Photo # 10248 rshaug 6 years ago Ohlins rear This was one of the long wait time items, it took about 4 weeks to get from Ohlins NA and has custom valving and springs.

Photo # 10249 rshaug 6 years ago AK-20 Cartridge kit These are the AK-20 cartridges and Omni springs from Traxxion dynamics. these were custom built with specific valving, new rebound and compression adjusters, and pre-set sag.

Photo # 10251 rshaug 6 years ago Brakes while in there While I had everything apart for the suspension work I did the brakes. New ZX10R master, new pads, etc. I had already installed the custom HEL lines.

Photo # 10252 rshaug 6 years ago New tires I decided to also try some new tires. Some riding/racing froends from Europe said to try the Dunlop RoadSmart 2 as they have great experience with them. I was told they would have double the life (or more) of the Q3/S20/PP and similar grip levels. They were right, these tires are great. Different profile and it took a couple of miles to get used to but now wouldn't trade them.

"The suspension"... or ... "How to spend real money quickly"I knew I was going to make considerable changes to the suspension, not because the stock equipment was bad but because I was looking for a particular feel. In stock form it could be a bit harsh at the back and front end feel was sometimes a little lacking. I investigated a number of options and initially decided on either the Pensky or Ohlins for the rear, and RaceTech for the front. all three have great reputations and would prove to be high quality. The final decision for the rear shock was an economics choice. I consulted with a number of very knowledgeable folks who had already done a lot of mod work on this specific bike and the consensus was to spend more on the front, that it was more sensitive to front end work than rear and that any high quality shock would be fine. Based on that I went with the Ohlins setup as it was about $700 less than the Pensky. I then rebuilt the front forks completely with RaceTech valves (both compression and rebound), RaceTech springs, fluids, etc. And then didn't like it. the RaceTech components were high quality but it gave a very stiff ride, I lost some travel, and I didn't think the dampening was where I wanted it to be. You'll note that there aren't any pics of doing the RaceTech work, only a sticker is seen in some of the pics. The reason? I went all out and ordered a set of custom AK-20 fork cartridges from Traxxion Dynamics. I entirely gutted the forks and replaced all of the internals with the custom AK-20s and Omni springs. this is what I should have done from the start as they are simply fantastic. Expensive yes, but amazing. The bike now has a very plush ride, and yet also has complete control with massive amounts of feedback and lots of adjustability.