ZXR750J1 rear shock

[Ascalon]

If I go with the standard linkages on the back of my 750J1, is there another shock from a standard bike that will work a little better, my ideal would be firm but supple?

Anything from a ZX7R or ZX9R perhaps?

Cheers,

A

[Barry]

If I go with the standard linkages on the back of my 750J1, is there another shock from a standard bike that will work a little better, my ideal would be firm but supple?

Anything from a ZX7R or ZX9R perhaps?

Cheers,

A

Anything from J K L or M ZXR750. Also the ZX9 B1-B4 model is a direct fit too.

You can also fit a GSXR1000K1-K3 shock, but need to drill the mounts out from 10 to 12mm, and raise the ride height slightly using the adjuster on the top mount.

[Ascalon]

That's pretty comprehensive mate!

Thanks a lot!

A

[Barry]

That's pretty comprehensive mate!

Thanks a lot!

A

No problem. ZX7 shock's do bolt in, but they have a remote reservior connected to the top of the shock that fouls the underside of the battery tray on the earlier models. So personally I'd go for a 9R, but if you dont mind a tiny bit of drilling, I'd go for the GSXR shock, you can find them quite easily and the are alot newer than the ZXR ones.

[johnnymack63]

If I go with the standard linkages on the back of my 750J1, is there another shock from a standard bike that will work a little better, my ideal would be firm but supple?

Anything from a ZX7R or ZX9R perhaps?

Cheers,

A

"ZXR750 J1", "Standard linkages" AND "firm but supple" in the same sentance ?!?!?

Your first move MUST be to swop the linkages. If you can find one, the one to go for is an NWS linkage and dog bones circa 1991/1992.

Give them a call. It's a long shot but you never know they might still have one or two kicking about. 01922-501285

Doesn't matter what shock you put in there, it'll never be "Firm but supple" as long as the standard linkages are still in. A basic mis-calculation by someone with a bad snese of humour at Kawasaki means that with standard linkages in the J+K model ZXR's means the shock can't acheive it's full stroke and as such reach's a point then "locks up".

I have a feeling (hopefully someone else will come along to either shoot me down in flames or confirm this) buuuut the ZX-7 (P1 onwards) linkage and dog bones also do the trick.

In short, your wasting your money on a new shock unless the linkages have been changed. They are the problem.

Also, having just replaced the shock in my K1 with a Nitron unit, the original K1 shock is sitting on a shelf in my garage. It's not too bad and thanks to an upcoming feature it even comes with it's own set of dyno curves showing that it does work (just not as well as the Nitron).

Make me a sensible offer and it's yours.

[Barry]

I have a feeling (hopefully someone else will come along to either shoot me down in flames or confirm this) buuuut the ZX-7 (P1 onwards) linkage and dog bones also do the trick.

Yes, as will the L/M or 9B linkage.

[Mrdrink]

Hi johnnymac. do you have any pics of your NWS linkage? i have an aftermarket linkage on mine and have been trying to figure out its origin for ages.....i'll get a pic.....

and in this pic you can see the ball end to the ohlins....

[Ascalon]

Cheers for the input guys.

I emailed NWS and got no response.

I have establised though that the linkage in question remained the same until the L model came along in 1993. So that means that first homologation model, the K, used exactly the same linkage set up, but with a better shock, and it worked fine.

I'd imagine the NWS linkages are rare enough these days. For reference, they were usually black anodised and came with with their own needle roller bearings preinstalled.

JohnnyMack, as regards a sensible offer, alas, the shipping to Dublin is the awkward bit.

If you could give me an idea of what the shipping would cost, I'd certainly make an offer.

Cheers,

A

[will#224]

The rear caliper hanger... is this standard?

just 2 bolts holding it in place?

[lorenzo]

How many bolts have any of your other calipers got holding them in place?!

[johnnymack63]

Cheers for the input guys.

I emailed NWS and got no response.

