Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: ZG on July 18, 2012, 06:14:03 PM

Title: Just pulled the trigger on an Ohlins for my Connie!
Post by: ZG on July 18, 2012, 06:14:03 PM
Woohoo, can't wait for it to arrive! (http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/crazy1.gif) (http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/wait.gif)
 
 
I just couldn't wait any longer, I put one on my Gixxer last month and now my Gixxer is a smoother ride than my Connie, and that just aint right. (http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/smiley_dunno.gif)  :banghead:
Title: Re: Just pulled the trigger on an Ohlins for my Connie!
Post by: Joncon11 on July 18, 2012, 06:21:30 PM
Congrats! Where and how much?
Title: Re: Just pulled the trigger on an Ohlins for my Connie!
Post by: VirginiaJim on July 18, 2012, 06:26:54 PM
Yeah, give some details on what you ordered like part numbers and such....
Title: Re: Just pulled the trigger on an Ohlins for my Connie!
Post by: ZG on July 18, 2012, 06:27:07 PM
There's a COG group buy going on right now at Kyle Racing, $1039 shipped to US customer, that's about $250 off normal cost.  :)
 
 
(http://www.shop.kyleusa.com/images/1Logo1102smaller.jpg)
Title: Re: Just pulled the trigger on an Ohlins for my Connie!
Post by: stevewfl on July 18, 2012, 06:28:52 PM
NICE!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Just pulled the trigger on an Ohlins for my Connie!
Post by: ZG on July 18, 2012, 06:32:49 PM
Yeah, give some details on what you ordered like part numbers and such....

I called Dan Kyle directly and purchased it over the phone, talked with him for about 20 to 30 minutes, seems like a real good dude.  :thumbs:
 
Here's a paste from the other forum with the details...
 
This shock is normally $1,274. He will sell it for $1,019 plus about $20 shipping. California residents will have to also pay sales tax.  Shipping is normally about 7 days. There is no minimuim number needed to get this group rate, so all you have to do is call and order and mention the COG discount.

He will need to know your weight (without gear), and what other items you typically carry (at a minimum) on the bike that would impact load (rear trunk, etc)

There are two part number shocks, the KA-709 for the 08 & 09 models, and the KA-109 for the 2010 and on. Both are the same price.

The shock description code is S46PR1Z1S
46 is the piston diameter
P means it is a piggy back design damping chamber
R1 means it has one rebound adjuster (low speed)
Z1 means it has one compression adjuster (low speed)
S means it has a remote hydralic preload adjuster

Their web site address is:

http://www.kyleusa.com/ (http://www.kyleusa.com/)

And here is their contact info:
(http://www.shop.kyleusa.com/images/1Logo1102smaller.jpg)
Title: Re: Just pulled the trigger on an Ohlins for my Connie!
Post by: VirginiaJim on July 18, 2012, 06:48:35 PM
Thanks, Jay.  Good information.  Give yourself a cookie.  ;D
Title: Re: Just pulled the trigger on an Ohlins for my Connie!
Post by: ZG on July 18, 2012, 06:56:31 PM
Thanks, Jay.  Good information.  Give yourself a cookie.  ;D

 ;D
 
And a beer to wash it down with eh Sparky...  ;)   :chugbeer:
Title: Re: Just pulled the trigger on an Ohlins for my Connie!
Post by: mikeboileau on July 18, 2012, 07:05:12 PM
 :popcorn:
Title: Re: Just pulled the trigger on an Ohlins for my Connie!
Post by: VirginiaJim on July 18, 2012, 07:25:22 PM

 ;D
 
And a beer to wash it down with eh Sparky...  ;)   :chugbeer:

Beer good!
Title: Re: Just pulled the trigger on an Ohlins for my Connie!
Post by: Spanky on July 18, 2012, 07:32:38 PM
About time you bought a useful farkle  :D

Just kidding - I love my Ohlins and I know you will too. Getting the ZX 14 Ohlins shocks would be the cats meow on this bike. I have the Axxiom cartridges and they are a big improvement from stock, but the Ohlins shock feels even better.
Title: Re: Just pulled the trigger on an Ohlins for my Connie!
Post by: maxtog on July 18, 2012, 07:52:05 PM
About time you bought a useful farkle  :D

