? for ZZR shock users

[Paulie]

which is, what's yer preload set at? I like it alot but it seems to be gettin tarred @ ~50k. Got the preload now at 5 (max) when 2/3/4 useta be hokay. We're "only" ~185/125# which ougtta be no prob even tho we carry the kitchen sink. 01 Conc, Mijami Floriduh OTP 06: http://tinyurl.com/2vk9o2 route map: http://tinyurl.com/4p7pmd

 

[Paulie]

Afta checkin round to verify that it's not rebuildable, I sprung (haha) fer nuther new 1 frum fleabay. I figger that $250 is really NBD for ~50k of service. And if I don't take it up them nasty bumpy lumpy roads in the NE mebbe this 1 will last longer. 01 Conc, Mijami Floriduh OTP 06: http://tinyurl.com/2vk9o2 route map: http://tinyurl.com/4p7pmd

 

[slybonesjesse]

$250 for the next one from EBay. Dang I am glad I kept the stock shock, still out there in the garage. I still have the preload set the same. Maybe this weekend I will take come sag measurements and compare to my original ones. 2003 Concours, 55K COG #6953 IBA 28004 http://home.comcast.net/~slybones/Concours/connieMain.htm

 

[slybonesjesse]

well I am in agreement. Last weekend I did a 466mi ride with a nice section of twisties and somewhat rough forest backroads. Paved but not exactly smooth. I was thinking it had a bit more bounce than normal. Didnt seem to have that same taut ride it used to. But then I rode the daily commute the following few days and didnt really seem to notice. But then maybe that is because it slowly changed over time. And I do that same commute so I am adjusted to it. Anyways I said I would so come sag measurements. Here are the results. From comparison we can use my sag measurements from when I first installed the ZZR1200 rear shock. http://home.comcast.net/~slybones/Concours/connieZZR1200Shock.htm The summary goes like this. Remember the preload is a hydraulic adjuster that turns a collar on the shock preloading the spring as the collar is turned. AT least this is how I believe it works. Also recall from my nots that my shock when the adjuster is turned from 1.0 on the dial to 2.1 ( 11 clicks ) does not seem to put any preload on the shock in that the adjuster/collar turns freely and you cannot feel any tension until setting 2.1. From there you can feel the collar turning against the resistance of the spring aplying preload. Measurements back then and today are measured the same way you measure sag on the front forks. Completely unloaded/fully extended with the bike on the center stand, versus sitting at normal position held vertical by my assistant ( wife ). So we are measuring the amount of sag from the weight of the bike itself and its accessories and then with me on it. I am measuring from the rear axle bolt on the left side to the bottom of the antler straight above it with the saddle bag off. Same as before. So this is consistent both tomes. In fairness to these measurements today, the bike carries a few more items in the Givi that it used to. But I am assuming that does not effect things to a significant extent. Ok, ok, some numbers. Back then stock shock 30 psi 24mm sag bike alone 46mm sag bike + me Back then stock shock 50 psi 11mm sag bike alone 38mm sag bike + me Back then ZZR1200 shock at 2.1 ( remember just barely preloading for me ) 22mm sag bike alone 42mm sag bike + me Back then ZZR1200 shock at 5.0 14mm sag bike alone 34mm sag bike + me Today ZZR1200 shock at 2.5 33mm sag bike alone 54mm sag bike + me Today ZZR1200 shock at 4.0 23mm sag bike alone 47mm sag bike + me We can see the ZZR1200 rear shock when new and how it compared to the stock shock at 30psi and 50psi. And then today how it measured. At the same setting I have been 2.1-2.5 there was 11-12mm of additional sag over that I measured back when first installed. Then trying 3.5, 4.0, 4.5 and 5.0 ( 5 click increments ) it took at setting of 4.0 on the shock to get back to the same level of sag as I originally started. 2003 Concours, 56K COG #6953 IBA 28004 http://home.comcast.net/~slybones/Concours/connieMain.htm

 

[Victor Salisbury]

Wow, excellent stats there and comparison. Gotta think my shock has degraded, need to check my sag, ect. Thanks for posting the info.

