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Author Topic: Softer - Kinder Ride  (Read 8464 times)

Offline Surf Concours

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Softer - Kinder Ride
« on: July 05, 2016, 01:58:26 PM »
Any chance we could KISS. (keeping it simple...)
If we just desire a "softer" kinder ride over bumps (Rider 140 lbs., no bags and always solo) do I turn each shock more to S or H? Thank you very much.
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Offline VirginiaJim

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Re: Softer - Kinder Ride
« Reply #1 on: July 05, 2016, 02:47:31 PM »
We only have one shock.  There's two forks that can be adjusted.  We can adjust spring preload and rebound damping.  The owner's manual has a section devoted to those adjustments.....not that they do any good.  My preload on the forks are just about all the way out if not all the way out.  The damping adjustment will make the ride less harsh..  Turn the damping screw in for more damping.  Turn it out for less.  Turn the spring compression nut in for more compression..out for less.  If you don't have an owner's manual you can download it for free from the Kwackers site.

http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=15258.0
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Offline DaddyFlip

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Re: Softer - Kinder Ride
« Reply #2 on: July 05, 2016, 03:08:31 PM »
I recommend a different bike for your stated conditions. Seriously.
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Offline VirginiaJim

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Re: Softer - Kinder Ride
« Reply #3 on: July 05, 2016, 08:41:34 PM »
You can only do so much without spending a gazillion dollars on aftermarket suspensions..  The cheapest thing to do is gain weight.  Keep the stock exhaust can (weighs a ton).  Or strap lots of rocks in the cases.
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Offline maxtog

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Re: Softer - Kinder Ride
« Reply #4 on: July 06, 2016, 05:30:21 AM »
I weigh 147 pounds and I don't think the ride is overly harsh.  Sure, I wouldn't mind some softer springs, but not badly enough to go through the expense/time/effort.
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Offline VirginiaJim

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Re: Softer - Kinder Ride
« Reply #5 on: July 06, 2016, 05:55:54 AM »
I think I have it as smooth as I can get with the stock suspension.  I wouldn't mind it smoother but it's a sport tourer.  It's a compromise.  I had a Voyager that was pretty smooth but it didn't have the performance characteristic of our bikes.  Between the two, I'll take the C14 any day of the week.
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Offline Zacharykro6

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Re: Softer - Kinder Ride
« Reply #6 on: July 06, 2016, 06:35:01 AM »
I think its possible to find your sweet spot, but it wont be perfect in every situation. If you set your bike up to ride gently, the bike wont like when you thrash on it because every suspension adjustment is a compromise. you can get more x if you have less y.

Some riders never mess with it and some are messing with it constantly. I am a more aggressive rider so I like my suspension tight (I dont want to dive when I brake or bottom out my travel) so I have adjusted everything slightly tighter (+) as I am over 200lbs

someday soon I will rendezvous with a forum member and we will set ours up properly with the 2 guy method
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Offline Deziner

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Re: Softer - Kinder Ride
« Reply #7 on: July 06, 2016, 06:45:21 AM »
Yep, if you're going to ride it like Mary Jane Tinklepants rides her scooter to cheerleading practice, you can get away with a mushy suspension set up. But if you do that, things are going to get really ugly when you ride it like a motorcycle. Or if you have to make a panic stop....
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Offline DaddyFlip

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Re: Softer - Kinder Ride
« Reply #8 on: July 06, 2016, 07:23:33 AM »
Quote from: Surf Concours on July 05, 2016, 01:58:26 PM
Any chance we could KISS. (keeping it simple...)
If we just desire a "softer" kinder ride over bumps (Rider 140 lbs., no bags and always solo) do I turn each shock more to S or H? Thank you very much.

More to S. You're welcome.
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Offline Classvino

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Re: Softer - Kinder Ride
« Reply #9 on: July 06, 2016, 08:08:54 AM »
Adjusting towards 'S' will make the bike a little less stiff, but as noted, will reduce the handling if you ride it more sportily...

Quote from: Deziner on July 06, 2016, 06:45:21 AM
Yep, if you're going to ride it like Mary Jane Tinklepants rides her scooter to cheerleading practice, you can get away with a mushy suspension set up. But if you do that, things are going to get really ugly when you ride it like a motorcycle. Or if you have to make a panic stop....

Translation : If you don't ride like I think you should ride, I'm going to call you names, and tell you you don't ride it like a motorcycle.

Everybody buys a Concours for their own reasons.  Surf : Your reasons are just as valid as anyone else's...  Ride it like you want to. That's why Kawasaki makes these things adjustable - so everyone can set it up the way that makes them happy, not the way it makes someone else happy.

Sorry to "harsh out" here, but I guess I'd be considered a fairly conservative rider compared to some on here, and it ticks me off when someone tells me I'm doing it wrong. I'm doing it the way I want!  The whole idea of denigrating someone because of their choice of riding style is kinda High school Grade 4 - not something we (as grown-ups) should waste our time reading or writing.  OK - Rant off.

