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00 zx12r suspension

Tue Mar 18, 2008 10:34 am

been riding the 12 and the front suspension seems really quite springy compared to my last 2 bikes ( zx9r and cbr954)
although im not expecting it to be exactly the same as these 2 bikes i was wondering if anyone could help in suspension adjustments to be made and how to make them.
the front dives under front brakes and then when i release the brake mid corner it springs back up quite violently.
also when i gas it and have no hands on the bars it takes around 2-3 seconds for the beggining of a tank slapper.
the bike hasnt been in a crash and has no evidence of being in one so im pretty sure its not a bent frame.
any generic adjustments that are recommended for a 90kg rider?
im not looking at replacing springs ,oil etc. just yet.

Re: 00 zx12r suspension

Tue Mar 18, 2008 10:52 am

Hi Mate, Give zenodamper a call off the sponsors page, he could recommend something, other than that you need more pre-load say 2 or 3 rings showing, rebound all the way in and compression half the way in and go from there.

If it is still no good, organise a service with Zenodamper, and he can change your oil etc.

Re: 00 zx12r suspension

Tue Mar 18, 2008 11:31 am

The front wheel wobble might be something as simple as a worn front tyre

Re: 00 zx12r suspension

Tue Mar 18, 2008 3:29 pm

98ninja wrote:been riding the 12 and the front suspension seems really quite springy compared to my last 2 bikes ( zx9r and cbr954)
although im not expecting it to be exactly the same as these 2 bikes i was wondering if anyone could help in suspension adjustments to be made and how to make them.
the front dives under front brakes and then when i release the brake mid corner it springs back up quite violently.
also when i gas it and have no hands on the bars it takes around 2-3 seconds for the beggining of a tank slapper.
the bike hasnt been in a crash and has no evidence of being in one so im pretty sure its not a bent frame.
any generic adjustments that are recommended for a 90kg rider?
im not looking at replacing springs ,oil etc. just yet.


when I got my 12 ..I got the owners handbook and put everything (Front and rear) back to factory standard
..those settings are in the book and
then on the basis that the Kawasaki settings are for a 65kg midget (I kid you not)..I then set the front a tad tighter
on compression and rebound after checking sag first of course..did the same with the back then
went for a ride (with a screwdriver and spanner and manual) and stopped and adjusted a bit more
..and a bit more and ..got it right for my 85kg frame
its been right since

the hands-off situation could be headstem bearings ..or axle bearing or tyre condition (even tyre pressure)
check bearings and you have 40psi in the front tyre..??



hth

Smitty

Re: 00 zx12r suspension

Tue Mar 18, 2008 7:04 pm

Suspension need adjusting.. Smitty remember that suspension chart you posted ?? Thats how i set up my 12 and got good results from it..

The 14 i knew what i was doing and just fiddled until i was happy.. As smitty says they are set for 68kg riders..

Here is the chart ..
Attachments
Suspensionsolutionsettings.jpg
Suspensionsolutionsettings.jpg (110.47 KiB) Viewed 3418 times

Re: 00 zx12r suspension

Tue Mar 18, 2008 7:31 pm

aaah..yeah Paul
remember that !
thanks
'its an good 'un

trick is go back to base (or zero)
then start playing

buying a bike/getting a newie means you have NO
idea whats been fiddled with..go back to zero
and then start





cheers

Smitty

Re: 00 zx12r suspension

Wed Mar 19, 2008 7:31 am

thanks guys
i gave hoffys suggestion a go and it got rid of the head shake it turns quite good now but still dives excessively under brakes. i think thats more of a spring and oil problem though.
it also runs a little wide so ill use that chart.
thanks for the help

Re: 00 zx12r suspension

Wed Mar 19, 2008 2:17 pm

They do dive under brakes, If excessive your gonna have to try more preload and a tad more compression till it's manageble.

But a service might be in order over the long term to ensure everything is A OK.
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