Objectively speaking, how good/bad is the stock C14 suspension?

[rcannon409]

As far as how good it is.....We'll use my stock Ninja 1000 in comparison.

 You can see the ninja 1000 shock is not going to be much. Visually, It looks like one shock stolen off of my 1974 kd 125 kawasaki, and performs very similar. The ninja forks were the surprise. They look similar to c14 forks, but perform nothing like them. Harsh, unforgiving, and at the same time they bottomed if you hit the brakes....Oh, lets go to brakes, as well.....stock Ninja front brakes had maybe half as much power. I suppose it was so they did not bottom the overly sift and harsh fork.

I switched the fork internals to Penske cartridges, and switch the shock out with Penske.  Now, its probably a little better than the c14.      I've recommended the penske shock and fork cartridges to many people, but never to a c14 owner.  Its not that they dont work...they work very well, but the gain you'd get, on the c14, is nowhere near like I got on my ninja 1000.

I'd love to try it, though.

Especially if you get  a chance to take the 14 to its upper speed range...I'd do it everyday if I could.

[Deziner]

Going by the subject line, I think this should be in the oxymoron thread. Is it possible to be objective in a good/bad discussion? The question, in and of itself, lends itself to comparison. Comparison of what? Is the suspension comfort or sport oriented? Touring on the Interstate system is bound to shift ones desires in suspensions compared to travel on 2 lane switchbacks at 60 mph maximum. Good or bad compared to what? Other sport/touring machines you say? Again, a perception issue. A Honda ST or a BMW 1600? Kind of tough to be objective on such a subjective topic.

Just my $.02

[rcannon409]

I agree. You do have to have some baseline measurement.  I used my 03 sv 650 as the baseline.  It was very basic. Offering preload adjustment, front and rear, and thats it.

So, if thats the baseline, its all up from there.  The Ninja 1000 was disappointing, in suspension, based on the idea its not THAT much less money than a c14, yet the stock suspension feels thousands cheaper.....

[hlh1]

Exactly, and I find the C14 suspension a bit harsh compared to my C10.  The C14 does better when I have the wife on the back. 

[rcannon409]

Thats the issue, or problem, isn't it?

Your making a motorcycle, and it comes to suspension settings. Do you spring it for  a 180lb guy, or a rider and passenger who weigh close to 500lbs, together?

And, which one of those people should judge its performance?

[elp_jc]

Without electronic suspension adjustment, ANY setting has to be a compromise. Plus, suspension performance is directly proportional to weight, so even 2 persons with identical riding preferences will find very different results if one weighs 150 lbs and the other 250. Finally, riding style has a lot to do whether you like it or not. As mentioned, the Connie was designed on the sportier side, which is exactly what I wanted, since I only ride for the twisties (and alone). And with no adjustable suspension, want the compromise on the firm side. Will have to withhold my final comment until I take it to a trip with crappy asphalt and nice corners. Right now I put it exactly to factory specs, and it's a hair stiffer than I prefer. If I don't touch the pegs at the pace I like to tackle the twisties on public roads, will probably back off preload a bit. And rebound next if necessary. My previous BMWs with electronic suspension adjustment at the softest settings felt like sport+ for my 155# frame, and never changed it, so I don't miss it one bit. I like the ride firm, just not jarring. And until you ride in broken pavement, you can't know. Overall I'd rate the Connie's stock suspension better than average, compared to all the bikes I've bought with regular suspension. Kawi did a good job IMO.

[rcannon409]

Even electronic is going to have compromises. Until we get a way to electronically control spring rate.

[jimmymac]

Exactly, and I find the C14 suspension a bit harsh compared to my C10.  The C14 does better when I have the wife on the back.

Mine is better with the ol lady on the back too. I adjusted it on a two up ride in Texas in some great sweepers, and kept stiffening it up until it felt good. I haven't messed with it since.
I always like my suspension a bit stiff, and am quite used to how my Connie feels and acts.
I do love embarrassing solo riders with my Wife on the back and my bags stuffed with bottled water. Good times.