I have establised though that the linkage in question remained the same until the L model came along in 1993. So that means that first homologation model, the K, used exactly the same linkage set up, but with a better shock, and it worked fine.

I'd imagine the NWS linkages are rare enough these days. For reference, they were usually black anodised and came with with their own needle roller bearings preinstalled.

JohnnyMack, as regards a sensible offer, alas, the shipping to Dublin is the awkward bit.

If you could give me an idea of what the shipping would cost, I'd certainly make an offer.

Cheers,

A

Would you believe it ? I just got back in from a family party (my grand mothers 90th) just outside Dublin !!

Your 100% right on the NWS description. The outer diameter of the bearings is smalller than the Kawsaki ones, and they were black. No other redeming features apart from K1 is stamped into the side of mine. I don't know if tha refers exactly to the K1 ZXR or if it's something more subtle like K is for Kawasaki and 1 is for Version 1.

I'll give Simon Martin a call tomorrow (he started NWS then sold it many years ago). He is the designer and maker of the linkages. Maybe he's got one or two knocking about or maybe he could be talked into making one.

I'll report back.

I'll check the shipment costs on the shock. However, if your prepared to wait a month or so, my Mum and Dad go to Leixlip to look after my (now 90 years old) Grandmother. It's like a rota thing. I can send it over with them and shipping will therefore be free !!...............you will need to get the Number 66 bus out to Leixlip though.

I'll suss it out.

[johnnymack63]

Hi johnnymac. do you have any pics of your NWS linkage? i have an aftermarket linkage on mine and have been trying to figure out its origin for ages.....i'll get a pic.....

and in this pic you can see the ball end to the ohlins....

At a glance I would have to say it's not an NWS for the following reasons

1) The dog bones are a different shape and appear (not in the slightest bit scientific) to be a different length.

2) The dog bones are in a different position to mine. Yours actually appear to cover the lower shock absorber bolt. Mine don't

3) The linkage isn't black. This might not be a 100% reliable way of telling. After all 30 seconds with a sand blaster can change that.

4) The cut outs in the sides of the linkage are a different shape.

I'll try and find as good a picture of the linkage / rear suspension set up I can find so as to illustrate what I'm on about !

[johnnymack63]

This might help.

I'll look and see if I have another closer up one !!

[johnnymack63]

Just flicking between the two pictures, it's really easy to see the main difference between the two linkages. There's a much "flatter / straighter" line between the 3 mounting points for frame/dog bone / shock on the NWS than thre is on the one in your bike. It's a very definite "L" shape between the same 3 points on yours.

[Ascalon]

JohnyMac, you are a star!

I am no hurry at all mate and live within about ten minutes drive of Leixlip in Dublin 15 anyways!

So, how about €50 for the K1 shock?

And, by all means, if Ms Puceflange can locate an NWS linkage, I'll have that an' all!

I managed to locate the original issue where the Right Honourable Mr. J Robinson did his exhaustive comparison so I can scan in the pic of the NWS linkage and post it up for reference.

However, attached is a spread sheet I got from an enthusiast forum showing the part numbers of the rocker linkages from the various models, should help sort out the wheat from the chaff.

A

Argh: Bloody spread sheet will not attach.

