Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: Jeremy Mitchell on November 21, 2011, 10:18:57 AM
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I just finished installing my Penske shock yesterday and have ridden my bike a couple times and can honestly say that this is a mod that is definitely worth the money. Dan from Traxxion was a super helpful guy and set up my order so that I could get a shock that was custom built for my weight and riding style. It took about 10 days from order to delivery but was well worth the wait. I have yet to give my bike a proper flogging since it has been cool and damp the past couple days but I can tell from my short time in the saddle that this shock it much better at controlling a beast of a bike like the C14. It is firm yet supple at the same time and soaks up mid corner bumps with aplomb. It is hard to describe but it is kind of like the difference from driving a Camaro SS (not the new one) then jumping into an M3. Both are quick cars but the M3 is just so much better at creating a fun driving experience. My only complaint is the mounting of the reservoir looks a little cobbled with the hose clamps, so I am searching for a better looking alternative.
Next is my fork rebuild from Ohlins since they are running a $499 special, I would go with Traxxion but they want $675 for the same service.
(http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m245/flygirl5485/IMAG0282.jpg)
(http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m245/flygirl5485/IMAG0267.jpg)
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I have no experience with suspension mods but I am confident that after you have your front forks done, you will probably be pretty amazed. Seems to be par for the course. Enjoy.
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I am really looking forward to getting the suspension dialed in. I will probably be asking a lot of questions about what adjustments to make, to get the most out of my setup. I see alot of time on the phone with Traxxion and Ohlins in my future.
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Sweet! It will be worth every penny.
Have you thought about fabricating a bracket that mounts where the oem preload adjuster mounted. Then mount the remote reservoir to the new bracket with the hose clamps? It could make it tucked in a little more and have the hose clamps a little more out of sight.
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Sweet! It will be worth every penny.
Have you thought about fabricating a bracket that mounts where the oem preload adjuster mounted. Then mount the remote reservoir to the new bracket with the hose clamps? It could make it tucked in a little more and have the hose clamps a little more out of sight.
I have been thinking about it. I will have a week or so of down time while my forks are sent off and I will try to figure out a better alternative. I have some 1/4 inch scrap aluminum in the garage that I will probably try to work with.
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I know you posted about this a while back, but refresh my memory. Does Traxxion sell the Penske shocks? How much was it?
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I know you posted about this a while back, but refresh my memory. Does Traxxion sell the Penske shocks? How much was it?
Yes I bought it from Traxxion, instead of buying directly from Penske. I paid $820 including shipping and a shock sock. They were also nice enough to give me a 10% Military discount, on top of their 10% off of MSRP. I dealt with Dan who is a great guy that races his own bike and really knows his stuff.
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Jeremy, is there anywhere a clamp like these on ebay might work to hold the reservoir?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/BILLET-ALUMINUM-RESERVOIR-CLAMP-1-5-X-2-5-BRACKETS-1-PR-/150704448472?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item2316af63d8 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/BILLET-ALUMINUM-RESERVOIR-CLAMP-1-5-X-2-5-BRACKETS-1-PR-/150704448472?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item2316af63d8)
I'm interested as well since I have a Penske shock on my sv 650. I doubt the C14 shock is as bad as a stock sv shock, but probably not much better.
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Unfortunately the reservoir is limited on where it can be mounted. I don't want to put a kink in the hose, so for me it will have to stay close to the passenger peg mount.
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Yes I bought it from Traxxion, They were also nice enough to give me a 10% Military discount, on top of their 10% off of MSRP.
That's awesome, great to hear when a company does that, all should! :chugbeer:
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Yes I bought it from Traxxion, instead of buying directly from Penske. I paid $820 including shipping and a shock sock. They were also nice enough to give me a 10% Military discount, on top of their 10% off of MSRP. I dealt with Dan who is a great guy that races his own bike and really knows his stuff.
Thanks for the information. As much as I wish I could get the same discount you did, my hat is off to anyone who serves our country. I think a lot has changed in the past five years or so. I see a lot of soldiers in airports when I travel, and I am always seeing people walk up to them and thank them for serving. I hope that is your experience as well.
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Thanks for the information. As much as I wish I could get the same discount you did, my hat is off to anyone who serves our country. I think a lot has changed in the past five years or so. I see a lot of soldiers in airports when I travel, and I am always seeing people walk up to them and thank them for serving. I hope that is your experience as well.
I really appreciate any business that cares enough to offer a discount. I try to frequent those establishments if at all possible to show them that I am grateful to them. And yes, you are correct about a change in the last couple of years. I started noticing a lot more patriotism in American's as a whole around September 2001. Not that I didn't notice it back in 2000 (my first year in the Army) but I am appreciative just the same.
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Unfortunately the reservoir is limited on where it can be mounted. I don't want to put a kink in the hose, so for me it will have to stay close to the passenger peg mount.
Just a thought, maybe paint the clamps black so they don't stand out as much. Have fun! You're clearly a more technical rider than me. I'd be the old slow fart in the back of the pack.
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Jeremy, that hose between the shock and reservoir can be changed for something longer, shorter, or aiming a different direction. The cost to do so was not very much. Maybe something to look at when its time for a rebuild?