ZX9R F Handling : Kawasaki ZX Forums: Kawasaki Ninja Forum

Mad Max · 10-25-2009, 03:09 AM

I have a 2003 Kawasaki ZX9R F which I have had for just over a year now. I find the bike really good apart from the handling in slow corners. The bike just does not want to go down into a corner and requires a lot of effort to get it there and never feels comfortable when it does go down?

It is fitted with new Michelin Pilot Power 2CT tyres front and rear.

I used to have a Kawasaki 900R Ninja which could be thrown into corners with little effort and felt like it was on rails!

Any suggestions?

**Shifty1** · 10-25-2009, 10:29 AM

Get your suspension set up for your weight and style.

zaneyzrex · 10-25-2009, 11:59 AM

what tire pressures ya running ?

Mad Max · 10-31-2009, 02:41 AM

The suspension is setup for riding fast. Tyre pressures 36 front 41 back.

I noticed that the front forks are 8mm proud of the top yoke and the rear shocker has a 6mm shim at the top of it. Is this standart setup?

e1_ZX-9r · 10-31-2009, 09:09 AM

I don't think you can do much about the handling problem with the tire you've got. You have three things working against your "on rails" quest:

outside temps are dropping
your touring tires are too hard to take advantage of outside temps (never reaching their operating temperature)
their normal/high tire pressures are putting less contact patch to the road

I have a similar problem with my BT-021 front. I put it on for longevity and it works well when it's 85+* outside, but in October temps it pushes in the corners like it's made out of plastic.

If you're serious, talk to your local m/c tire store about installing a softer compound tire for winter riding. Keep your 2CTs for summer.