Jamie (that's Jamie Tinklepants to some of you, I guess...)
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Offline Surf Concours

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Re: Softer - Kinder Ride
« Reply #10 on: July 06, 2016, 08:36:25 AM »
More to "S". Thanks Daddy Flip.
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Offline Deziner

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Re: Softer - Kinder Ride
« Reply #11 on: July 06, 2016, 09:10:15 AM »
 The OP (Surf Concours) mentioned nothing about riding style. They may very well be an experienced rider that has never owned a motorcycle tith adjustable suspension settings. I was pointing out the possible negative effects of a too soft suspension.
 As far as riding style and "name calling", I believe it was mentioned in a general way. Nothing personal at all. Mary Jane has been referenced on this forum more than a few times in the past. But if the shoe fits, feel free to put it on and lace it up.
 Am I to assume that generalizations have no place here? I.E. All BMW riders are snobs. All Harley riders have obnoxiously loud bikes that break down all the time. Etc., etc...
 Translation: Ride whatever you want, however you want. I don't care. Just be aware that different set ups, tires, accessories, etc. are not suited to all riding style/situations.
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Offline VirginiaJim

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Re: Softer - Kinder Ride
« Reply #12 on: July 06, 2016, 10:05:39 AM »
In general, generalizations are ok here.

Tires can cause a harsher ride as can the oil in the forks if it's been in too long without changing it.  Happened to me.  The ride got 'better' after the oil was switched out.  Used the weight that was recommended by Kwackers.  One can muck about with different weight oils or changed the amount in the forks, but most of us don't have time to go to that extreme.  The rear suspension is just plain too stiff.  Nothing I've done fixes that.  It did get a bit better over time but adding a passenger helps.
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Offline RBX QB

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Re: Softer - Kinder Ride
« Reply #13 on: July 06, 2016, 10:56:04 AM »
Quote from: VirginiaJim on July 06, 2016, 10:05:39 AM
... but adding a passenger helps.

That's it! Become a driver for (insert app-based ride-share company here). The extra weight will soften the ride.
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Offline DaddyFlip

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Re: Softer - Kinder Ride
« Reply #14 on: July 06, 2016, 11:49:49 AM »
All good points. Unfortunately, the OP specifically asked for KISS and a "this or that" answer under certain conditions, nothing more. Eventually, I figured it out and won the prize. Please send it to my inbox.

But in our infinite forum wisdom, we like to change or add to the conditions, list caveats, mention alternatives, poke fun, call names, point fingers, etc., just because we can type. Rider is 140 pounds? Gain weight. Rider never uses bags? Add bags and put rocks in them. Rider is always solo? Add a passenger. Rider asks for adjustments? Get new shocks and forks and/or change the oil to a different weight and/or get new or different tires. Rider states the problem to be solved? Let's mention all the other problems that might (or might not) be created outside of the rider's stated conditions. But I digress..........
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Offline VirginiaJim

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Re: Softer - Kinder Ride
« Reply #15 on: July 06, 2016, 12:29:26 PM »
If you notice, you see that I tell him what to do with the front fork adjustments and to download the owner's manual.  You can't get more simple than that.  And asking about suspension setup on this bike is not trivial nor easy if you really want to dial it in for the rider/passenger, which is why I pointed him to other links to that information on the fourm.  There is no KISS for suspension.  That's why we have more threads than we can shake a stick at for suspension and other subjects. 

You know I'm rapidly coming to the point of locking threads where the op wants a 'simple' or 'concise' or 'just the facts' and nothing else answer.   The C14 forum doesn't work that way and most likely never will and people get upset when the members don't give a 'simple', 'concise' or 'just the facts' type of answer.  This thread has all the answers in it.   We've been riding this bike since 07, and I have yet to find the 'KISS' switch under the plastics.  I sure could use it but it ain't there.  Maybe I could have answered it 'There isn't a simple way to get where you're going.' and left it at that.  Be glad this isn't the Tacoma forum where it would have gone multiple pages without any redeeming information.
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Offline DaddyFlip

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Re: Softer - Kinder Ride
« Reply #16 on: July 06, 2016, 01:13:50 PM »
You are right; a case of, "Be careful what you ask for..." Maybe it would better if folks wanting answers to multiple choice questions posted a poll rather than a question.

The KIpaSS switch is front and center. Been there since 07. ;)
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Offline VirginiaJim

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Re: Softer - Kinder Ride
« Reply #17 on: July 06, 2016, 01:24:45 PM »
 :battle: :rotflmao:
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Offline MAN OF BLUES

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Re: Softer - Kinder Ride
« Reply #18 on: July 06, 2016, 05:45:20 PM »
Maybe it would just be simpler if everyone that has an answer weighs over 150#, they should all just keep out of it, not answer it, and move on...

What a bunch of whiney babies....

Id never attempt to tell some 140# rider where to begin adjusting, id do as Jim did, and say RTFM... turn every adjustment to its lowest position, and start from there...
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Offline DaddyFlip

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Re: Softer - Kinder Ride
« Reply #19 on: July 06, 2016, 07:44:30 PM »
Starting to sound like a COG thread. I'm not kidding.

Hey OP… you had this bike for sale recently. Are you trying to figure out how to make it work for you or is it still for sale?
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