"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. Ohlins rear(https://adv-traveler.com/136/photos/506/untitled/10248/ohlins-rear) AK-20 Cartridge kit(https://adv-traveler.com/136/photos/506/untitled/10249/ak-20-cartridge-kit) Ohlins installed(https://adv-traveler.com/136/photos/506/untitled/10246/ohlins-installed) Clearance check(https://adv-traveler.com/136/photos/506/untitled/10247/clearance-check) Remote preload adjuster(https://adv-traveler.com/136/photos/506/untitled/10245/remote-preload-adjuster) Fork removal time(https://adv-traveler.com/136/photos/506/untitled/10244/fork-removal-time) Brakes while in there(https://adv-traveler.com/136/photos/506/untitled/10251/brakes-while-in-there) AKs installed(https://adv-traveler.com/136/photos/506/untitled/10250/aks-installed) New tires(https://adv-traveler.com/136/photos/506/untitled/10252/new-tires) (https://adv-traveler.com/136/photos/506/untitled/10253/untitled)

The Exhaust... The first major component changed was the exhaust. the factory exhaust is a 4-1-2 with a large collector and catalyst located under the bike, it is quite heavy and includes a number of things (like the motorized exhaust servo and air injection) that we won't be needing anymore. After researching the systems available against my requirements/desires I decided on the Akrapovic Racing Line 4-2-1 system in titanium. this system weighs about 27lbs less than stock, with much higher flow rates and more highly tuned back pressures. changing from a 4-2 to a 4-1 was going to substantially change the look of the motorcycle and I was initially cautious about how it would look. Installation was pretty straight forward after getting all of the stock equipment off of the bike. Akrapovic is a high end system and it really showed in the build quality and easy of installation. these guys are clearly welding gods LOL. Since adding this system was going to allow for a lot more engine breathing I was going to have to address fueling as well, that will be the next update - installing the Power Commander, autotune, and initial ECU changes. Here's some pictures of the exhaust installation: Prepping for surgery(https://adv-traveler.com/136/photos/506/untitled/10222/prepping-for-surgery) Stock exhaust system(https://adv-traveler.com/136/photos/506/untitled/10220/stock-exhaust-system) Front of engine(https://adv-traveler.com/136/photos/506/untitled/10219/front-of-engine) The new Akrapovic headers(https://adv-traveler.com/136/photos/506/untitled/10221/the-new-akrapovic-headers) Titanium end can(https://adv-traveler.com/136/photos/506/untitled/10224/titanium-end-can) New headers installed - front(https://adv-traveler.com/136/photos/506/untitled/10223/new-headers-installed---front) New headers installed(https://adv-traveler.com/136/photos/506/untitled/10225/new-headers-installed) Initial fitting(https://adv-traveler.com/136/photos/506/untitled/10226/initial-fitting) End can installation(https://adv-traveler.com/136/photos/506/untitled/10227/end-can-installation) Installed - right side(https://adv-traveler.com/136/photos/506/untitled/10228/installed---right-side) Installed - left side(https://adv-traveler.com/136/photos/506/untitled/10229/installed---left-side)

Kawasaki Ninja 1000, AKA Z1000SX