Rockers & Tie Bars

* Dimension Needs Checking

ª Alternative (Kit) Shock Bottom Mount from Brian Kelleher

Dim A = Chassis Bearing to Centre Bearing

Dim B = Centre Bearing to Shock Bottom

Dim C = Shock Bottom Mount to Chassis Bearing

Supressions

Old Part Newer Part Newest Part

1224 1240 1244

Year Model Rocker P/N Dim A Dim B Dim C Tie Rod P/N Tie Rod Length

1991 ZX750J1 39007-1201 39111-1121 185.00*

1991 ZX750K1 39007-1201 39111-1121 185.00*

1992 ZX750J2 39007-1201 39111-1121 185.00*

1992 ZX750K2 39007-1201 39111-1121 185.00*

1993 ZX750M1 39007-1201 39111-1121 185.00*

1994 ZX750M2 39007-1201 39111-1121 185.00*

1993 ZX750L1 39007-1244 39111-1131

1994 ZX750L2 39007-1244 39111-1131

1994 ZX900B1 39007-1244 39111-1131

1995 ZX750L3 39007-1244 39111-1131

1995 ZX900B2 39007-1244 39111-1131

1996 ZX750N1 39007-1241 39111-1131

1996 ZX900B3 39007-1244 39111-1131

1997 ZX750N2 39007-1241 39111-1131

1995 ZX600F1 39007-1244 39111-1139

1996 ZX600F2 39007-1244 39111-1139

1997 ZX600F3 39007-1244 39111-1139

1996 ZX750P1 39007-1244 39111-1147 191.00*

1997 ZX750P2 39007-1244 39111-1147 191.00*

1997 ZX900B4 39007-1244 39111-1147 191.00*

1998 ZX750P3 39007-1244 39111-1147 191.00*

1999 ZX750P4 39007-1244 39111-1147 191.00*

2000 ZX750P5 39007-1244 39111-1147 191.00*

2001 ZX750P6 39007-1244 39111-1147 191.00*

2002 ZX750P7 39007-1244 39111-1147 191.00*

2003 ZX750P8 39007-1244 39111-1147 191.00*

1998 ZX900C1 39007-1258 39111-1158

1999 ZX900C2 39007-1258 39111-1158

1998 ZX600G1 39007-1258 39111-1163

1999 ZX600G2 39007-1258 39111-1163

2000 ZX1200A1 39007-1287 39111-1163

2000 ZX600J1 39007-1287 39111-1163

2000 ZX900E1 39007-1287 39111-1163

2001 ZX600J2 39007-1287 39111-1163

2001 ZX900E2 39007-1287 39111-1163

2002 ZX600J3 39007-1287 39111-1163

2003 ZX600B1 39007-1287 39111-1163

2003 ZX600K1 39007-1287 39111-1163

2004 ZX600B2 39007-1287 39111-1163

2004 ZX600M1 39007-1287 39111-1163

2001 ZX1200A2 39007-1287 39111-1164

2002 ZX1200B1 39007-1302 39111-1177

2002 ZX900F1 39007-1302 39111-1177

2003 ZX1200B2 39007-1302 39111-1177

2003 ZX900F2 39007-1302 39111-1177

2004 ZX1200B3 39007-1302 39111-1177

2005 ZX1200B4 39007-1302 39111-1177

Race Kit OH2ª 65.00* 57.00* 103.50* 185.00*

[will#224]

How many bolts have any of your other calipers got holding them in place?!

I asked about the caliper hanger not the caliper. Looking at the pic the hanger is secured to the swingarm and non adjustable. Secured with 2 bolts and i guess the pad bites on what ever amount of disk is inside the caliper?

Interesting and the might just solve a little problem i have on a race bike.

[johnnymack63]

JohnyMac, you are a star!

I am no hurry at all mate and live within about ten minutes drive of Leixlip in Dublin 15 anyways!

So, how about €50 for the K1 shock?

And, by all means, if Ms Puceflange can locate an NWS linkage, I'll have that an' all!

OK 50 Euro is fine. I'll just need to double check if it's ok to take a (pressurised) shock absorber on an aeroplane as hand luggage and then get back to you with dates when my mum and dad are back over in Leixlip.

I just got off the phone from Simon and he can make a linkage for you at a cost of £75. Worth every penny being as it doesn't matter what shock you put in, it's still not going to work with OE linkage.

he told me to pass on his e-mail address to you. It's simon.simoto@yahoo.co.uk

[Ascalon]

OK 50 Euro is fine. I'll just need to double check if it's ok to take a (pressurised) shock absorber on an aeroplane as hand luggage and then get back to you with dates when my mum and dad are back over in Leixlip.

