ZX-9R Rear Ride height adjustment

[bombtrack]

Hi, i recently picked up a 03 zx9r and was wondering about the rear ride height adjustment.
I've read that the 2000 model onwards came with an adjustable shock inc ride height, the manual i have dosen't mention anything about it.

How do i go about raising the rear? and do i need to add any additonal shims?

thanks for that

[Loz]

I believe it's done via the two collars at the top of the shock - one's a lock, the other pushes the rear end up. I don't think you'll find it's real easy to do

[zenodamper]

Yep, good to get a bit more height at the rear on any of the 9Rs; and as Loz says, like the J model 6R (if I recall correctly), there is a nut under, and a nut over - so is easiest to hang the rear by subframe or using swing-arm pivot stand; then the weight of the wheel &c will drag it all down together as you loosen the top above the frame...

Things to bear in mind:

Torque nuts up appropriately
Will the fork valving take the extra weight being thrown onto it, from the extra height? (springs?)
Is the fork stock?
Has the cartridge leak problem been fixed?
Is the shock stock too? As the rebound does tend to go off after a 20,ooo miles or so...

Just so you know that if you create too much fore and aft pitch, it could become a little unstable - this is not so much a fault of the new geometry, as just that the OE equipment was designed to function with the OE chassis settings...

...other than that, it is lots of fun to play around! - and fully recommended.

[Rusty]

Two collars? Mine's shimmed. Not as easy as threaded collars, but still not the most difficult job.

[bombtrack]

Two collars? Mine's shimmed. Not as easy as threaded collars, but still not the most difficult job.

So how exactly did you go about raising the rear? i've had a look but am a bit confused..

[Rusty]

Take a glance at the top of the shock. 2002-03 models had one shim (dirty big washer) as standard. Basically, you need to take the nut off the top, drop the shock down so you can put a(nother) shim in, then lift it back up and put the nut back on.

Mine's got two stock size shims, and modified forks.

[dave#3]

Take a glance at the top of the shock. 2002-03 models had one shim (dirty big washer) as standard. Basically, you need to take the nut off the top, drop the shock down so you can put a(nother) shim in, then lift it back up and put the nut back on.

Mine's got two stock size shims, and modified forks.

My last one had about 7mm worth of washers on top of the shim - same effect.

[Zteven]

Prior to E model they had a nut either side of the mount, but replaced the lower nut as it tended to break. As Dave#3 said just add a washer stack on top of the shim will give the same result, good starting point is 10mm up on the rear.

[varden]

What Rusty said

[bombtrack]

thanks for the replies, is it worth getting a 'kawasaki shim' $$ or can i just get something like washers from bunings?

[Nanna10r]

Yeah i took the Aluminiun Shim shin outta "Tigg" it had the effect of lowering the seat height about 10-12mm. Perfect for the Gravity enhanced 9" lovers". The F models are about 15mm higher seat height then the earlier models fyi. Of course i slid the forks too match the shim removal. I didn't need it too steer quicker for road use anyway.

[MadKaw]

I didn't need it too steer quicker for road use anyway.

Except for the last time you rode it of course...

[bombtrack]

thanks for the replies, is it worth getting a 'kawasaki shim' $$ or can i just get something like washers from bunings?

Anyone?

[Rusty]

I've got factory shims, but washers are fine, as long as they fit correctly around the top of the shock.

[Rossi]

Washers from Bunnings is the cheaper option -
The Kwak ones are like a horse collar shape so that you dont need to lift the sub frame off of the shock to fit them......... 10 minutes in a vice with a hacksaw and file does the same to the bunnings washers