Yeah, but is it black....
Title: Re: Just pulled the trigger on an Ohlins for my Connie!
Post by: mikeboileau on July 18, 2012, 08:11:09 PM
I need a shaking head smilie.......
Title: Re: Just pulled the trigger on an Ohlins for my Connie!
Post by: Son of Pappy on July 18, 2012, 08:12:18 PM
All Jay needs to do now is ride the thing :o
Title: Re: Just pulled the trigger on an Ohlins for my Connie!
Post by: ZG on July 18, 2012, 08:15:01 PM
About time you bought a useful farkle  :D

Just kidding - I love my Ohlins and I know you will too. Getting the ZX 14 Ohlins shocks would be the cats meow on this bike. I have the Axxiom cartridges and they are a big improvement from stock, but the Ohlins shock feels even better.

Ya, I talked with Dan today for quite awhile about doing the full Ohlins ZX14 forks for my Connie too... I'm sure that will probably be my next move, he quoted me just over $2k for em, which also includes swapping out the inner springs for this heavy honey of a ZG...  ;)
Title: Re: Just pulled the trigger on an Ohlins for my Connie!
Post by: ZG on July 18, 2012, 08:16:11 PM
All Jay needs to do now is ride the thing :o

 :rotflmao:   :battle:
 
Oh come on Chet, I rode her to work today, is that not enough bro? (http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/smiley_dunno.gif)
Title: Re: Just pulled the trigger on an Ohlins for my Connie!
Post by: ZG on July 18, 2012, 08:29:46 PM
Yeah, but is it black....

I little bit of gold jewelry always make's big girls feel sexy Max...  ;D
Title: Re: Just pulled the trigger on an Ohlins for my Connie!
Post by: ZG on July 18, 2012, 08:31:24 PM
I need a shaking head smilie.......

You mean like this Mike? (http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/metal.gif)(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/metal.gif)(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/metal.gif)(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/metal.gif)(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/metal.gif)(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/metal.gif)(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/metal.gif)(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/metal.gif)(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/metal.gif)
Title: Re: Just pulled the trigger on an Ohlins for my Connie!
Post by: mikeboileau on July 18, 2012, 08:55:15 PM
It would be a cold day in hell I would pay that kinda dough for shocks that are supposed to be rebuilt yearly at serious cost.
Title: Re: Just pulled the trigger on an Ohlins for my Connie!
Post by: Spanky on July 18, 2012, 09:14:57 PM
Mine has been on the bike for 2 years and almost 30k. Still works perfect. I will send it in next winter for a check, not sure what that will cost, but don't say that until you try one :).
Title: Re: Just pulled the trigger on an Ohlins for my Connie!
Post by: ZG on July 18, 2012, 09:24:35 PM
It would be a cold day in hell I would pay that kinda dough for shocks that are supposed to be rebuilt yearly at serious cost.

Well I do live in the PNW... Does low 70's in mid-July count??  ;)
Title: Re: Just pulled the trigger on an Ohlins for my Connie!
Post by: Son of Pappy on July 18, 2012, 11:54:06 PM

Well I do live in the PNW... Does low 70's in mid-July count??  ;)
And %85 humidity.  Today sucked.  Last week it was 107 in the Okanogans, Thursday and Friday it was mid 90s in the Cle Elum area, but at 6200 feet it cooled down to mid 80s.  I did take a snow bath, man, did that feel good on the back!  Witnessed an awesome thunderstorm from the ridgeline.  I do need an Ohlins for the rear of the KLR, loaded down with all associated gear I was left with a week 4 inches of travel, felt like I was riding a really odd chopper 8)
Title: Re: Just pulled the trigger on an Ohlins for my Connie!
Post by: Jeremy Mitchell on July 19, 2012, 07:52:25 AM
You make me sick................





Being green with envy is a sickness, right?   ;D

If the Ohlins is as good as my Penske (I'm sure it will be) you will LOVE it.
Title: Re: Just pulled the trigger on an Ohlins for my Connie!
Post by: Conrad on July 19, 2012, 08:58:16 AM
Hey J!

