rear suspension question

[pin8246]

alright start off the bike is a 99 zx9r
12,000 miles, but very very very well taken care of.

how long do the rear struts usually last for?
what weight is the rear spring adjusted for out of the factory?
do they make an upgraded (more stiffer)?

the reason i ask, the rear feels fine during riding, but on take off's it seems to squat more than im used to on any other bike. dont know if its time to replace, or just adjust.

[kevinwilly]

The ZX9 is sprung for a 180lb rider from the factory.


Mileage before the shock goes out depends on the bike. Some only get around 10k, but most get around 25 or so. But being almost 10 years old does not help. They are usually a nitrogen charged shock, and can be recharged for around 100 bucks. Usually they replace all the oil at that time, too.

You CAN get a heavier spring for around 120 bucks. Pretty easy to swap out.

You might want to increase the preload and compression damping on yours, though. It should make a BIG difference.

[OreoGaborio]

Originally Posted by pin8246

how long do the rear struts usually last for?
what weight is the rear spring adjusted for out of the factory?
do they make an upgraded (more stiffer)?

A rear "SHOCK" will last the lifetime of the bike, but it should be serviced every few years... new nitrogen, new oil.
Sportbikes are typically sprung for a rider between 140-160 lbs. I couldn't tell you what the ZX9 is sprung for. It very well could be 180.
Ohlins & Penske both make excelent shocks for this bike, but at 700-1200 bucks, they're a pretty penny.

A shock rebuild will probably cost a couple hundred bucks... cheaper if have the ability to take it off yourself & get it to a suspension specialist.

I use GMD Computrack for all my suspension needs. They're beyond excelent.

GMD