Hi All,
I just got done installing my new Sonic 1.1Kg fork springs, and 15wt oil. Wow, what a difference... I remember when I first bought this bike, 2006 Concours, and rode it home from Summit, N.J. to Toledo, Ohio... I thought it had something loose in the front as it would hunt and peck all over the road. I increased the preload adjusters almost all the way, and it helped, but not a lot. Then, I installed some Avon tires, and that improved, but the bike just didn't handle the way I thought a sport tourer should. It never really rode well.
Now, with the front end done, and the 17" wheels on it, and the ZX9 rear shock with the ZZR1200 spring and preload adjuster, it rides 200% better than when I first got it. I think all it really needs is a stiffer rear spring for the shock combo, and it will be a corner carver, like it should be. I really want to pull the shock and send it to Jamie Daugherty and have him rebuild it with the proper spring rate and damping, but that is a winter project, and I really don't want to wait until he has some free time to do it. If it needs more travel, he can do that also by replacing the shock rod too. Anyway, I am very happy with the way it rides now. The Conti Motions also are a great set of tires for this machine. I have the 120/70-17 front, and a 150/70-17 rear, on the GPZ1100 front rim, and the Mean Streak rear. Nice ride, and good grip in the rain. Hope this helps someone make the decision to upgrade their suspension/rims and get a great handling machine!
Charlie
I just got done installing my new Sonic 1.1Kg fork springs, and 15wt oil. Wow, what a difference... I remember when I first bought this bike, 2006 Concours, and rode it home from Summit, N.J. to Toledo, Ohio... I thought it had something loose in the front as it would hunt and peck all over the road. I increased the preload adjusters almost all the way, and it helped, but not a lot. Then, I installed some Avon tires, and that improved, but the bike just didn't handle the way I thought a sport tourer should. It never really rode well.
Now, with the front end done, and the 17" wheels on it, and the ZX9 rear shock with the ZZR1200 spring and preload adjuster, it rides 200% better than when I first got it. I think all it really needs is a stiffer rear spring for the shock combo, and it will be a corner carver, like it should be. I really want to pull the shock and send it to Jamie Daugherty and have him rebuild it with the proper spring rate and damping, but that is a winter project, and I really don't want to wait until he has some free time to do it. If it needs more travel, he can do that also by replacing the shock rod too. Anyway, I am very happy with the way it rides now. The Conti Motions also are a great set of tires for this machine. I have the 120/70-17 front, and a 150/70-17 rear, on the GPZ1100 front rim, and the Mean Streak rear. Nice ride, and good grip in the rain. Hope this helps someone make the decision to upgrade their suspension/rims and get a great handling machine!
Charlie