 

[Paulie]

Yeah Sly, that's purty slick. Nice wurk! Re the increased sag yers is also fading a bit. The kazillion $ ? is, how many miles doya got on it? 01 Conc, Mijami Floriduh OTP 06: http://tinyurl.com/2vk9o2 route map: http://tinyurl.com/4p7pmd

 

[slybonesjesse]

Not sure how many miles I am thinking in the 25-30K range. One thought I had on the ride in this morning is related to my experience with the sonic springs in the front. I measured the sag when I first installed them, and then about 6mo later. Some settling occured there too. After a post on the forum, Rich Desmond from Sonic responded that some settling would occur. -- So now many of you have been re checking and resetting your sag measurements after some breakin time. -- A good year plus later when I installed the cartridge emulators I measured sag again and I believe there was no change. The Sonic springs only have had that inital settling and that was it. So I mention that because I never did go back and repeat that on the rear shock, after some settling time. I guess I dont know of this was just some initial settling or if this is a slow fad of the spring that I have never noticed as it changed slowly over time. 2003 Concours, 56K COG #6953 IBA 28004 http://home.comcast.net/~slybones/Concours/connieMain.htm

 

[edu1director]

My original shock is toast and so is my arse after a trip to Nashville from Houston and back. Is the ZZR1200 shock considered the best replacement? I weight 215 lbs. Second, will the ZZR shock be a straight bolt on kind of deal? Thanks e

 

[slybonesjesse]

IMO of course. There are better aftermarket shocks available for the Connie that were designed for the Connie. But will cost the most. The ZZR1200 shock is ok, at a reasonable price many of us paid from ZZR1200.com many moons ago. Depending on your preferences, finding a used stock shock for a decent price could still be the best bet. IMO if you were a person who likes the stock shock at 50psi all the time, you will like the ZZR1200 shock. To me it provided a firm ride like 50psi, but with a bit more compliant ride. If you like the stock shock on 25-30psi better, and feel that 50psi is a bit much, you will think the ZZR1200 rear shock is firm. Not overly harsh, but firmer for sure. 2003 Concours, 56K COG #6953 IBA 28004 http://home.comcast.net/~slybones/Concours/connieMain.htm

 

[Paulie]

Altho I got a "no" from 2 other places, I just got a "yes" ($150) from these guys, who supposedly know their stuff... mike@traxxion.com Paul, I spoke with my tech and showed him the picture you sent and he said he could rebuild it for you. Send her in. We will get you taken care of. Thanks! Mike ============================= Mike Hardy Sales Manager Traxxion Dynamics, Inc. Suspension Innovation is our Passion... ============================= 01 Conc, Mijami Floriduh OTP 06: http://tinyurl.com/2vk9o2 route map: http://tinyurl.com/4p7pmd

 

[slybonesjesse]

that is rebuilt the ZZR1200 shock for $150? 2003 Concours, 56K COG #6953 IBA 28004 http://home.comcast.net/~slybones/Concours/connieMain.htm

 

[Paulie]

Ayup, and I'll report back afta I git r dun. I reckon it'll be a few months. 01 Conc, Mijami Floriduh OTP 06: http://tinyurl.com/2vk9o2 route map: http://tinyurl.com/4p7pmd

 

[Paulie]

Reportin back like a good dawg. With bad news, however. Now that they got the shock in their paws, they say fughetaboutit. Argh! I axed fer a $12 refund for the shipping & they sed jyes. Maint log sez my OEM lasted ~135k, ZZR #1 ~50k. ZZR #2 comin up. 01 Conc, Mijami Floriduh OTP 06: http://tinyurl.com/2vk9o2 route map: http://tinyurl.com/4p7pmd

 

[Steve in sunny Fla]

If you don't already have the zzr#2, look hard at a c-14 shock. You'll probably need a lowering link with it but wow - sweet! When you next see me, take shoodaben for a ride if you haven't done the c-14 shock by then. Steve

 

[Paulie]

Already got 1 Steve, thanx. It's gud enuf fer me. 01 Conc, Mijami Floriduh OTP 06: http://tinyurl.com/2vk9o2 route map: http://tinyurl.com/4p7pmd