Objectively speaking, how good/bad is the stock C14 suspension?

[VirginiaJim]

Exactly!

[GREEKWARLORD]

at 286-301 lbs this bike holding down pretty well i think!!!!
no need to change rear suspension yet,upgrade of the front one in my plans(new harder springs).....

[Daytona_Mike]

I also find the stock C14 suspension a bit harsh.  My C10 rides better with a ZZX rear shock and RaceTec gold valves in the forks.

I found the same thing. My C10 (I say MY because my C10 is highly modified) had better brakes and suspension than my C14.
So  on the  C14 I went  with new springs front and back (for my weight)  and  Traxxion AK20's in the front and an Ohlins in the back. Holy cow!! Huge improvement in smoothness  and compliancy and very 'planted' on any roads- bumpy or smooth or curvy.

Apparently I am  very spoiled because I know what a good suspension is supposed to feel like. My KTM has unbelievably fantastic suspension (re-spung and re-valved)  and so does my KLR (after upgrading it) and doing track days on my friends Jixxer that also has really good suspension I  now know when I get on stock suspension how bad it feels to me. The difference is night and day.

[hlh1]

I found the same thing. My C10 (I say MY because my C10 is highly modified) had better brakes and suspension than my C14.
So  on the  C14 I went  with new springs front and back (for my weight)  and  Traxxion AK20's in the front and an Ohlins in the back. Holy cow!! Huge improvement in smoothness  and compliancy and very 'planted' on any roads- bumpy or smooth or curvy.

I was really hoping I wouldn't have to modify my C14, like I did the C10. 

[Daytona_Mike]

I was really hoping I wouldn't have to modify my C14, like I did the C10.

You do have  options.  At the very least   talk to Traxxion and have your stock shocks re-valved and depending on your weight and how you ride you may need re-spinging.  The difference will be  like your stock C10 was and what you have now.  I have had folks follow me  on their C14  tell me that when braking hard the front end 'wanders'. We put a cable tie on the front fork to see how much the fork was compressing  and sure enough the front suspension bottomed out  and was flattening the front tire down to the rim causing the wandering.

[elp_jc]

I'm going to search for a thread on how people set the suspension up (how many 'clicks' on preload, rebound, etc). And how the bike comes out of the factory. I like to corner aggressively, and like firm suspension, but I'm used to the adjustable BMW suspension for the last decade. At 155# in shorts, I'm quite light compared to how manufacturers set up suspension (190# rider?). Will never carry a passenger on that bike, so the good news is once set up I don't have to change any settings. Heard the 2015 will have stiffer rear suspension, but don't think with my weight it'd be a problem with a 2013. Can't wait to get this bike and start tearing mountain roads in early spring .

[hlh1]

I'm going to search for a thread on how people set the suspension up (how many 'clicks' on preload, rebound, etc). And how the bike comes out of the factory. I like to corner aggressively, and like firm suspension, but I'm used to the adjustable BMW suspension for the last decade. At 155# in shorts, I'm quite light compared to how manufacturers set up suspension (190# rider?). Will never carry a passenger on that bike, so the good news is once set up I don't have to change any settings. Heard the 2015 will have stiffer rear suspension, but don't think with my weight it'd be a problem with a 2013. Can't wait to get this bike and start tearing mountain roads in early spring .

It's amazing sport touring bike; heavy on the sport! 

[gPink]

I'm going to search for a thread on how people set the suspension up (how many 'clicks' on preload, rebound, etc). And how the bike comes out of the factory. I like to corner aggressively, and like firm suspension, but I'm used to the adjustable BMW suspension for the last decade. At 155# in shorts, I'm quite light compared to how manufacturers set up suspension (190# rider?). Will never carry a passenger on that bike, so the good news is once set up I don't have to change any settings. Heard the 2015 will have stiffer rear suspension, but don't think with my weight it'd be a problem with a 2013. Can't wait to get this bike and start tearing mountain roads in early spring .

http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=4480.msg51913;topicseen#new

[maxtog]

At 155# in shorts, I'm quite light compared to how manufacturers set up suspension (190# rider?).