Does your wife know that she's going to be installing this thing for you?    ;)
Title: Re: Just pulled the trigger on an Ohlins for my Connie!
Post by: MrPepsi on July 19, 2012, 09:12:01 AM
Well you better not have your C14 all torn apart when I come up in August, cause I ain't meeting up with you if your on a girls bike.  :rotflmao:
Title: Re: Just pulled the trigger on an Ohlins for my Connie!
Post by: ZG on July 19, 2012, 10:00:54 AM
You make me sick................





Being green with envy is a sickness, right?   ;D

If the Ohlins is as good as my Penske (I'm sure it will be) you will LOVE it.

 :grouphug:
 
Ya, I'm pretty stoked about it Jeremy, can't wait, it should be a huge improvement!
 
 
Well you better not have your C14 all torn apart when I come up in August, cause I ain't meeting up with you if your on a girls bike.  :rotflmao:

 :o  I know you're not talking about my Gixxer now are ya MP?  ;)
 
Hey J!

Does your wife know that she's going to be installing this thing for you?    ;)

Actually C, she's out of town so has no clue, I think I'll keep this purchase under the rug if ya know what I mean...  ;)   :-X
 
 
Title: Re: Just pulled the trigger on an Ohlins for my Connie!
Post by: MrPepsi on July 19, 2012, 10:03:34 AM
Me? Never.  ;D

















A GXR is a girls bike you know.  
Title: Re: Just pulled the trigger on an Ohlins for my Connie!
Post by: Conrad on July 19, 2012, 10:04:02 AM


 
Actually C, she's out of town so has no clue, I think I'll keep this purchase under the rug if ya know what I mean...  ;)   :-X

 :thumbs:
Title: Re: Just pulled the trigger on an Ohlins for my Connie!
Post by: ZG on July 19, 2012, 10:10:54 AM
Me? Never.  ;D

















A GXR is a girls bike you know.

 :battle:
Title: Re: Just pulled the trigger on an Ohlins for my Connie!
Post by: Fretka on July 19, 2012, 11:45:10 AM
Dan asked you your weight when he set up the shock so he could provide the right spring, can I ask your weight and what kilogram spring he chose, ie; 80, 90 or above?
Title: Re: Just pulled the trigger on an Ohlins for my Connie!
Post by: ZG on July 19, 2012, 12:07:28 PM
Dan asked you your weight when he set up the shock so he could provide the right spring, can I ask your weight and what kilogram spring he chose, ie; 80, 90 or above?

I'm only a buck sixty...
 
Dan said he was gonna go down one size for my weight and also because I only ride 2up less than 5% of the time. He said if I ever gain 50 lbs he'd swap the spring back out for me again for no charge.  :)
Title: Re: Just pulled the trigger on an Ohlins for my Connie!
Post by: Fretka on July 19, 2012, 06:50:17 PM

I'm only a buck sixty...
 
Dan said he was gonna go down one size for my weight and also because I only ride 2up less than 5% of the time. He said if I ever gain 50 lbs he'd swap the spring back out for me again for no charge.  :)

If you get a chance could you post the # on the spring itself?
Title: Re: Just pulled the trigger on an Ohlins for my Connie!
Post by: ZG on July 19, 2012, 06:56:52 PM
If you get a chance could you post the # on the spring itself?

Will do.
Title: Re: Just pulled the trigger on an Ohlins for my Connie!
Post by: ZG on July 26, 2012, 05:29:07 PM
UPS brought a present to me today...  :) :P 8)
 
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/42127620.jpg)
 
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/8d30d196.jpg)
 
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/2048d544.jpg)
Title: Re: Just pulled the trigger on an Ohlins for my Connie!
Post by: stevewfl on July 26, 2012, 05:32:33 PM
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/avatars/drool.gif)
Title: Re: Just pulled the trigger on an Ohlins for my Connie!
Post by: ZG on July 26, 2012, 05:53:42 PM
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/avatars/drool.gif)

