I'm finding that the front end of my ZRX is rather nervous compared to my old Bandit 1200. The Bandit was rock sold over the bumps at speed, the ZRX wants to twitch, it just does not inspire the confidence that the Bandit did. I have taken time to set up the suspension, I also checked the rake/trail #'s and the wheel-base - both are within a hair of the Bandit. Tire pressures are set to the factory #'s. A new set of tires will go on soon but I don't think the problem will go away.
I think the problem stems from a lighter front end coupled with more of the bikes mass up forward. The ZRX steering head is also a few inches higher than the Bandit and the handlebars are longer.
Anyone have any suggestions to tighten things up? The obvious solutions are a steering damper, shorter bars etc. I could drop the forks in the yokes although that would tend to speed up the steering the lower C of G will slow the roll rate of the bike.
Anyone tried a different profile front tire? Suggestions?
You might want to ask the same question at www.zrxoa.org I've had my '01 ZRX1200 for almost 3 years and 2 sets of tires (ready for set #3) and never experienced the problem you have described and I've ridden the ZRX at very high speeds and through lots of twisties.... lack of confidence in this bike has never been an issue for me. Good Luck getting it figured out. Tom
The front end on my '02 ZRX1200 has never felt anyway other than rock solid. Actually, I take that back. When I first bought the bike the front steering headset bearings were not adjusted properly - actually a very hard thing to do. I first noticed that when I started to apply the brakes, I got a 'chattering' from the front brakes. I tried a lot of things, then one day I decided to just tighten up the headset bearings. About 1/8 to 1/4 of a turn made a big difference in the bike. When I start to brake now, there is no more 'chatter' just hard braking.
But be careful. If the headset bearings are too tight, the bike will tend to 'wander' around on you. Too loose and you will get the feeling you are now experiencing.
Like I mentioned above, it does not take a lot of change in tightness to feel a big change.
I've looked, but have not found a torque value for this adjustment.
It's kind of like setting wheel bearings in a car, tighten them up, then back off about 1/4 turn.
Worn tires on a ZRX IMO will noticeably affect the handling. When you get the new tires, pump them to 36-40. Top rebound, screw in all the way and out 2 clicks. Compression about 5 clicks out and 2-3 lines of preload showing. Will stiff'n the front end up and should be a little more planted under regular riding conditions. The rear shocks are under valved and will give the bike and uneasy feeling in the twisties sometimes. New tires should really help. Some will tell you to get the forks done first, but I'd say get the low end Works shocks, and if you have the $$ get the fully adjustable Ohlins.
Worn tires on a ZRX IMO will noticeably affect the handling. When you get the new tires, pump them to 36-40. Top rebound, screw in all the way and out 2 clicks. Compression about 5 clicks out and 2-3 lines of preload showing. Will stiff'n the front end up and should be a little more planted under regular riding conditions. The rear shocks are under valved and will give the bike and uneasy feeling in the twisties sometimes. New tires should really help. Some will tell you to get the forks done first, but I'd say get the low end Works shocks, and if you have the $$ get the fully adjustable Ohlins.
Yeah, what Scott said....pay attention to this guy, he knows what he's talking about.... maybe that's why my ZRX does so well (I've taken his advice before) even without the rear shock mod. :headbang:
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