Suspension Improvements Upgrade.

Well boys and girls, all I can say is WOO HOO !!!
I dropped my bike off yesterday with, original shock, original F/end with original fork oil no doubt, and picked it up this arvo fitted with Wilbers springs and some valves up front and a juicy Ohlins rear shock complete with low-speed damping and remote preload for those days when the girl comes along. I had the fork seals replaced, one was dodgy, and while Steve had it stripped down the steering head bearings were replaced also as they were a little notchy after 49 000km. Now this was no cheap job, but it was done right I believe and a few behind the scenes things took place as well. He greased the linkages and found one loose, sussed it out and finding nothing wrong tightened it all up down there. The data sheet from Ohlins specified mounting the low-speed adjustment can under the side cover but a nice external spot was chosen and Steve knocked up a very professional bracket to mount it where it would be easier to reach, *and see*
Fork protectors "with ads* were also a nice touch.

What a difference these upgrades made to my old ZZR11. I've only ridden about 50km on the new system but I sought out a few of the rougher roads and sweepers around where I live and the bike handled as though the road was smooth. Farking Amazing!! Feels like I'm on a 750, not some huge sport tourer. It's been adjusted for optimum performance at speed, on bumpy country roads and highways "which means MOST of the roads and highways" So it's a little firm around the backstreets he said, and I noticed. But it doesn't seem uncomfortable and certainly better than the *boing boing* I had previously with my compression damping on the 3rd or 4 settings. Hitting patchy roadworks and ripples hardly upsets it at all now, just a mild Bop Bop as you cross the rough stuff. Very competent.

I'll shut up now

Here are some snaps of the hardware

Attachments

rebound can.jpg (103.06 KiB) Viewed 3353 times

rebound damping.jpg (79.69 KiB) Viewed 3349 times

rebound damp.jpg (87.9 KiB) Viewed 3336 times

Hydraulic preload.jpg (97.27 KiB) Viewed 3337 times

preload adj.jpg (91.79 KiB) Viewed 3327 times

fork protectors.jpg (92.1 KiB) Viewed 3322 times

ohlins KA309.jpg (41.49 KiB) Viewed 3298 times

Last edited by chameleon on Thu Mar 16, 2006 5:43 pm, edited 1 time in total.

so, when r ya comin' for a ride? And ya better hope ya girl doesn't kick the adjuster too hard when she's on ur back......

so, when r ya comin' for a ride? And ya better hope ya girl doesn't kick the adjuster too hard when she's on ur back......

Yes, it needs to be moved up and in a little, it was one of the first things he pointed out to me. He realized that after he had made the bracket and fitted it, that it could have been in more. Trouble was he was working to a price and remaking it would have added a lot of extra time "he said". Actually there was no charge incorperated in fitting the rear shock. Fitment was a freebee if I got the front rebuilt at the same time. No doubt he made a little profit on the shock itself.

Frank I would be looking for a new home for that compression can once you are happy with the way its setup, I have mine clamped to the subfame well actually its on the floor at the moment i will get around to putting it back on the bike.

Firm without the banging is good and no wallow as well.

Just need to go for a good ride now like to armidale or something.

Last edited by Barrabob on Thu Mar 16, 2006 7:15 pm, edited 1 time in total.

awesome stuff, but youneed to clean you back wheel, eeewww yucky!!

Onya Frank cant wait to see how it handles.
Cheers Brett

Well done, Steve rocks

god stuff mate
would love to do the same but the cashola is short atm!

will see ya out on the asphalt

Awesome Frank- always wanted to do that to my 1100. Biggest complaint on the 11 was the suspension. Not only that it looks good too!

Well boys and girls, all I can say is WOO HOO !!!
It's been adjusted for optimum performance at speed, on bumpy country roads and highways "which means MOST of the roads and highways" So it's a little firm around the backstreets he said, and I noticed. But it doesn't seem uncomfortable and certainly better than the *boing boing* I had previously with my compression damping on the 3rd or 4 settings. Hitting patchy roadworks and ripples hardly upsets it at all now, just a mild Bop Bop as you cross the rough stuff. Very competent.

I'll shut up now

Here are some snaps of the hardware

Now where is that Jealousy emoticon when you need it???? Nice stuff.

Cooolllsss....congrats.....when suspension is set up, with the right components it can make such a diff. Really shows you how much of a diff it can make. I have had a few bikes done in the past and it goes against the laws of physics. That is to say, I have found my bike sto have been more comfortable to ride, and handle a heap better as well. And to top it off tyre wear decreases!!!! Due to the fact the suspension is working with the tyre, instead of against it. Suspension is what I consider one of the best investments in a bike. I am sure you wont be dissappointed


Cheers

Told ya Steve knew what he was doing!

I hope you have got good security stuff on the bike- the Ohlins might invite the wrong sort of attention...

Had a guy come into work yesterday same bike as me, and slightly built..

I said if you're keeping this bike, get the suspension done!! (and that i knew exactly who to talk to)

and showed him the pretty bling bits

I hope you have got good security stuff on the bike- the Ohlins might invite the wrong sort of attention...

I see a ZZR11 near a job I have, he parks it on the footpath every night, no disk loc, nothing I keep mine up the back yard behind a trailer in the carport, disc lock and bike cover. It's either there, or at the G/friends in her lockup garage. Always put the stearing lock on too, even If I'm just nipping in to a shop for a sec.

God help anyone I ever catch fucking with her, I swear I'll bust their face, and definately several ribs