Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: angelo on May 18, 2021, 11:21:09 AM

Title: Penske Shock Install ?s
Post by: angelo on May 18, 2021, 11:21:09 AM
Hi all.  Wound up ordering the Penske shock from Traxxion.  Waiting for build / delivery.

For install, any tricks or recommended steps from those with experience?  Have never changed out the shock on a C14 before.  Have on other bikes. 

Title: Re: Penske Shock Install ?s
Post by: zrx mitch on May 19, 2021, 04:29:24 PM
The only thing I don't like is the remote reservoir mounting, hose clamped to the bracket. I bought a bicycle inner tube and made some rubber strips to go around the reservoir, same thing as many exhausts have between the can and mounting strap.

It's much easier if you have 2 people, one on each side, to loosen/tighten mounting hardware. Put it on the center stand and put a block under the rear tire so that there is not free space under the tire. Remove & replace. Leave the remote reservoir wrapped in foam until ready to mount to keep it from getting beat up.
Title: Re: Penske Shock Install ?s
Post by: Mr2U on May 22, 2021, 02:19:12 PM
I just did mine, very straight forward, the shop manual,
shows you what order to go in, when undoing the bolts and which ones.
The center stand was fine,

I had to pull my slip on and mid pipe, as 1 bolt was long enough coming out,
it hit the pipe. When i put it back in, i went from the other side, so all the bolts
went in from the left side, and nuts went on the right hand side.



Title: Re: Penske Shock Install ?s
Post by: zrx mitch on May 22, 2021, 06:52:43 PM
Good point on that bolt Larry, I had forgotten about that.  :goodpost:
Title: Re: Penske Shock Install ?s
Post by: angelo on May 22, 2021, 10:39:51 PM
Thanks guys.  I do have the shop manual, but just basic sitting around talking means a lot more to me.  Greatly appreciated. 
Title: Re: Penske Shock Install ?s
Post by: Mr2U on May 24, 2021, 03:54:11 PM
here is mine,

Title: Re: Penske Shock Install ?s
Post by: sao5fogw on May 24, 2021, 11:20:01 PM
A question to those who already have it installed: is it really that much of improvement over stock shock that it is worth the trouble of installing it? Also which version would you recommend? On the Traxxion web site I see them offering street, double adjustable, and triple adjustable. Price is not a concern.
Title: Re: Penske Shock Install ?s
Post by: Mr2U on May 27, 2021, 08:57:30 AM
I went with the standard shock for $900, with
no remote reservoir, I am very happy.
Title: Re: Penske Shock Install ?s
Post by: angelo on June 02, 2021, 02:45:31 PM
When I called over there, they did NOT recommend the triple adjustable for street riding.  Said the double will do just fine. 

As I want this to make a noticeable difference for my wife two up, I was prepared to pay more and didn't want to invest all this $ and skimp on the last couple of hundred.  They said no need. 

Will post up when installed.  should be getting here soon now. 
Title: Re: Penske Shock Install ?s
Post by: zrx mitch on June 02, 2021, 04:05:14 PM
I have the double. Are you doing anything to your forks?
Title: Re: Penske Shock Install ?s
Post by: kzz1king on June 04, 2021, 07:19:41 PM
I had the forks and shock revalved, resprung and rebuilt. I am very happy with it. Huge improvement over stock.  Have no experence with Penske so cant compare but labor,parts and shipping were about 700-750.
Wayne
Title: Re: Penske Shock Install ?s
Post by: Mi 14 on June 20, 2021, 10:36:13 AM
I have the Traxxion Dynamics setup on my 2012. Fully adjustable forks, fully adjustable remote reservoir rear Penske. THIS IS THE BEST MODIFICATION YOU WILL DO TO YOUR BIKE ALONG WITH TIRES. Had this on my ‘08. Last mod, best mod. First mod on my ‘12.  Light switch difference from stock. The suspension is custom made for YOU, bike,  Weight, riding style. Suspension comes to you preset pretty close to needing no adjustment. Along with a new set of tires and the C14 becomes a different machine. 🙂
Title: Re: Penske Shock Install ?s
Post by: angelo on July 02, 2021, 09:06:21 PM
Hey all.  Shock came in today and I installed.  Went on a two up ride.  Good start.  Will continue to gather info from my wife to adjust.

BUT BUT BUT, thankfully, we leave the bags off and ride top box 90% of the time.  I used electrical tape to protect and a hose clamp to secure the reservoir to the rear foot peg bracket.

Where does it go?  A black metal bracket came with the shock, but the holes line up nowhere I can see.  Wrong part?  I'm missing something obvious?  If I leave where it is, the pannier will not mount.    Any experience welcome.

On the shock side, a big improvement.  More to follow as I futs. 
Title: Re: Penske Shock Install ?s
Post by: zrx mitch on July 03, 2021, 04:37:23 PM
The bracket mounts behind the passenger peg bracket, the reservoir will be positioned behind the extension bar that secures the lower front of the bag.
Title: Re: Penske Shock Install ?s
Post by: zrx mitch on July 03, 2021, 04:40:39 PM
That ugly bolt that needs to be replaced has a nut on the back of it.