How can I make the steering easier / lighter? (ZX6R)

[Cath]

I have an ’06 ZX6R for the road and an ’08 ZX6R for the track.
The ’06 has had the front dropped by 5mm and the front and rear sag set for me.
The ‘08 has also had the front dropped 5mm and had my suspension guru look at it, as well as the S&W suspension guys that are often at the track. It feels pretty well set up geometry and handling wise, except for one thing.
Neither bike has a steering dampener and both run the correct profile tyre for that model (’06: 120/65 front & 180/50 rear. ’08: 120-70 front and 180/50 rear). The tyre profiles are pretty similar too. I’ve run the ’06 with Pirelli Corsa 3s and Michelin Pilot Powers. I’ve run the ’08 with Pirelli Diablo Superbike Slicks and Bridgestone BT015’s.

The steering is much, *much* heavier on the ’08 than on the ’06.
I recently jumped on ijuschill’s ’08, immediately after riding my ’06 and found the same thing. The difference between the two bikes is night and day when it comes to the steering (don't get me wrong, the '08 is awesome in every other way!)

I love the steering on the ’06. It’s almost a case of just thinking about it and it tips in nice and quickly. I would love to have the ’08 doing that on the track. After riding ijuschill's, it seems like it’s not a setup problem with my ’08 specifically, but that the ’08 model itself is heavier to steer.

The easiest way I can think to describe it, is the ’06 needs one quick and easy push on the bar to tip her in sweetly, while the ’08 needs much more force applied and is much, much slower to respond. Almost like it has to be bullied or forced into the turn, while the '06 just needs to be given the signal.

So, does anyone have ideas on how can I make the ’08 turn like an ’06 (and, no, I can’t get another ’06, or an ’09 for the track – I gotta work with the ’08)

[Glen]

Mmmm the first time I put the 08 through turn 1 I thought it was going to fall over it felt so quick but that's compared to the 10. When I first got it I spoke to Jamie Aitken and he reckons the stock suspension is good enough but to put 8mm of spacers in the back to raise it a little. Maybe try that.

[Greenblood]

What about a different profile tyre?

[fireyrob]

I had this discussion with Stuart from S&W suspension at OP the other week while he worked on Dash... He's never worked with team Kwakka on that model and suggested I find someone who raced with a 07-08 and ask them what they did in regards to the suspension and forks. Probably should have posted here eh

He set mine up to a certain extent and I feel 1000 times happier with it. Cant wait to get back to EC and try it infact! But he seemed to think that by dropping the forks too far the geometry of that particular bike isnt quite right for it and that spacers in the shock just as Glen suggested be the better way to go!

Compared to the 10, Dash feels like a feather and is easily thrown about and abused

[ijuschill]

Cath, I found your bike rather light & nimble to turn-in after riding my 08, just a slight push on the bars & it tips in without having to wrestle it around. The 08 steering now feels heavy to the 06 (thanks Cath it felt fine before riding yours)

I'm no help really Cath just my thought's after riding yours

[Wattie]

Motard bars Cath!

or jack the shit out of the ass end and see how that goes.

[Blurr]

yeah I would suggest the same as the others and that is jack the rear up another 3-5mm.

As a matter of coincedence I am about to do that to mine before I head out next time to search for the faster tip in.

[seiko1]

Just keep the front wheel off the ground at all times

[Wattie]

Just keep the front wheel off the ground at all times

good idea, then Cath can crash into the gravel too

im sure that what she's after.

[seiko1]

Just keep the front wheel off the ground at all times

good idea, then Cath can crash into the gravel too

im sure that what she's after.

What you talkin bout willis?

[Wattie]

oh thats right, exxon Valdez has been all cleaned up

[hoffy]

get your pit bitch to put 6mm of wathers in the back to raise it..

[Wardy]

As Firey said speak to someone racing one. You could look into machining the steering head to change the angle. Speak to Madkaw as he may have heard a little something about this being done on a 05' 6 while at the GP. (he may be able to explain it better or put you in touch with the guy who did it)

[tape]

oh thats right, exxon Valdez has been all cleaned up

If you can't see it .... It didn't happen????

Cath swap bikes and try them out in both circumstances?

But I don't ride enough to know so maybe that advice is null....?

Hope to see you guys soon.

cheers

[IsleofNinja]

Hey Cath - Have no doubt you have already checked rear axle alignment ie stringline etc..

Just thought I'd mention ....... I overlooked it on the 10 for longer than I care to admit [marks looked fine!?] ... Turn in was woeful by comparison