Alternative shock linkages

There seems to be more and more members appearing that are racing the ZXR400 so i've created a special section just for you to show off results, discuss meets etc etc.

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zimm
zxr400 oc member
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My Bike: ZXR400-M4, ZX4, ZX6R.
Location: Herefordshire

Re: Alternative shock linkages

Post by zimm »

20140806_001203.jpg
20140806_000820.jpg

H1 and NWS
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banner001
Track day God
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My Bike: ZXR400 L4
Location: Nuneaton

Re: Alternative shock linkages

Post by banner001 »

Red dog bones? Heathen! :D

I'm gonna take a few measurements and see if I can't come up with a model of how the different shocks affect the suspension...maybe this weekend if I'm not busy.
UK ZXR400 L3 (1993) - Fully restored and on the roads, my green beast!
JPN ZXR250 A2 (1990) - Revs to 19,200rpm... 'nuff said :smt003
AFM327
L-plate hell
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Re: Alternative shock linkages

Post by AFM327 »

My H and NWS link appear to be the same, you can look through all three holes at the same time when holding them sided by side. Didn't try running a bolt thru them but it appeared to my eye that I could without interference.
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Mori Man
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Re: Alternative shock linkages

Post by Mori Man »

I've got a crate of these in the store .

When I fitted the L Ohlins onto the H I had to shim it to make it fit the linkage. It also raised the ride height - now have it back to stock with adjustable dog bones.

Fairly sure when I built the M1 I put an H1 link on it as I think I used a J2 shock with KRT spring on it , had no issues with that but will ask new owner what number is on the link to confirm.

I may have just shoved the Spring on it's original shock :smt017

Too many ZXR parts kicking about to really remember oldman
Nothing worse than having an H and not being able to scratch it !
Living life on the edge, SuPposedly
Tinman
Posts: 39
Joined: Mon Aug 04, 2014 9:30 pm
My Bike: Kawasaki zxr 400

Re: Alternative shock linkages

Post by Tinman »

I've just bought a suspension linkage from a h1 zxr for my l9 . I'm gonna order a nitron 2 way adjustable shock and fit that along with the linkage over the winter. I have read this entire thread about alternative linkages and from what I gather the bike will be a lot softer with the h2 linkage. My question is how soft will it be? I'm only going to be using the bike on the road.
AFM327
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Re: Alternative shock linkages

Post by AFM327 »

Tinman wrote:I've just bought a suspension linkage from a h1 zxr for my l9 . I'm gonna order a nitron 2 way adjustable shock and fit that along with the linkage over the winter. I have read this entire thread about alternative linkages and from what I gather the bike will be a lot softer with the h2 linkage. My question is how soft will it be? I'm only going to be using the bike on the road.

It won't be soft, just softer. :) It should be sprung for your weight and valved for the ratio.
Tinman
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Re: Alternative shock linkages

Post by Tinman »

So assuming that the length of a h model and an l model shock are the same length and I have a h model linkage fitted would I be better off ordering a shock meant for a h model bike to fit to my l9?
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mark400
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Re: Alternative shock linkages

Post by mark400 »

Bear in mind that High tech suspension has a downside too, as every single adjustment (click) actually makes a difference. Most road standard suspension needs a large amount of clicks to make a difference ( My 2014 CBR1000RR included), it's actually easier to mess up the handling with a quality shock than to get it right.

My brother bought the latest Ohlins for his race ZX6R and used the factory settings for the bike, and it was really dreadfully stiff. Eventually, we discovered that the preload specified by Ohlins for that shock was a couple of rings out ! Annoying, as we had used several different rated springs to get the feel back, and wasted track time trying to sort it.

A suspension specialist (Colin Leeder at 100 % Suspension) knew this and found a brilliant setting with perfect tyre wear, the disadvantage is that you might need to book a track day plus the £50 for Colin's time!

Just sayin...
NG Road Racing Champion 2012 400SS
Tinman
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Re: Alternative shock linkages

Post by Tinman »

I've got a couple of mates that race in the TTC at bsb and they have helped me out in the past with suspension. no doubt their services will be called upon again!

Although saying that.... My yamaha sr125 commuter bike handles great and is good for knee/toe down and is soo bad I doubt my racer pals could make my zxr handle as good as the Sr!
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