 ;D ;D ;D
 
No free hat though for me Steve, I may need you to send me yours brutha!  ;) :chugbeer:
Title: Re: Just pulled the trigger on an Ohlins for my Connie!
Post by: Jeremy Mitchell on July 26, 2012, 06:45:12 PM
I expect a full writeup tomorrow so you better get to wrenching tonight!   ;D
Title: Re: Just pulled the trigger on an Ohlins for my Connie!
Post by: ZG on July 26, 2012, 07:08:18 PM
I expect a full writeup tomorrow so you better get to wrenching tonight!   ;D

I wish Jeremy, trust me I am sooooo  stoked to get this mounted!! (http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/crazy1.gif)
 
Unfortunately I won't be able to get it installed until the week after next...  :'(   :banghead:
 
I'm gonna get some parts powder coated black during disassemble/reassemble (swing arm, handle bars, rear sets, etc) and my powder coater is out of town next week on vaca, so have to wait for him to get back...  :(
 
Maybe a blessing in disguise though because my installer broke his foot on this past Monday...  :(  But he should be back at work in a couple weeks with a walking boot cast, so hence the wait for install...
 :'( (http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/wait.gif) (http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/mad.gif) (http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/swiqe.gif)

 
Tomorrow the Ohlins forks should arrive which will basically push me over the edge waiting... I'm trying to figure out a way to fit the Ohlins forks and shock in the safe, tight fit in the home safe...  ;)
Title: Re: Just pulled the trigger on an Ohlins for my Connie!
Post by: Son of Pappy on July 26, 2012, 10:15:46 PM
I have room in my safe ;)
Title: Re: Just pulled the trigger on an Ohlins for my Connie!
Post by: ZG on July 26, 2012, 10:51:22 PM
I have room in my safe ;)

I'm sure you do Chet...  ;D
Title: Re: Just pulled the trigger on an Ohlins for my Connie!
Post by: Conrad on July 27, 2012, 04:52:02 AM
I expect a full writeup tomorrow so you better get to wrenching tonight!   ;D

 :rotflmao:

That shock is SO pretty Jay!
Title: Re: Just pulled the trigger on an Ohlins for my Connie!
Post by: Fretka on July 27, 2012, 10:38:13 AM
The spring Dan chose for you is 120 kg. The bike is heavy but you are relatively light and I was curious what spring rate he would choose.

If anyone else ends up modifying or replacing their rear shock this will give them a good guess as to what spring they will need......Thanx much.

Funny thing about Ohlins.... if you have never ridden a bike with them, life is fine...... but once you do, you'll never go back!  Congrats again!

BTW.... you'll need to do quite a bit of tuning to these suspension bits to get the ride qualities that you prefer.
Now is a good time to start thinking about what kind of "ride" you want, ie; soft/compliant initial compression for small bumps but still controlled further into the travel, where and how fast you ride etc...
When you purchase Ohlins, you essentially purchase a huge range of adjustability (with the added benefit of longer tire life as well).
Time to make friends with someone who knows suspension setup!
Title: Re: Just pulled the trigger on an Ohlins for my Connie!
Post by: ZG on July 27, 2012, 03:06:41 PM
The spring Dan chose for you is 120 kg. The bike is heavy but you are relatively light and I was curious what spring rate he would choose.

If anyone else ends up modifying or replacing their rear shock this will give them a good guess as to what spring they will need......Thanx much.

Funny thing about Ohlins.... if you have never ridden a bike with them, life is fine...... but once you do, you'll never go back!  Congrats again!

BTW.... you'll need to do quite a bit of tuning to these suspension bits to get the ride qualities that you prefer.
Now is a good time to start thinking about what kind of "ride" you want, ie; soft/compliant initial compression for small bumps but still controlled further into the travel, where and how fast you ride etc...
When you purchase Ohlins, you essentially purchase a huge range of adjustability (with the added benefit of longer tire life as well).
Time to make friends with someone who knows suspension setup!

True indeed F, and yes I have a great suspension guy, he's one of the best in the PNW!  :)
 
That shock is SO pretty Jay!

Thanks C!  :)