ZZR1400 Shock Fitting?

Im 15st without gear on, so Im definitely concentrating on a ZZR1400 shock. Well, unless Im told otherwise of course, but thats what Ive read up on so far.

Im happy enough to play with the settings on the shock to find a good balance. The front has progressive springs in already plus thicker oil so hopefully it'll be in a bit better position than a stock fork set up.

Runako, in your experience, would you say the Kwak shock is better for fast road and track riding compared to a standard shock? How does it improve cornering, if at all?

Originally Posted by M65

Im 15st without gear on, so Im definitely concentrating on a ZZR1400 shock. Well, unless Im told otherwise of course, but thats what Ive read up on so far.

Im happy enough to play with the settings on the shock to find a good balance. The front has progressive springs in already plus thicker oil so hopefully it'll be in a bit better position than a stock fork set up.

Runako, in your experience, would you say the Kwak shock is better for fast road and track riding compared to a standard shock? How does it improve cornering, if at all?

Firstly, I have the ZX10R and its plenty stiff enough. Need to dial a down a touch. But the combo you're going for with the fork oil and spring change is what I have (Hyperpro). So this is an improvement, but gradually you'll either want emulators or more improved front end.

Its a gradual progression based on getting to know the bike. Another way of doing it is save your money and get both cartridge internals/better front end (GSXR) and custom shock at same time. I preferred the gradual change route and getting to know the bike from scratch.

As for the difference, I went through what you're doing now. You will see the difference most on track. I crashed twice because I, the suspension and tyres weren't good enough. If you already have the right tyres and you're a a decent rider then this change is far better for trackdays than stock.

The feel. You will have better turn in because the rear is lifted slightly (pointy) so geometry change. You will have better control/feel on the rear accelerating out of corners - less of the squatting feel. The bike feels more planted. To say its amazing is not true. Its the little things, like being able to adjust it if you want it to suit you. Back tyre skipping? Adjust the rebound. Too harsh? Toggle compression. The standard shock simply has no adjustment other than preload and you'll find this annoying and limiting after a while.

So any upgrade will bring a noticeable improvement to be fair. You might have to dial in a different setting for touring or road use where comfort may be more paramount for such riding. But I always go hard so can't be bothered.

I will be thinking about suspension improvements for next year though (custom shock/fork internals or emulator).

Just to note the shock above is a zx10r which is 338mm e2e.
In theory the zx14 shock will not raise the back end as it's a 330mm shock eye to eye that is the same as the std sv shock.

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Originally Posted by M65

How do you find the Kwak shock Red compared to the standard SV one? Also, I know its a bit personal, but how heavy are you? Just so I can get a good comparison of course!

It's a lot better but I need to have a play around with the rebound etc still yet, with the weather how it's been and with me being on holiday I've not had too many chances to get out on the bike since I fitted it.

At the moment I'm about 15 1/2 stone so with gear probably pushing 16.

Originally Posted by Fozzy

Red what is the stroke of the zx14 shock please?

Other than the length being 330mm with 4.8 inches/122mm of travel that Runako mentioned I'm not too sure otherwise sorry. But if you're worried about it bottoming out there's no chance of that.

Some positive and interesting comments from you guys here so thanks very much for them. I think Im sold on the 14 shock rather than the 10.

Im a similar weight to dirtyred619 so its nice to hear he has noticed the difference and is happier with the Kwak shock. Also nice to hear Runakos comments about noticing the difference on track as thats where most of my riding will be done next year. Ive already got 3 track days booked for 2013 and getting out of corners quicker would be nice. Im not too bad going in, but being a heavy lad on an underpowered bike (compared to most trackbikes anyway), that extra help getting the power down out of the corners would be ideal.

Runako, I like your thinking about getting to know the bike. Without sounding too cocky, Ive had the bike for 9 years now and done town riding, track days, touring, Sunday blasts etc. Ive felt Ive reached the limit of the bike a long time ago but only funds have stopped me from selling and getting a 750 which is what I really want next. I dont think I will go down the emulator or re-worked fork internals route to be honest, but I know what you mean about having to relearn things a little with each upgrade. I appreciate that I will have to do this once the shock is fitted as the handling characteristics etc will change slightly. How much of a change did you notice when you swapped shock? Did you think it was a massive change or was it just a minimal difference?

And finally, if I was to get a 2nd hand ZZR1400 shock and wanted to get it serviced, where can I go to get that done?

Originally Posted by M65

Did you think it was a massive change or was it just a minimal difference?

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?

Excellent description Runako, and a great little tip about the tip over sensor. I'll be sure to remember that one. I think a ZX14 shock is the one for me and I think Im sold on it now. Got me eye on one from a 2010 bike that should do the trick. You mentioned £60 for servicing a shock too. Is that about the going rate? Ive never looked into getting a shock serviced before so have no idea!

Ta

Originally Posted by dirtyred619

Other than the length being 330mm with 4.8 inches/122mm of travel that Runako mentioned I'm not too sure otherwise sorry. But if you're worried about it bottoming out there's no chance of that.

122mm on the sv? Or the zx14?

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