Best budget suspension upgrades ?
 

Good Afternoon, all,

Having read the many threads on here about upgrading suspension and changing to USD forks, Ninja rear shocks etc, I am totally confused.

Given that the stock suspension is quite basic, and therefore an upgrade is to be recommended -- but my budget at the moment is going to be around 250 english quid, so what would be the best course of action for this kind of money ? Fresh fork oil, emulators (whatever the hell they are !) + springs at the front (is this relatively easy DIY?), what about the rear ?

Bike is a stock 99 curvy with 27 k on the clock

Thanks for your help,
Chris

Re: Best budget suspension upgrades ?
 

You could do springs, emus, oil and a ZX... rear shock in that budget depending how much you want to do yourself.

Re: Best budget suspension upgrades ?
 

Ok .. thanks Chris...
from a chart somewhere on here looks like the ZX636R shock is maybe the best option ( few mm taller, 30lb stiffer ) - theres one on fleabay @ around 70 : is this a fair rate or expensive ?
Front springs - would I be looking at progressive or linear rates? (what is the stock spring? Linear I guess)
Emus.. where from and how much (I see I just missed a group buy !)
Do emus work with progressive springs or do they duplicate that action - or am I just better getting linear springs and emus?
Any suggestions on best place top buy springs and forks?
Cheers
Chris

Re: Best budget suspension upgrades ?
 

Think this is the one I got, fits great, just need to move/adjust the battery, however I'm pretty sure this is the case with all the options as there's no room for the resovoir.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/kawasaki-z...-/220940141636

Re: Best budget suspension upgrades ?
 

Mine has Hagon progressive springs up front & 04 ZX10 rear shock, feels a LOT stiffer than standard. Good cheap upgrades

I just put an 06 ZX10 shock on. Perfect for my weight and zero mods to bike to get it on. (had to remove a stupid plastic cover that does bugger all anyway)
I used this as a guide to help me http://www.svrider.com/forum/showthread.php?t=80387
The difference is huge, doesn't feel like I'm sitting on a tube of pudding anymore.
Fork wise, you did just miss out on that group buy but even with the $40 shipping they're still a lot cheaper than race tech ones. From what I've been told correctly setup linear springs are better than progs.

Re: Best budget suspension upgrades ?
 

Better getting linear.

Progressive means it's squishy at first, then you run into the firm bit AND the air spring and it feels harsh.

Linear gives you the spring rate you should have had in first place right through travel.

They are £85.01 + £8 postage from Ktech

Re: Best budget suspension upgrades ?
 

Thansk for the help and suggestions, guys, most appreciated - ZX shock bid for on fleabay !!

I have two last questions !

I see that the Ktech springs come in 4 ratings : 8.0 N -> 9.5 N :: does anyone know what the standard spring rate is , so that I can judge which option to choose ?

Also, does anyone know what the standard fork oil rating is ? Should I use a slightly thicker oil with slightly stiffer springs, or would the standard oil do the job?

Re: Best budget suspension upgrades ?
 

How much do you weigh?

Re: Best budget suspension upgrades ?
 

Pinched from elsewhere in t'internet

Here are the STOCK fork spring rates:
1999 - 2001 SV650 have 0.706 kg/mm fork springs.
1999 - 2001 SV650S have 0.706 kg/mm fork springs.
2002 SV650 have 0.712 kg/mm fork springs.
2002 SV650S have 0.706 kg/mm fork springs.
2003 - 2008 SV650 have 0.712 kg/mm fork springs.
2003 - 2008 SV650S have 0.670 kg/mm fork springs.

All soft ;)