Runako

Rode into the workshop with one shock in by backpack (ZX). I rode out with one less shock in my backpack. The bin lunched my shiz OEM shock. That's how lowly I regarded it. I turned left out the shop and my ass didn't sink. I went down the hill and the bike was on rails. I turned a corner at normal speed heading into a dual carriageway and gingerly put the power down as it was still regarded as an experiment at the stage.

By the time I got home (which was soon after) I forgot what the old shock felt like. I have never gingerly applied the throttle for that reason since.

Please don't get me wrong. Its not perfect. But I paid £40 for the ZX10r shock. I was prepared to pay another £60 to service/refurb. The guy looked at it, compressed it, examined it and said "You got this for £40? (disbelief) Its in almost perfect nick, doesn't need servicing" I was happy with that. After 7 months and a tour to France I have started to feel where improvements are needed.

As I said it can be a bit firm and harsh on certain surfaces. But I thrashed the bike in France (ever been on those lovely French roads?) and never once wondered about the shock. So yes, for me the difference was very noticeable.

The hardest part of the Mod was actually figuring out why the bike kept cutting out. This is a lesson for anyone. When you make any changes, document them carefully and know your bike. The Tip Over sensor was attached to the battery. When I removed the battery to mod the box (ZX10r needs it because the reservoir fouls the box) I took off the sensor. When we reinstalled everything, the sensor was hanging loose (at this point I had no idea what it was).

It took me hours to figure out that this was the problem, lots of searching online and the fix was so easily done in a minute (gaffer tape to keep it right side up). So it was a good learning experience.

Have fun mate whichever route you choose (p.s. ZX14 shouldn't need modding of battery box).

Servicing? Speak to YC for advice on that. He's closer to your location isn't he?