...no more wallow entering the turn but that was not severe for me with the OEM forks. It was noticeable though. After all is said and done, I still ain't going any quicker in the turns, Ohlins or OEM. I have not yet measured sag or made any adjustments so that may make a noticeable improvement. I'm close to the size of the guy these were set up for so I left them as delivered.



08 MIDNIGHT SAPPHIRE BLUE ZX-14 Now Deceased, will be resurected 2024 ZX-14R bran friggin NEW!

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piken


piken's Gravatar

Location: Phoenix, AZ

Joined: 08/27/15

Posts: 674

RE: 2014 Suspension Upgrade Advice...
09/22/15 9:38 PM

At the very least you should look at installing/re-springing
the front and rear shocks to match your weight.
Installing the correct size springs will be the least
expensive and can be done by yourself.

Racetech has an online spring weight calculator.

I tried entering your weight / bike in the calculator
and the calculations went off the chart.

REAR SHOCK SPRINGS
Recommended Shock Spring Rate: 13.072 kg/mm (use closest available)
Stock Shock Spring Rate: 9.7 kg/mm (stock)

strongest rear spring listed
RT SK SPR 58.2x178 11.6kg-114N SRSP 5818116 $119.99

FRONT FORK SPRINGS
Recommended Fork Spring Rate: 1.278 kg/mm (use closest available)
Stock Fork Spring Rate: Not Avilable

strongest fork spring listed
RT FRK SPR 38x36x250 1.20 kg FRSP S3825120 $144.99

I'd call them and see what they can do about sending
you the correct springs.

http://racetech.com/

Other then that, the money part starts rising.

Although you didn't state what you where looking to spend
on the project.

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alg8er


alg8er's Gravatar

Joined: 02/10/09

Posts: 1219

RE: 2014 Suspension Upgrade Advice...
09/23/15 1:57 AM

I planned on using traxxion dynamics. They will re-spring and re-valve your rear shock according to your weight and riding style for around $300 I think. Then you could drop in new springs and valves in the front forks. It's been a while since I talked to them, but they said my 320 lbs was no problem. The new springs would overpower the stock valves, so they should be re-valved. I read some good things about them.



Before your criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you do criticize them, you're a mile away and have their shoes.

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seno


seno's Gravatar

Location: Lithia, Florida

Joined: 08/31/11

Posts: 592

RE: 2014 Suspension Upgrade Advice...
09/23/15 6:31 AM

+1 or 2 on Racetech. Reach out to them and see if they have springs to accommodate your weight. I had their products on my 07 14 and it made a huge difference...... I am guessing they have something to help you out... If not there are plenty of other suspension companies to reach out to. Good luck!



2015 30th Anniversary Edition 14R #250-> Brock's CT Ceramic Coated, Ivan's ECU Flash V2 & Map, Block off plates, HM Strain gauge quickshifter, GPR Damper, Spiegler lines, Muzzy's Sliders, Pazzo levers, Rizoma Next Fluid Tanks, DDM Ultra 5500K HID's Low & Hi, DB Windscreen, Cox Radiator guard, gold titanium bolts... too many to list at this point

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pegscraper



Location: UK

Joined: 05/04/12

Posts: 440

RE: 2014 Suspension Upgrade Advice...
09/23/15 2:54 PM

The max total payload of the 14 with stock suspension is 385lbs so you're near the limit of the standard setup. Me + full textile riding suit + weekend camping luggage is just under 300lbs and the difference in handling is noticeable compared to solo riding, even with all the adjusters on or close to max. Unless you can shed 150lb! I'd recommend a re-valve/spring at the very least. A complete suspension change with new shock and forks would certainly get the job done but obviously at much greater cost. Ohlins is probably the most high profile name that springs (sorry!) to mind but there are some equally good alternatives IMO. Maxton Suspension is one. I reckon you'll still have your hands full through the twisties keeping up with lightweight riders on the bikes you mention though.


* Last updated by: pegscraper on 9/23/2015 @ 2:55 PM *

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Blown3UR



Joined: 05/14/15

Posts: 26

RE: 2014 Suspension Upgrade Advice...
09/24/15 9:35 AM

Thanks for the wealth of information guys... To answer a few questions;

- I haven't really set a budget but if I decide to do this I wanna do it right so I don't intend on sparing extra pennies. Having said that, I wouldn't wanna spend $4000 on a set of ohlins. I would say up to 1500$ seems reasonable.

I am leaning slightly towards traxxion setup but removing my stock shock is an issue.. I wanna email them and see if they can work out a core real to reduce down time... I intend on working on the bike this month so I'll be sending the ECU to Sebastian from CBlast and will be ordering an exhaust... My dealer gave me a super sweet deal on a dual titanium akrapovic but I'm still leaning towards the Brocks CT since I believe it has the best power gain...

Do you guys think I could obtain anything from setting up my stock suspension using the videos below?

http://youtu.be/-AzTkpqasr0
http://youtu.be/QXi3XRZdA44

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Rook


Rook's Gravatar

Joined: 03/28/09

Posts: 20856

RE: 2014 Suspension Upgrade Advice...
09/24/15 7:23 PM

been a while but I remeber watching those when I was learning the basics of suspension tuning. I did not find them as helpful as this one.

I based my solo suspension tuning tutorial on that and some other online info. Rook's susoension tune, Solo method


* Last updated by: Rook on 9/24/2015 @ 7:40 PM *



08 MIDNIGHT SAPPHIRE BLUE ZX-14 Now Deceased, will be resurected 2024 ZX-14R bran friggin NEW!

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Blown3UR



Joined: 05/14/15

Posts: 26

RE: 2014 Suspension Upgrade Advice...
09/25/15 3:14 AM

Thanks rook... Will definitely try adjusting the stock suspension using your writeup first.. If I still don't like it I'll revisit the upgrade idea... I'm not petite by any chance but I'm not clinically obese either... I'm just naturally built incorrectly haha.. Losing 150lbs would be impossible but 50-75 is doable and I'm working on it for the sake of my performance behind handlebars... However, my weight will still out power the 14s stock suspension

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