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Project: Suspension Upgrade

59225 Views 199 Replies 28 Participants Last post by  Pyke13
11
ZX10R suspension upgrade, to be precise.

So I’ve been considering a suspension upgrade for some time. The 7r suspension seems to pale in comparison to the performance of the newer bikes, if not in performance, then at least in adjustability.

Two winters ago I completely rebuilt both of my front forks only to find that one now has a slow leak (probably due to me attempt to install the seal without the proper tools. Lesson learned.) I also need new tires.
Rather than purchase the parts to replace that same seal again, and spoon new Q2s onto my 7r wheels, I’ve decided that if an upgrade is to take place, it may as well happen now.

I’ve decided to go with a full gen 3 (2008 – 2010) zx10r suspension front and rear. This will include forks, wheels, swing arm, shock, brakes and rotors (along with the peripherals). My bike will essentially be a 7r from the frame in, and a 10r from the front triple forward, and the swing arm pivot bolt back.

I’ve been collecting the components necessary for the swap (minus any custom spacers/ fab stuff) since early May and have tried to be patient. I got really lucky on a couple finds, and not so lucky on others (had to pay $$$). It all came down to availability and time frame.
Let the fun begin:





















The real kicker: Gen 3 forks with Race Tech G2r cartridge kits already installed. Fresh from Race Tech with zero miles on them. I am unworthy.



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Nothing short of stunning looking.

Btw, radial master cylinders transform braking on the 7. The feel/control is incredible.
Hey Joe.
One way to get a quick idea of how much clearance you have is to take a Mound of PLAY-DOUGH and place is were you think you are most likely to hit. When the suspension compresses it will leave a mark. Done this for years building street rods checking for clearance.
Oh... I should have said major props for what you have done.
Hey Joe.
One way to get a quick idea of how much clearance you have is to take a Mound of PLAY-DOUGH and place is were you think you are most likely to hit. When the suspension compresses it will leave a mark. Done this for years building street rods checking for clearance.
Not a bad idea. I may have to try this or something similar.

Oh... I should have said major props for what you have done.

Thank you, good sir.

:cheers
Took her out for a long ride yesterday with my gf (2hrs one way). Had an awesome ride. Still no issues with swing arm clearance or anything else for that matter. As of right now I'm not planning on modding the subframe anymore. My rider sag is set where I need it to be, the rear squats well during cornering and absorbs the blows from potholes/bumps/dips/etc. Perhaps for a rider of my weight (175 lbs.) sub frame modification isn't necessary providing the rear is raised a bit via the dogbones, like the ones I had made.






Our destination was Penn's Peak just outside of Jim Thorpe PA, a cool restaurant/venue located on the top of a mountain overlooking the Lehigh Valley. Cool place with a fantastic view (my gf took a few pics, I'll post them up then). Very worth the ride.

http://www.pennspeak.com/gallery/outside-0
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Amazing shots Joe! Do they serve garlic fries there?

I see all the people going in the front door. Wondering how you managed to clear them all from the deck. :rolleyes
And a great job on the suspension upgrade too! Way beyond my capabilities.
And a great job on the suspension upgrade too! Way beyond my capabilities.

Now that's going too far, I've seen your work... But thank you. :smile
That looks amazing!! Wow!! I wish I had the skill to pull of something like that!
As always Joe,awesome work.I always loved your 7,now love it even more!


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So Joe Give us an update......Clearance issues? Ride? Handling?
So Joe Give us an update......Clearance issues? Ride? Handling?
No major issues to speak of so far. The hardest I've ridden the bike was the day I took her out on Friday the 20th of September. If I was going to have clearance issues I'm pretty sure they would have reared their ugly heads then. I'll continue to keep an eye on it until I can quantify exactly how much space I really have under hard riding conditions (probably using your idea with modeling clay or something).


One problem is that the 10r master cylinder/lever hits my gauges on the right side when I have my bike turned hard to the left, during low-speed maneuvering. I plan to address this issue this winter when I mount the Koso gauges and make my steering stops.
Now that's going too far, I've seen your work... But thank you. :smile
Not on suspension you haven't. That's because it's nonexistent. This is all uncharted territory for me, which is why I'll be learning from what you do.
Awesome finished (for now, haha) product! I've only been out a few times on my swap (Gen1 stuff), but I immediately noticed the turn-in that you mentioned. I'd like to see how you do your steering stops, as that's all I have left to do as well. Your ending point is only about 45 mins north of me. Maybe we can plan a cruise or something in the spring.

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Not on suspension you haven't. That's because it's nonexistent. This is all uncharted territory for me, which is why I'll be learning from what you do.

You planning a suspension upgrade on one of the girls?
Awesome finished (for now, haha) product! I've only been out a few times on my swap (Gen1 stuff), but I immediately noticed the turn-in that you mentioned. I'd like to see how you do your steering stops, as that's all I have left to do as well. Your ending point is only about 45 mins north of me. Maybe we can plan a cruise or something in the spring.

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Thanks.

I'm not planning on going too crazy with steering stops. I'm hoping to come up with something simple but functional.

I'd be down with planning something for spring. There's some really decent riding territory just north of both of us.
Can someone tell me the triple clamp dimension for the zx10? Are the 50mm Top and 54mm bottom?
Took her out for a long ride yesterday with my gf (2hrs one way). Had an awesome ride. Still no issues with swing arm clearance or anything else for that matter. As of right now I'm not planning on modding the subframe anymore. My rider sag is set where I need it to be, the rear squats well during cornering and absorbs the blows from potholes/bumps/dips/etc. Perhaps for a rider of my weight (175 lbs.) sub frame modification isn't necessary providing the rear is raised a bit via the dogbones, like the ones I had made.






Our destination was Penn's Peak just outside of Jim Thorpe PA, a cool restaurant/venue located on the top of a mountain overlooking the Lehigh Valley. Cool place with a fantastic view (my gf took a few pics, I'll post them up then). Very worth the ride.

http://www.pennspeak.com/gallery/outside-0


It's funny that you're out near Lebanon. I bought my '02 from there.
Had my gf shoot some “pre” pics the other day so I’ll have some basis for comparison. She’s got the camera for it. I’m going to try to be as thorough as possible while documenting this whole thing. Hopefully it will make it easier for someone else if/when they decide to take the plunge. If nothing else they’ll know what they’re getting into. I’ve already weighed all of the 10r parts and will be weighing all of the 7r parts as they’re removed. I’ll be getting overall before/after weight measurements as well. I’m not too concerned but some people really get into the whole weight reduction thing. I’ll post as many measurements as I can as well as record specs/measurements of any parts that need machined or fabbed up. If you have any questions or need any measurements, now’s the time to ask since everything will be apart.
Figured I’d squeeze a few “for fun” shots in there as well. :smile
Can I talk to you please are u in uk?
Can I talk to you please are u in uk?
Im in the uk, what is it you want to know?
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