Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: ZG on May 09, 2012, 03:23:36 PM
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And if so are all years the same?
I'm thinking about a full Ohlins setup (forks and shock) but I see that Ohlins doesn't offer complete forks for the Concours 14, only the springs. Ohlins does offer complete forks for the ZX14 though... :-\
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/dijisodwq.jpg)
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/fkoiwere.jpg)
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Mmmmmm Ohlins...
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How many miles do you have on your bike Jay?
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How many miles do you have on your bike Jay?
What does that have to do with forks Cheesehead? ???
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Jay, I've looked and measured and so far it appears they would swap right over. Close enough that I would nto be afraid to take a chance.
BUT, the zx14 forks dont have a finished section for the abs sensor. The material does appear to be there, just no holes or threads. I may do this as a winter project. As far as the Ohlins, its hard to say....it might work as I think the zzr1400 was available with abs. You might find an Ohlins set-up that woudl bolt right on.
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Jay, I've looked and measured and so far it appears they would swap right over. Close enough that I would nto be afraid to take a chance.
BUT, the zx14 forks dont have a finished section for the abs sensor. The material does appear to be there, just no holes or threads. I may do this as a winter project. As far as the Ohlins, its hard to say....it might work as I think the zzr1400 was available with abs. You might find an Ohlins set-up that woudl bolt right on.
Hmmm.... so does the new zx14r not have ABS? I know they have KTRC, so just assumed they had ABS as an option too, but I guess not... I hadn't even thought about that ABS sensor, so thanks for bringing that point up RC. :-\
I think I'll just give Ohlins a call tomorrow and get their thoughts.
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Jay, in other parts of the world, the zx14 (zzr1400) does have abs...just not here. Actually, it was an option on the older zzr1400 back in 08.
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Jay, does your black bike require a suspension upgrade? I have a set of forks for a Trail 90 that may be more appropriate ;) ;D ;D ;D
BTW, I do NOT need help spending money, but dam, them gold forks sure would set off/compliment the EBC rotors ;D Tell ya what, order em up, if your ABS doesnt line up, you can give em to me :o
BTW again, will your wife need to borrow any tools to do the swap? I hear Gumbi ran out of beer money so he swapped his spring compressor for a case of Keystone :'( :'(
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Based on the 2012 ZX14 (older models may weight less/more) allow for the fact there is a 40kg/88lbs difference between the two bikes. Something to consider for a purpose built performance shock.
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He is going to have to quit eating in order to pay for them so the weight will not be a ISSUE.
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Ohhh that's cold that is.
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I'm not sure about the ABS but the ZX-14 forks will physically fit and work well. As for the extra weight that is a moot point since the Ohlins forks can usually be ordered with the appropriate springs to compensate for the extra weight. It depends on who the forks are ordered through. The guy I talked to at Ohlins tried to get me to drop two grand on the ZX-14 forks for my C14 and I told him I would give him a call as soon as I won the lottery. If you want a less expensive option check out the Traxxion AK-20 cartridges. They run about $1000 plus installation and are supposedly the Cat's meow.
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Jay, does your black bike require a suspension upgrade? I have a set of forks for a Trail 90 that may be more appropriate ;) ;D ;D ;D
That's pretty funny.
BTW again, will your wife need to borrow any tools to do the swap?
That's even funnier. :rotflmao:
I hear Gumbi ran out of beer money so he swapped his spring compressor for a case of Keystone :'( :'(
That's not funny at all. >:(
Look behind the bike Chet, three kegs on tap.
The only time I run out of beer is when I don't take enough PBR fishin. :o
(http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll112/tomdvaughan/Corbin2.jpg)
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Jay, does your black bike require a suspension upgrade?
It just seems like the next logical thing to do for my build, I'm bored... ;)
BTW, I do NOT need help spending money, but dam, them gold forks sure would set off/compliment the EBC rotors ;D
I agree, those EBC rotors would look sick with the gold Ohlins. 8)
I hear Gumbi ran out of beer money so he swapped his spring compressor for a case of Keystone :'( :'(
Thank God I never have to worry about that, Gumbi NEVER runs out of beer, that's why he's my friend. :) :chugbeer:
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He is going to have to quit eating in order to pay for them so the weight will not be a ISSUE.
Well, I am on a diet right now, so maybe good timing eh... (http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/smiley_dunno.gif)
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I'm not sure about the ABS but the ZX-14 forks will physically fit and work well. As for the extra weight that is a moot point since the Ohlins forks can usually be ordered with the appropriate springs to compensate for the extra weight. It depends on who the forks are ordered through. The guy I talked to at Ohlins tried to get me to drop two grand on the ZX-14 forks for my C14 and I told him I would give him a call as soon as I won the lottery. If you want a less expensive option check out the Traxxion AK-20 cartridges. They run about $1000 plus installation and are supposedly the Cat's meow.
