Just ordered a new Ohlins shock and the forks are forthcoming in a few weeks. I just hope they live up to the hype and are worth all the money they cost...

Ohlins are on my wish list. please post pics and impressions.

Enjoy :)

If I had the money, I'd get the forks, too! Definitely post pictures after the install.

You will notice a world of difference in braking and handling. The stock forks are quite good, but the Ohlins (I assume you got the R/T ?) are stellar.

Yep that would be it. Soon as VA gives me my back pay, I'm doing the same thing. Heh.

Yep that would be it. Soon as VA gives me my back pay, I'm doing the same thing. Heh.

You gonna do the shock too?... I just got off the phone with forum member "Cutback" a little bit ago. He's got one for sale. Might wanna shoot him a PM. He takes very good care of his stuff.

I think they are worth every penny! I have them on just about every bike I have.

DogoZX,
Thanks for the shout out! IMO, worth every penny!

DogoZX,
Thanks for the shout out! IMO, worth every penny!

No problem... Wish you the best... with whatever it is you have up your sleeve.

Ohlins can be an awesome upgrade for most any bike -- got LUCKY years ago and found a used forkset and shock overseas for my old '97 YZF1000R track bike -- but stateside they're not nearly as abundant for that particular model, it was FAR more popular bike in Europe / UK.
Stock Kawi suspension components / setup isn't too bad at all on these 14's in comparison to most others, so I haven't looked into Ohlins for it -- although I'd have to say they made an incredible difference on my Yammie, so much more adjustability and just all around better function. They make the greatest suspensions imo.
Do you plan to trackride your bike? Or is this an "appeal" type purchase?

* Last updated by: Hellmutt on 3/7/2011 @ 2:02 PM *

Do you plan to trackride your bike? Or is this an "appeal" type purchase?

I'm just too damn big for the stock suspension on the zx14. Either needed to be rebuilt or replaced... I chose the latter. Like most of us "gearheads", I've always wanted Ohlins... got such a good deal on my bike, I was able to purchase Ohlins, CZ's, CT single, a PC5 and still come in under MSRP.

Damn, that is a good deal - I got a deal on mine too, but not THAT good.
I understand about going with upgrades instead of rebuild. Like the old addage says...."if you're goin' in, go balls deep!!"

Damn, that is a good deal - I got a deal on mine too, but not THAT good.

Truth be told... I had to get some DAMN good deals on the parts too in order to make that claim.

Hey bros educate me please about the Ohlins and others are they more so for a heavier rider ? or to replace for lots of miles already done ie 30k+,like there (OEM) getting sloppy ? or more so for really pushing hard like track ? I noticed what hellmutt said like adjustments are good on our ZX's to some others ? yeh my Blackbirds had none at all eccept the 03CBR HAD just dampening (16" front wheel)where the 04-on 17" with no front adjustments ! maybe cause im only 80-85 kilo's ive never bin bothered with the need for suspension upgrades !

* Last updated by: bean07 on 3/9/2011 @ 7:38 PM *

Could be for any or all the reasons you listed, Bean. As mentioned, the zx14's suspension has a lot of adjustment. If you're happy with it, leave it alone. But for me, the factory stuff is just too soft for my weight and how I ride. I've actually lost some weight, though. Wanna know my trick???... Spend $3k on custom suspension and have it sprung for the weight you want to get down to. It works!

Cheers for responce there dogo yeh I get it + it,s a bit more of a "premium" units too

* Last updated by: bean07 on 3/10/2011 @ 1:51 PM *

The guy I bought my bike from is about 200lbs suited, and setup the suspension and sag for his height/weight - he ended up racing this bike at a couple CCS events ( he's an ametuer racer ) with all stock suspension as his race bike was down......he said it performed beautifully in the downhill/uphill, braking/powering enviroments he'd raced it in.

Now that I own the bike, the only adjustments I've made was a bit more spring tension on the rear ( I'm fatter ) and dropped the forks half an inch ( I'm taller ) and swapped out to higher weight fork oil to increase damping -- I'm almost 300lbs suited, so very little change in comparison to sag/springload settings he'd used. I've had Ohlins full getup on my last trackbike and they are absolutely the best susp. upgrade IMO - but, I gotta give Kaw props with the OEM components.....sure, there can always be room for improvement over factory systems; but this bike is truly grand as is. Just my pennies

the only adjustments I've made was a bit more spring tension on the rear ( I'm fatter ) and dropped the forks half an inch ( I'm taller ) and swapped out to higher weight fork oil to increase damping -- I'm almost 300lbs suited

That really surprises me, especially the rear shock... You sure that thing has the factory spring?

Yes sir, she's got bone stock suspension - other than fork oil weight increase, all are OE springs. Got a buddy that was going to fit her with Progressive fork springs, but ended up veto'ing that since the forks worked so well after changing the oil and setting up.
Like most race setups, the suspension feels too stiff for street, but last fall when I was working on "unloading" techniques when exiting turns - under power and braking loads the front/rear was feeling about right. Seller already had the rear spring cranked down pretty far, but think I put close to another 2 full turns down on it by the time I got it set for me.
Maybe possible you had a bad spring or something? I do know for my weight, with proper suspension sag/setup, the OEM stuff works pretty good.

Maybe possible you had a bad spring or something?

Doubtful... I've purchased both of my 14's with 0 miles on 'em. I'm thinkin' you just have way better body positioning than me. At 265lbs, with stock suspension on my '06, I could not get dialed in. I was bottoming out and draggin' shit in the tight stuff.

First and foremost, you're new avatar looks delicious -- nice!!
Secondly, I have touched the lower side fairing ONCE in a deeeeeep left-hander and my toes get a reminder of my lean angle occasionally too. Primarily our body weight is the issue with draggin bike parts in a sweep, Ohlins will fix it right up though!!

First and foremost, you're new avatar looks delicious -- nice!!
Secondly, I have touched the lower side fairing ONCE in a deeeeeep left-hander and my toes get a reminder of my lean angle occasionally too. Primarily our body weight is the issue with draggin bike parts in a sweep, Ohlins will fix it right up though!!

Was just gonna use that avatar for St. Patty's Day... but since you like it so much, I think I'll leave it for the weekend.

thanks, Dogo.. Noticed that , myself. Pretty hard to not notice. lol

Hey!! Where'd your avatar go now? C'mon man, put her back up!! I'm thirsty for more milk!!

Hey!! Where'd your avatar go now? C'mon man, put her back up!!

St. Patty's is over. I put her away until next year.

same tits, different t-shirt...

I'm thirsty for more milk!!

Milk is for children...