Adjusting rear suspension.

[nudemetalz]

Hiya,

On my ZX-10, the rear suspension is an air unit that can be adjusted up to 100psi (according to the manual).

Question is, can I just put a servo tyre pump onto it at at pre-set pressure, say 80psi, without damaging the shock ?

Cheers

[cowpoos]

it won't be air....and why are you adjusting the gas presure?

[bugjuice]

poo's is right.. (amazing, huh?), it's gas
http://www.motorsports-network.com/kawasaki/04street/zx10r.htm
scroll to the bottom
Take it to the kwaka shop and ask them to charge it up a bit

[Sniper]

Jesus, 100psi? Anyway, yep, if its old enough, make sure (if you can) to check the seals on the shock. You don't want them leaking/bursting at the wrong moment

[nudemetalz]

No, it is actually an air-adjustable unit with an external valve under the side cover.

[nudemetalz]

I just spoke to Boyle Kawasaki. They said they normally run them at 0psi and recommend up to 30psi with a load.
I run the rebound adjuster on 4 (max) as anything less than that makes it pogo a little.

(Scary that the workshop manual rating I saw said 100psi !!)

[bugjuice]

ahh.. just clicked. you've got the older zx10?

[nudemetalz]

yup, the '89 model (ZZR-11 like) not the R model.

[R1madness]

Please DO NOT USE A GAS STATION PUMP. It is not made for delecate adjustments. Remember you are only filling a little chamber. You are adding Kawasakis equivilant of rear spring preload. A bycicle pump is much safer. Any GOOD shop will have a proper air suspension pump and it only takes a few seconds to do. Try your regular shop they might even do it for free.

[nudemetalz]

Thanks,...I thought they would be a little dodgy anyway. I was thinking of buyings a decent pump, so this is the excuse I need.

Cheers R1M

[R1madness]

Happy to help. Did you know you also have air forks? The same pump can be used for that. If you cant find one get your local shop to try DARBI ACCESSORIES. They stock them. Shame they are wholesale only.
Try 8psi in the front forks and 40psi in the rear shock. Go up to 9psi and 45psi for 2 up stuff.

[nudemetalz]

Thanks for the tip. I’m finding at present that the rear is a little too soft and the front a little too hard which makes hitting a mid corner bump while cranked over is giving the bike a “pivot on it’s steering head” feeling. So I really want to get it sorted.
I’ve raised the rear end by turning the eccentric adjusters to the bottom of the swingarm and it made the steering a lot sharper.

[R1madness]

I think if you add air at the front it will give you a lot more travel and get rid of the harsh over bumps yet sloppy ride. Maybe change the fork oil as well (should only cost about $100 at most shops i think) if it hasn't been done for a while. Metzeller made a great tyre for the ZX10. ME99 i think it was for the rear and ME33 for the front. Oops i normally dont post brands but these are great for your bike

[nudemetalz]

I think if you add air at the front it will give you a lot more travel and get rid of the harsh over bumps yet sloppy ride. Maybe change the fork oil as well (should only cost about $100 at most shops i think) if it hasn't been done for a while. Metzeller made a great tyre for the ZX10. ME99 i think it was for the rear and ME33 for the front. Oops i normally dont post brands but these are great for your bike

It's currently got Bridgestone Battlax's front and rear. Seem to be okay and grip well in the dry. Haven't explored their limits in the wet....not something I like doing !!.
Yes I just might change the fork oil. Probably make the difference I'm looking for.


Cheers
Chris