Progressive springs?

[JerBear]

Are they available for the C-14?  Where would I person look for them?

[lather]

Are they available for the C-14?  Where would I person look for them?

Custom weight, high performance fork springs are available from Traxxion Dynamics and Race Tech but I don't think either of these sell progressively wounds springs. According to Race Tech's FAQ straight wound springs are easier to customize for a given rider weight.

[rcannon409]

You might try here if you HAVE to buy Progressive springs:  http://www.progressivesuspension.com/prodSearchResults.aspx?yearID=2008&makeID=41&modelID=1210

I've never had luck with a Progressive wound spring in motorcycles, despite the idea sounding so good.  What usually happens, or what it feels lie is this.  The initial rate is too soft, so the bike settles through it. You then ride on the part do the spring that gets too stiff and beats the hell out of you from allowing very little fork movement before the rate "ramps up. The feel is a lot like riding on a fork that has too much oil in it.

[oldnslo]

I installed traxion dynamics cartridges and springs that they customized for my weight and riding style. the difference in ride quality and stability was amazing.not a cheap mod but IMO well worth the bucks...

[SpazOnaConcours]

You might try here if you HAVE to buy Progressive springs:  http://www.progressivesuspension.com/prodSearchResults.aspx?yearID=2008&makeID=41&modelID=1210

I've never had luck with a Progressive wound spring in motorcycles, despite the idea sounding so good.  What usually happens, or what it feels lie is this.  The initial rate is too soft, so the bike settles through it. You then ride on the part do the spring that gets too stiff and beats the hell out of you from allowing very little fork movement before the rate "ramps up. The feel is a lot like riding on a fork that has too much oil in it.

  My thoughts too. With a little homework you can usually find the right straight-rate spring for your weight and riding style, and then you never have to change it again (for this type of application, anyway). Progressive wind springs -sound- like they are the best of both worlds, but it doesn't work out that way. I've always noticed more consistent & compliant suspension action when I switched to properly sprung straight-rate springs.

[jsa]

My thoughts too. With a little homework you can usually find the right straight-rate spring for your weight and riding style, and then you never have to change it again (for this type of application, anyway). Progressive wind springs -sound- like they are the best of both worlds, but it doesn't work out that way. I've always noticed more consistent & compliant suspension action when I switched to properly sprung straight-rate springs.

Agree....and this explains why...............http://www.sonicsprings.com/catalog/straight_vs_prog_tech_article.php

[VirginiaJim]

Unfortunately for us, our spring (44026-0107), is only used on our bikes through the '10 model year.  Ron Ayers didn't have the parts fiche for 11-12.  I don't see a fitment on the Sonic site for us.  They have one for the C10 but not for the C14.

There there's this as well.  I'm surprised this hasn't come up in this thread..

http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=3321.0  and this...

http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=5281.0  and this...

http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=5027.0

Happy reading 

[gPink]

Same part# for the 12 according to Babbit's
http://www.babbittsonline.com/kawasaki-motorcycle-parts#/Kawasaki/ZG1400CCF_Concours_14_ABS_(2012)/FRONT_FORK/ZG1400CCF-2012/I16I1647F23402

[VirginiaJim]

Same part number, but thanks.  At least we know where to look for the 11s and 12s

[jsa]

Unfortunately for us, our spring (44026-0107), is only used on our bikes through the '10 model year.  Ron Ayers didn't have the parts fiche for 11-12. I don't see a fitment on the Sonic site for us.  They have one for the C10 but not for the C14.

The ZX-14 springs listed on the Sonic Spring site will fit the C14.  They are slightly longer (250mm) than the OEM 244mm springs.  If you go to the Racetech site, it appears that they are listing the wrong springs for the C14 since their recommended springs are 315mm long.

[rcannon409]

I've bought several sets of both the RaceTech and Sonic springs.  Rarely do they come sized "exactly" for the application. Typically you drop the spring in then you cut a pvc spacer to a certain spec to achieve proper preload.  So, it is possible that a 215mm spring or a 315mm (length) could be used in the fork.

[VirginiaJim]

Experiment away and let us know.  It would be good to know alternatives.  A write up would be nice as well.