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Pure Gold
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Mike Quindazzi
06/01/2007
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Discriminating enthusiasts have long known the value of
suspension upgrades. Simply look beneath the surface and you will find stock
“iron pyrites” replaced with aftermarket “gold”. Clearly, lap times, ride
comfort and most of all rider confidence join to form the value proposition for
investing in your suspension.
 CARBON-KEVLAR SHELL. Technically a cosmetically blemished shell, we like
the naked Industriale version of AGV’s top-of-the-line Ti-Tech helmet. The
adjustable air intakes and exhaust vents are made of titanium. SIZING. AGV has its own sizing standards. An XL Ti-Tech is equivalent to
most other helmet companies’ L size. However, with a proper fitting, the
Ti-Tech is extremely comfortable, thanks to plush, breathable Cool Max
fabrics. FACESHIELD. Designed to accept racing tear-offs, the faceshield can be
quickly replaced without tools. A clear, anti-scratch, anti-fogging shield comes
installed on the AGV Ti-Tech, with a premium tinted Iridium shield included for
changing conditions on the road or track. (Click image to enlarge)
While modern suspension systems have been
greatly improved over the years, it is quite impossible for manufacturers to get
it exactly right out of the box for every owner. Variables associated with the
rider (weight, style and ability), suspension (spring rates, damping and
geometry) and venue (application and environment) typically allow room for
improvements. Suspension adjustability, progressiveness and the consistency of
action are key factors.
This particular Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R is used
primarily as a track day weapon. After exhausting the available adjustment
parameters, the stock suspension still did not inspire confidence under hard
acceleration, braking, and, especially, turning the motorcycle, which tended to
run wide on corner exit.
 EXHAUST. The Two Brothers Racing Merge Collector M2 V.A.L.E. slip-on
exhaust system eliminates unnecessary exhaust valving and the catalytic
converter. The result is more horsepower from the midrange up, as well as a loss
of 10 pounds far from the center of gravity. The S-bend and merge collector are
polished stainless steel, while the main canister is polished aluminum with a
blunted Teflon-coated magnesium outlet. ADJUSTABILITY. The ability to control both the rebound and compression damping is
crucial to suspension success. The proper spring rate and preload act
symbiotically with the damping system to complement the frame geometry. SUSPENSION. On the track, an immediate improvement was obvious, shaving
seconds from our lap times. The motorcycle’s behaviorwas transformed with
smooth bump absorption and perfect, neutral handling and turn-in. Subsequent
damping adjustments were made, placing the setup even more precisely. The
additional high-speed and low-speed compression adjustments on the shock helped
us fine-tune the damping for different sections of the track. The more
accessible and precise ride height adjuster makes it easier to find an optimal
setting. (Click image to enlarge)
Suspension experts, Pettersson Pro Suspension
(PPS), recommended an Öhlins 20mm piston kit and fork springs, and an Öhlins
rear shock and spring to better match the rider’s weight and riding style. PPS
was instrumental in tuning the parts for our needs, based on their experience
around various different race tracks. This knowledge is a critical value
component when making the decision on whom to turn to for help.
The results
of our efforts were pure gold.
Resources
www.ohlins.com
www.ppsracing.com
www.twobros.com
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