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