Ya, I thought about going with the cartridges or even just the Ohlins springs in the Kawi forks, but the more I think about it I like the idea of having the full monty gold Ohlins forks and sleeves etc, I think it would be pretty sweet and something I haven't seen yet on a Connie, I like to be rare... 8)
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The only time I run out of beer is when I don't take enough PBR fishin. :o
I hate to even think of what kinda bottom feeders you're catchin' using PBR for bait! :o
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Dang J, if you're lookin for something to spend your money on, my birthday is coming up shortly. :)
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Dang J, if you're lookin for something to spend your money on, my birthday is coming up shortly. :)
;D ;D ;D
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I'm not sure about the ABS but the ZX-14 forks will physically fit and work well. As for the extra weight that is a moot point since the Ohlins forks can usually be ordered with the appropriate springs to compensate for the extra weight. It depends on who the forks are ordered through. The guy I talked to at Ohlins tried to get me to drop two grand on the ZX-14 forks for my C14 and I told him I would give him a call as soon as I won the lottery. If you want a less expensive option check out the Traxxion AK-20 cartridges. They run about $1000 plus installation and are supposedly the Cat's meow.
I have the Ohlins rear and the Traxxion cartridges. I think the Ohlins improved the rear more than the Traxxion improved the forks. If I knew I could get the ZX14 Ohlins forks for 1,000 more than the Traxxion cartridges I would have went that way, but the Ohlins rep I spoke with never mentioned it and I did not think to check it. Let us know how it works out Jay.
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I just looked at my checking account, if all goes well, I MIGHT be able to get these:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/OHLINS-FRONT-FORKS-BENT-DAMAGED-PARTS-MULTISTRADA-S-MTS1000DS-MTS-1000DS-Y-/170783323284?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item27c37ab494 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/OHLINS-FRONT-FORKS-BENT-DAMAGED-PARTS-MULTISTRADA-S-MTS1000DS-MTS-1000DS-Y-/170783323284?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item27c37ab494)
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It would be very nice to have the full Ohlins fork setup, and if I ever have enough money in the bank to justify such an extravagant modification I would do it in a hearbeat.
@Spanky: Have you set the sag and played around with the settings on your AK-20?
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I just looked at my checking account, if all goes well, I MIGHT be able to get these:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/OHLINS-FRONT-FORKS-BENT-DAMAGED-PARTS-MULTISTRADA-S-MTS1000DS-MTS-1000DS-Y-/170783323284?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item27c37ab494 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/OHLINS-FRONT-FORKS-BENT-DAMAGED-PARTS-MULTISTRADA-S-MTS1000DS-MTS-1000DS-Y-/170783323284?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item27c37ab494)
Tain't nuthin' a hot wrench & a small sledge cain't fix. ;D
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I just looked at my checking account, if all goes well, I MIGHT be able to get these:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/OHLINS-FRONT-FORKS-BENT-DAMAGED-PARTS-MULTISTRADA-S-MTS1000DS-MTS-1000DS-Y-/170783323284?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item27c37ab494 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/OHLINS-FRONT-FORKS-BENT-DAMAGED-PARTS-MULTISTRADA-S-MTS1000DS-MTS-1000DS-Y-/170783323284?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item27c37ab494)
:yikes:
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I have the Ohlins rear and the Traxxion cartridges. I think the Ohlins improved the rear more than the Traxxion improved the forks. If I knew I could get the ZX14 Ohlins forks for 1,000 more than the Traxxion cartridges I would have went that way, but the Ohlins rep I spoke with never mentioned it and I did not think to check it. Let us know how it works out Jay.
Will do bro. I am somewhat excited about the pm I got from Loren today, who also has an 09 ABS like mine, I'm looking forward to hear more from him hopefully sooner than later... :popcorn:
His pm below... (hope you don't mind Loren but I think others want to hear about your setup as well) :chugbeer:
"Hi Jay,
I have a pair of Ohlins ZX14 forks being fitted out with the C14 Ohlins springs. I hope to have them sometime late next week, if the shop has no problems with the spring change.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it will be a simple swap once the forks are
I already put an Ohlins on the rear, and liked the change, so the nexted step was the forks.
I will let you know how it works out.
Loren"
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It would be very nice to have the full Ohlins fork setup, and if I ever have enough money in the bank to justify such an extravagant modification I would do it in a hearbeat.
Ya, lucky for Ohlins I have no common sense when it comes to spending $ for farkles... :-[ (http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/swiqe.gif)
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Jay, it's a good thing you don't own a harley or you be pushing six figures in farkles by now. ;)
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It would be very nice to have the full Ohlins fork setup, and if I ever have enough money in the bank to justify such an extravagant modification I would do it in a hearbeat.
