Triumphrat

303frost · 11-13-2012, 10:06 PM

Anyone in the U.S. know of where to get some performance fork springs within the states? Where did you get them from, and what did you get? Part numbers...etc.

Im pretty set on buying a ZX10-R shock for the back, since I'm going to be getting a lithium ion battery and tucking everything under the seat.

If there's a better option for the rear shock, let me know. I'll be riding with the lady a lot more next spring. I weigh 180lbs and she weighs 130 (I think, I don't dare to ask her).

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

CharlieS · 11-14-2012, 07:40 AM

Have you tried Racetech?

http://racetech.com/ProductSearch/2/...bird/1994-2001

You could also contact Tmod, a member on these forums who knows and does suspension work. He's really good. I've had him rebuild my shock on my Sprint, and get racetech springs for me, along with seals, bushings, oil. It doesn't get much easier than talking to one knowledgeable individual, and getting all your parts from him for a great price.

IrlMike · 11-14-2012, 09:45 AM

Have you checked the spring rate for the ZX10R shocks at Racetech's site? IIRC the ZX10 springs can be a bit light.

My 08 ZX6R shock is very good, officially a 9.7kg spring, but feels like it might just be ok for your rider & pillion weights. Tho' not with much luggage as well.

At a rough estimate, you probably want a rear spring in the range 11kg to 12kg - a little lower than RT's calculator will suggest, but adequate for our bikes & typical use imo.

So long as the shock is adjustable for rebound & compression you could fit a ZX shock with higher rate spring from Racetech (or others?) & if you don't go up more than about 1kg in rate the shock will likely have enough damping adjustment to get away without a revalve.

One thing I've now realised buying older shocks is that the springs can be significantly weakened by age/mileage. My older 01 ZX6R unit should have had a slightly stiffer spring than the 08, but the reality was opposite. I'm assuming the 01 must have weakened & likewise the 94 ZX9R unit before it.

For info, the 08 ZX6R shock is about the same length as stock, tho' top & bottom mount holes are M8 not M10, so need sorting.

If it's brake dive that's the issue with the front, Ricor Intiminators would be much better than a spring change imo. The difference is huge but they are still very compliant over bad bumps.

+1 on Tmod, he's excellent, but the old style basic damper rod forks (not cartridge, except on TBS) don't give him much to work with on our bikes.

303frost · 11-14-2012, 06:40 PM

im heading the intiminator direction. I also want to lower the front end about 1-2 inches, because it looks a bit tall in front, and short in back. the forks feel like they bottom out pretty easily, so I'm thinking the springs are worn out. the seals are good, and they have fresh oil in them.