Torn between two lovers

[Prof J]

Definitely a good idea to get the seat fixed before you even ride--it was very uncomfortable for me after about 40 miles so I had Sargent modify it. Enjoy your new toy. The SE+ is definitely not worth the extra $8K--good decision plus the green is a fantastic color. I get so many looks on this bike. I also had to change out that hideous stock can to the carbon Yoshimura Alpha--it really compliments the bike.

HouTexH2SX,

Do you have, or are you planning on a custom map after you change the can?

No, I'm just leaving it stock--already has more power than my capabilities! I also don't keep my bikes more than 2-3 years so I don't want to risk voiding the warranty for resale.

Sounds like you'd be the guy to buy a well taken care of used bike from!

[Prof J]

danham or other informed folks,

I dropped the rear about 1 1/2". I'm about 26-27" inseam, had'ta do it.

What'd be your thoughts about me dropping the front the same? . . . before setting sag? I'm on a '19 SE+. Maybe I don't need to, or should just leave the front alone?

Thanks.

[danham]

Thanks for the implied compliment, but I don't know the answer. I would =guess= that sag is sag and no matter what you did in the way of lowering at either end, you want the sag set so you have "used" about a third of the suspension travel with you and your gear aboard, so that it is in the "sweet spot" as you ride.

-dan

[Prof J]

Thanks for the implied compliment, but I don't know the answer. I would =guess= that sag is sag and no matter what you did in the way of lowering at either end, you want the sag set so you have "used" about a third of the suspension travel with you and your gear aboard, so that it is in the "sweet spot" as you ride.

-dan

dan, thanks. That seems about what I am reading, in terms of setting sag, sort of no matter if the bike is lowered, though some lowering may remove too much travel.

I'm considering taking the bike to a suspension expert to see if it would be better to reinstall the stock links and have the shock spring cut down, seems what the reading says is best so far - better than using lowering links, and the internals of the front suspension adjusted/modified.

I'm looking for an expert in the Oregon/Washintgon area.

[Champ87]

dan, thanks. That seems about what I am reading, in terms of setting sag, sort of no matter if the bike is lowered, though some lowering may remove too much travel.

Yes, ideally you should drop the forks in the clamps to match the 1½" drop at the rear. Looking at the handlebar clamps, there may be a little bit of room but it's limited.

Second option is to back-off preload. Having more sag will reduce the height of the front but, as you say, it's at the expense of travel under compression. It's a quick, easy, cheap option. Gotta be worth a try - maybe even combined with dropping fork legs if you can do that. Might be good enough for the 1½" you need.

If you still can't get the front low enough by backing off preload, then your third option is to cut down the springs. The SX forks actually have a spacer that sits on top of the spring - looks like a preload spacer (Kawasakai call it a collar). I'd be looking to cut that down before touching the spring but, if that's not possible, then cutting down the spring is an option. Again, you're going to reduce the amount of available travel under compression.

The second two options will each have the same effect on available travel. If you find the forks bottoming out easily then you can offset with a stiffer spring. However, if your 26" inseam is also a sign of light weight then lack of travel will be less of a problem.

I'm looking for an expert in the Oregon/Washintgon area.

Northern Idaho too far?

[Prof J]

Champ87, thank you for the flowed outline and details. A while back I just left the ZX14 lowered, and rode it as it was. I plan on much more riding now with this bike.

I want the bike to be handling as close to the original handling design, I guess that's sort of the optimum, unless someone were to be tracking it, or the like. I want to stay away from me not doing it correctly or damaging something, and needing to have it re-done, so I'll take the shorter route straight away. Hoping for perhaps Eugene/Salem, or Portland. After that it's a toss up, though.

Boise is less than a half day more, +3 hours, than Seattle, and I think would allow more open range scenery, and roads and riding I haven't seen or done in a few years.