Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => The Bike - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: bombsquad1201 on November 09, 2011, 06:51:19 AM

Title: How do I Set-up C-14 2010
Post by: bombsquad1201 on November 09, 2011, 06:51:19 AM
How would I Set-up C-14 2010 for my weight. The
Manual show a formula for an individual that is 150 pounds.
I was 150 when I was 18. I am 250 what do I need to do.
Make it simple, no weight lost options, please.
Also I have perilli's angels st, what tire pressure would you recommend.
Thanks.
J.
Title: Re: How do I Set-up C-14 2010
Post by: rtarp1 on November 09, 2011, 07:15:13 AM
how tall are you?
Title: Re: How do I Set-up C-14 2010
Post by: VirginiaJim on November 09, 2011, 07:28:48 AM
You could try reading the C14 Wiki FAQ first because if you did you might have found this....

http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?board=33.0 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?board=33.0)

You know I do have a READ THIS FIRST NOW before posting sticky...

http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=436.0 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=436.0)
Title: Re: How do I Set-up C-14 2010
Post by: danl on November 09, 2011, 07:42:32 AM
I got some settings from SanDiegoDave (I think he's on this forum, maybe on the COG forum, can't remember) that were given to him by a race mechanic, for someone who weighs around 270.

Kawasaki Concours 14 ABS Suspension Settings


FRONT
Front spring preload adjustment factory settings are for 150-lb. rider.
Page 226 of your manual shows you the stock adjustment. (6 or more rings are showing)

Front shock preload adjustment for 270-lb. rider per Steve Beaudry:
Turn adjuster nut in until it bottoms out, then back it out 6 turns. Only 2 rings should be showing.

REAR
Rear spring preload adjustment factory settings are for 150-lb. rider.
Page 229 of your manual shows you the stock adjustment, which is turning the adjuster knob all the way in, then backing it out 13 clicks.

Rear spring preload adjustment for 270-lb. rider per Steve Beaudry:
Turn adjuster knob all the way in, then back out only 2 clicks.

You should realize a noticeable improvement in handling characteristics with no more "washing out".

NEXT
Burn off those factory installed Bridgestone Battlax tires as soon as possible and swap on a pair of Michelin Pilot Road 2 tires and you will realize phenomenal handling characteristics. Twisties I typically took at 25 miles per hour, I now take at 40 to 45 miles per hour. The tires don't make you a better rider, however, they allow the bike to do what it was designed to do. The tires allow the bike to "fall" into a turn, which initially is a strange sensation, but you soon get used to it.  Always run 42 psi in both tires. Period.    
Title: Re: How do I Set-up C-14 2010
Post by: Spanky on November 09, 2011, 02:16:16 PM
You may want to consider getting fork and shock springs that are designed for 250lb rider. Not too expensive and will make a big difference.
Title: Re: How do I Set-up C-14 2010
Post by: Sparkie on November 09, 2011, 04:04:01 PM
You may want to consider getting fork and shock springs that are designed for 250lb rider. Not too expensive and will make a big difference.

Where do you get those ? Are you talking OEM parts that are stiffer? Just curious. Mark
Title: Re: How do I Set-up C-14 2010
Post by: jaclaw on November 09, 2011, 04:07:53 PM
You could try reading the C14 Wiki FAQ first because if you did you might have found this....

http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?board=33.0 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?board=33.0)

You know I do have a READ THIS FIRST NOW before posting sticky...

http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=436.0 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=436.0)

Nice way to welcome a new member.
Title: Re: How do I Set-up C-14 2010
Post by: Spanky on November 09, 2011, 05:54:09 PM
Where do you get those ? Are you talking OEM parts that are stiffer? Just curious. Mark

Many manufacturers have them. Ohlins makes springs for the C-14. Traxxion Dynamics has some too. Most other motorcycle suspension companies will offer springs. Having springs designed for your weight does make a difference without spending big bucks. It will improve ride quality and handling.
Title: Re: How do I Set-up C-14 2010
Post by: ZG on November 09, 2011, 10:01:47 PM
Nice way to welcome a new member.

I didn't take Jim's response as harsh JC, he was just pointing out the info for BS1201.
 
Welcome BS1201, tons of good info and fun here bro!  :chugbeer:
Title: Re: How do I Set-up C-14 2010
Post by: stevewfl on November 09, 2011, 10:21:24 PM
Jeremy Mitchell has the right idea about setting up the suspension - Ohlins FTW. 

Next best thing to KiPass (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/bigthumb.gif)
Title: Re: How do I Set-up C-14 2010
Post by: VirginiaJim on November 10, 2011, 04:00:52 AM
Nice way to welcome a new member.

And here I thought I was being helpful....  Just can't win.
Title: Re: How do I Set-up C-14 2010
Post by: The Pope on November 10, 2011, 04:24:02 AM
You could try reading the C14 Wiki FAQ first because if you did you might have found this....

http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?board=33.0 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?board=33.0)

You know I do have a READ THIS FIRST NOW before posting sticky...

http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=436.0 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=436.0)

It "may have been easier" for the information to have been found "if" it was located "in the C14 section" instead of it being located somewhere else. Just saying.  ::)  :deadhorse:  :stirpot:
Title: Re: How do I Set-up C-14 2010
Post by: VirginiaJim on November 10, 2011, 04:41:00 AM
At this point it ain't gonna happen.  There's plenty of links to find it if one were to read, first, what the existing stickies have to say and point to.  Unfortunately, there is a character limit on what one can write within a post (20k.  Seems like a lot but it really isn't).  This is one factor.  The other is adding multiple stickies on the startup page 'clutters' it up and limits the number of threads to be seen, initially.  Have had complaints on that.  The third factor is that some wouldn't read them (not singling out the OP.  This is a general statement from experience) if they were in capital letters, bolded, underlined, and out in front where you would have to sign that you read them before you posted.

I've found that there are at least two kinds of people regarding reading FAQ's (I'm sure there are more).  The ones that read them before they post and the ones that don't.  I'm in the first category and don't understand at all why the second category doesn't read them and instead asks a question without being at least somewhat informed.  The FAQs/Wikis are there to help the riders in their quest for knowledge and have taken quite a bit of effort to put back together after the server crash.

I'm not going to entertain any further debate, here, concerning where the FAQ's should be located.  If there is further debate, please start a new thread in the Open board and we can flesh this out some more if you wish.
Title: Re: How do I Set-up C-14 2010
Post by: gonzosc1 on November 10, 2011, 03:01:16 PM
here's a good read to start you off.  +1 on the new springs. too bad there is not an option to have the forks changed out when you first buy a bike from a dealer. would be nice to not have to fool with springs on a new bike for the bigger riders.

http://www.gostar-racing.com/club/motorcycle_suspension_set-up.htm (http://www.gostar-racing.com/club/motorcycle_suspension_set-up.htm)
Title: Re: How do I Set-up C-14 2010
Post by: Joncon11 on November 10, 2011, 04:00:28 PM
here's a good read to start you off. 

http://www.gostar-racing.com/club/motorcycle_suspension_set-up.htm (http://www.gostar-racing.com/club/motorcycle_suspension_set-up.htm)

This is fantastic, thank you...