@Spanky: Have you set the sag and played around with the settings on your AK-20?
I haven't but a suspension pro did :).
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Jay, it's a good thing you don't own a harley or you be pushing six figures in farkles by now. ;)
Excellent, yet another reason for me to never own a Harley... ;) ;D :stirpot:
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I haven't but a suspension pro did :).
What don't you care for with the forks?
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I think the Ohlins are beautiful, and it would be fun to have a set for a conversation piece. But, I not sure its warranted with this bike. If you selected a spring rate for riding alone on the bike, its going to be way soft with a passenger and gear. If you compromise and pick a stiff spring, your back to being off...just like you started with.
One thing that would be amazing is to have adjustment knobs that actually do something. Most stock sportbikes have these suspension adjustments, but the adjustment range is very small to prevent owners from being able to create an unsafe condition. The full range of 20 clicks might be equal to 4-5 clicks on a Penske or Ohlins.
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I think the Ohlins are beautiful, and it would be fun to have a set for a conversation piece. But, I not sure its warranted with this bike. If you selected a spring rate for riding alone on the bike, its going to be way soft with a passenger and gear. If you compromise and pick a stiff spring, your back to being off...just like you started with.
Ohlins offers C14 springs for oem Kawi fork rebuilds, my thoughts were right in line with what Loren is doing, ZX14 Ohlins forks with Ohlins C14 springs internal, I'd think that would do the trick quite nicely RC... Or am I still missing something? :-\
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The forks will be beautiful, and I'll bet you love them, but....Dont you need Brembo or works Nissin calipers as well? Even though the stock brakes are great, the look just wont be right. It would be like having a peanut butter and roast beef sandwich, instead of jelly.
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The forks will be beautiful, and I'll bet you love them, but....Dont you need Brembo or works Nissin calipers as well? Even though the stock brakes are great, the look just wont be right. It would be like having a peanut butter and roast beef sandwich, instead of jelly.
Indeed RC, farkling it is never ending... ;)
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Install was easy breazy. The fork is already prepped for the ABS sensor direct from Ohlins, although mine is a non-ABS model. Many thanks to Dan Kyle at Kyle Racing www.kyleusa.com (http://www.kyleusa.com) for being so willing to make the spring swap work.
(http://www.motorbikesaddles.com/images/Concours%20Forum/IMG_0587.jpg)
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www.kyleusa.com (http://www.kyleusa.com)
(http://www.motorbikesaddles.com/images/Concours%20Forum/IMG_0587.jpg)
Those looked pretty cool when I went by 8).
The reflectors threw me off though..... :-\
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Install was easy breazy. The fork is already prepped for the ABS sensor direct from Ohlins, although mine is a non-ABS model. Many thanks to Dan Kyle at Kyle Racing www.kyleusa.com (http://www.kyleusa.com) for being so willing to make the spring swap work.
(http://www.motorbikesaddles.com/images/Concours%20Forum/IMG_0587.jpg)
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/crazy1.gif)(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/crazy1.gif)(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/crazy1.gif)(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/crazy1.gif)(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/crazy1.gif)(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/crazy1.gif)(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/crazy1.gif)(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/crazy1.gif)
OMG Loren man that is sweet! I must have now!!!
So did you do the Ohlins C14 spring kit?
I've been talking to Gary Christopher at Ohlins over the past couple weeks, Ohlins is coming out with a full cartridge kit for the C14 in the next month or so for $599... (http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/wait.gif) (http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/metal.gif)
I've been talking to him about putting this cartridge kit in the ZX14 Ohlins forks at the factory so they would be plug&play for my Connie, we were just waiting until your install regarding the ABS sensor mount... (http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/wait.gif)
So what I'm hearing from you then is the Ohlins ZX14 forks come standard with the ABS mount right??
Can you please post up some more pics how those gorgeous gold Ohlins forks look on your Connie bro... :)
Oh, and by the way, nice TB fork sliders bro, I have em too... 8)
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The reflectors threw me off though..... :-\
Indeed, lose those goofy oem reflectors bro... (http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/vomit.gif)
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Indeed, lose those goofy oem reflectors bro... (http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/vomit.gif)
And the accessory lights are cool?
:o
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Indeed, lose those goofy oem reflectors bro...
And the accessory lights are cool?
I will just leave them on. It will make it easier to pick my bike out of the masses of black C14s with Ohlins suspension. ;)
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I will just leave them on. It will make it easier to pick my bike out of the masses of black C14s with Ohlins suspension. ;)
;D ;D ;D