I am about 150# and agree it is probably set for a much heavier person.  I hope you don't wear shorts riding, however.... but if you do, make sure to wear an extra extra extra large white T-shirt, flip flops, a chrome tupperwear hat, and put your hand on your hip while riding

[elp_jc]

I hope you don't wear shorts riding, however.

NEVER; I'm an ATGATT guy (in triple-digits, I use Draggin jeans, shorty Sidi boots, and mesh jackets, but still ATGATT IMO). Just haven't weighed myself with gear, but maybe 10# more?

[maxtog]

Just haven't weighed myself with gear, but maybe 10# more?

In the winter, I bet my gear weighs at least 25 pounds.

My issue is last year I dieted and lost 25 pounds and over this past year (and especially the last month) I gained 10 of it back again, damnit!

[Conrad]

In the winter, I bet my gear weighs at least 25 pounds.

My issue is last year I dieted and lost 25 pounds and over this past year (and especially the last month) I gained 10 of it back again, damnit!

And the holiday eating season is just getting started. Good luck Max!

[hlh1]

Put the 112 lb wife on the C14 this weekend and did 120 miles.  Added 10 clicks to the rear shock and the bike rode much better.  Like someone already said, the bike seems to be setup to support a heavy rider.  With the additional 112 lbs the harshness was gone. 

[stevewfl]

Its no secret, aftermarket suspensions are WAY 'MO BETTER than stock. C14 is no exception to the rule 

[Mister Tee]

The C14's handling seems to be more tire pressure dependent that most other bikes.  It definitely likes higher pressures.  If my pressure falls below 42, especially in the front, it starts to handle like a turd.

[connie14boy]

The C14's handling seems to be more tire pressure dependent that most other bikes.  It definitely likes higher pressures.  If my pressure falls below 42, especially in the front, it starts to handle like a turd.

With PR2 or PR3's and ambient temps in the 80's or above I noticed that the front was happier at 44 psi, and the rear at around 45 psi. This bike is very sensitive with tires/pressures for some reason, but once you realize that it can boogie like a fat lady at a wedding reception.

[rcannon409]

I've had mine for several years now, and always though the suspension was somewhat harsh, and unforgiving.

Last summer, I dropped my wallet beside the interstate. I knew just where it was, but it was 100 miles from home.  It was late, but very warm.

I filled the tank, and arrived to pick up my wallet @ 30 minutes later. 

Many of the bikes "faults" ended up being more, "Oh, now I get it..."

My Ninja 100 has  penske fork cartridges and a penske shock.  Ohlins steering damper, too.  With that being said, if I had to take a motorcycle to 150mph, I'll take the c14. Bags and all. The suspension that felt  a little harsh, and unforgiving became very nice at elevated speeds. Same is true for wind protection, and engine power.

[Conrad]

I've had mine for several years now, and always though the suspension was somewhat harsh, and unforgiving.

Last summer, I dropped my wallet beside the interstate. I knew just where it was, but it was 100 miles from home.  It was late, but very warm.

I filled the tank, and arrived to pick up my wallet @ 30 minutes later. 

Many of the bikes "faults" ended up being more, "Oh, now I get it..."

My Ninja 100 has  penske fork cartridges and a penske shock.  Ohlins steering damper, too.  With that being said, if I had to take a motorcycle to 150mph, I'll take the c14. Bags and all. The suspension that felt  a little harsh, and unforgiving became very nice at elevated speeds. Same is true for wind protection, and engine power.

100 miles in 30 minutes? My math skills are a bit rusty but wouldn't that be 200mph?   

[just gone]

100 miles in 30 minutes? My math skills are a bit rusty but wouldn't that be 200mph?   

Oh now C', let's not let mere facts get in the way of a good story. 

[Deziner]

This C14?