Kawasaki Sportsbike Riders Club - Australia - Online Forum

So, I got some quotes to get the suspension done on my '09 Z1000. I am REALLY unhappy with it out on the road, especially last week when I was heading over the Up and Down racetrack (also known as the Mt Lindsay H'way twisties). It was skittering through the corners, felt really vague, and I just had no confidence in it. Anyway, I rang MPE Suspension at Beerwah, about $2850 and Suspension Improvements at Slacks Creek, abut $2300, both for front and rear complete overhaul. Apparently the Z1000 suspension completely needs to be replaced. Is this a fair price?

ouch, i would think thats a bit costly...

That sounds a bit exe... I spent from memory $1200 on the 10 from a reputable suspension guru here in Sydney and thought that was on the expensive side for front and rear.

At the risk of making a mistake here as I know SFA, that included rated springs front, rear spring and return spring (something to do with stopping the bike diving too far forward under braking which has changed the bike no end), gold valves on the front and servicing rear shock etc etc etc The works! In saying that it was the best money mod Ive made to the bike. Confidence in the handling is exceptional compared to before. Only problem is the nobhead between the seat and handlebars cant ride but hey you get that

Do your forum homework and I reckon you could at least halve that if not less with second hand parts and by knowing a few people

It sounds pretty dear, but, it's hard to compare modding z1000 suspension to modding zx10r suspension - the z1000 stuff is pretty basic (cheap) and can't necessarily be modified as much as the higher-spec stuff, meaning more parts need to be replaced instead of modded.

For that sort of money you might be able to throw an aftermarket shock in and a set of sportsbike forks from something suitable.

Is that after market kit?

I got a full rebuild on my ZX6R and it only cost $900. That was just replacing all the stock parts thou. Maybe a cheaper option rather then spending big on aftermarket kit.

For that sort of money to upgrade the std suspension I'd just opt for a high spec rear unit, Ohlins WP, Bitubo whatever.......Alot more ability to adjut ride height eyc.

And then have the forks done up, pretty sure Tanya has had her front done She may be able to point you in the right direction. Have you been to see Mick Hams?

The 03 Z had the same problems, a lot of people (myself included) put a ZX10 shock in the back and it helps a lot, I am not sure if that would work on an 09 model, though it would be worth a search. Another popular mod is a 636 front end swap, although you more than likely going to a similar spec front end with the 09 (radial brakes etc).

The $$ quoted sounds a lot to me. Have you tried pm'ing Zeno dampner here ont he forum? I've emailed him a few times and he's very helpful, even though he's a Mexican!

If you do do a front end swap I would be interested in your stock stuff!:)

Have a look at www.hardracing.com for prices on Olins. Will be interested in knowing what you eventually decide and if you are happy.

bassmaniac69 wrote:Have you tried pm'ing Zeno dampner here ont he forum? I've emailed him a few times and he's very helpful, even though he's a Mexican!

Zeno has just finished doing extensive research and mods on my 09Z750 so he's very familiar with how to tweak them so they don't do the pogo-stick thing.

esie wrote:........ I am REALLY unhappy with it out on the road..... It was skittering through the corners, felt really vague, and I just had no confidence in it......... Apparently the Z1000 suspension completely needs to be replaced.........

I'm gonna play devils advocate, not because I wanna be a smart ass , but because maybe there's some investigating to do before you go replacing it!

Why do I say this?

1. If the 20 year old technology in my GS suspension and frame, and smaller tyres ,with no front adjustment and only preload in the back (both of yours have rebound as well right?) is able to keep up with the pace, and never skip a beat, and give 100% confidence in different conditions, yours surely shouldn't be worse?

2. If I remember correctly It's my understanding (armchair - from reading only) that suspension doesn't play as much of a role in the handling when leaned right over through corners because the angle of the shocks compared to shock travel means forces are transferred to the chassis..... and as such tyre choice, condition and pressure may need assessing?

3. I just find it hard to believe that Kawasaki are making 1000cc bikes with suspension that can't confidently keep it together on the road..... all I'm saying is a bit of lateral thinking and more opinions before upgrading might lead to a better understanding of what's going on. (unless you already know and you're not telling us)

If it does turn out that the Z suspension is incorrectly matched to the bike geometry, that is gonna knock it off my list of possible upgrades.

Then again, Rob did whack a gixxer 1000 front end on his(Tims) zeddy and and Ohlins shock in the back didn't he.

my 03 z1000 was farken shit on anything too fast or twisty, so i tightened up it to all hell and even after doing it up about 75% more it was heaps better. You could try that, Just tighten up the rear spring and see how that goes!

Esie, is your zeddy still on the OEM tyres? Can anyone else here with more experience confirm a new set of decent tyres would make a considerable difference? Just a thought before spending heaps of dollars

Tim - from where I sit, having had 2 zeds (05 and 09) and having had the suspension upgraded on both, the suspension on the Zeds 'works' but it can be improved a great deal from standard. I think it's got more to do with matching the suspension to what the rider is comfortable with and is used to, rather than that the suspension didn't 'work' in the first place.

The Zed has only limited adjustments that can be made with the stock standard suspension so any changes that more than very basic ones must be done via modification rather than tweaking. The standard suspension on the Zeds - from my point of view and having come off a CBR600rr and GSXR600, is shithouse. Does it work? Yes. Is it what I'm used to? No. Can it be improved? Hell yeah.

The Zed is a naked/tourer and it has not been designed to handle like a 10 HOWEVER there are some of us out there that choose to ride this style of bike but want want more out of it.

Anyway - they are my thoughts on the matter

fireyrob wrote:Esie, is your zeddy still on the OEM tyres? Can anyone else here with more experience confirm a new set of decent tyres would make a considerable difference? Just a thought before spending heaps of dollars

YES!!! Go the Pilot Powers.