I just got off the phone from Simon and he can make a linkage for you at a cost of £75. Worth every penny being as it doesn't matter what shock you put in, it's still not going to work with OE linkage.

he told me to pass on his e-mail address to you. It's simon.simoto@yahoo.co.uk

Excellent,

Thanks JohnnyMac,

I'll PM ya me details.

Thanks for the contact for Simon, I'll give im a shout.

A

[Ascalon]

OK chaps,

here we go. The PB feature by JR on improving the suspension of the ZXR750J from January of 1992.

A

[Mrdrink]

Just flicking between the two pictures, it's really easy to see the main difference between the two linkages. There's a much "flatter / straighter" line between the 3 mounting points for frame/dog bone / shock on the NWS than thre is on the one in your bike. It's a very definite "L" shape between the same 3 points on yours.

That rules NWS for mine then thanks for your help. Funnily enough i managed to find another one of my linkages on eBay a couple of years ago but sold it on as there was no need for it. Looking at the build im thinking mine could be a Harris linkage.

the bike really moves (as in has a nice action) at the back because of it. ive actually gone to a 9.2kg spring and am contemplating going one size heavier. Even with the linkage, shorter tie rods, ride height at the max and a longer heavier spring the rear wheel will still catch the undertray at big compression points on the track. It has an awesome feel at the back and starting out its been nice to get faster and start needing to go harder at the back. Ive recently made the forks firmer and now i think the back doesnt match quite right.

[lorenzo]

Just as an addition to this thread, if you want it Ascalon, I'll have a spare ZX7R shock in a few weeks time, as I've another that I'm rebuiling so I don't have to pull the one off my bike, if you see what I mean. Once I've done my own, I'll have a spare which I can refill with top quality oil, rather than the crap that comes on OEM items, and then get it regassed at Maxton for you so it's essentially like a good as new shock in terms of damping etc, but a bit scruffier looking. Usual Lorenzo bargain rates, as ever.

[Ascalon]

Thta's a cool offer Lorenzo, thanks, but funds will not stretch to tweo shocks for the old ZXR.

JohnnyMac's old K item will hopefully grace the old girl, as will an NWS linkage, so that's the rear suspension budget blown!

Thanks anyway though.

A

[Ascalon]

Well!

I got into work from a bit of leave today to find a big pile of post topped off by this beauty!

Thank you Simon! Also, I am hopefully calling over to the kind gentlman who has ferried my newly gassed and oiled K model shock from JohnnyMac this evening too! Thanks Johnny!

So, a new air filter is on the way, as are plugs, a new oil filter and oil already waits and a carbon fibre hugger and an original chainguard sit ready.

One day soon, on a sunny afternoon, I shall attack it and get it mechanically sorted before sorting out the body work.

I am going to reinforce all the little cracks and breaks, but I am not going to get it painted. I don't to have it pristine, I want her to wear her battle scars!

Man, it's like Christmas!

A

[laminator]

Wow, the last time I saw that blue ZXR of JR's it was parked next to mine in the Ring carpark, at the week long PB Nurburgring Frenzy in '91. I finished 2nd place and still have the trophy

I do have an original mint condition can, it's either from a H2 or a J, sat in my garage. It was on the bike for 3 days before it was swapped for something louder, then not moved since.

[Ascalon]

Wow, the last time I saw that blue ZXR of JR's it was parked next to mine in the Ring carpark, at the week long PB Nurburgring Frenzy in '91. I finished 2nd place and still have the trophy

I do have an original mint condition can, it's either from a H2 or a J, sat in my garage. It was on the bike for 3 days before it was swapped for something louder, then not moved since.

Hmm an original exhaust you say?

Can you have a look and see if it is fro J, cause I'd be interested if it is.

Cheers,

P

[johnnymack63]

I am hopefully calling over to the kind gentlman who has ferried my newly gassed and oiled K model shock from JohnnyMac this evening too!

Oi !!! That's my dad your talking about.....

Oh wait....

.....carry on

[Ascalon]

Shock secured, thanks John!

Now, I just need a little time and a little beer to lash into it!

A

[laminator]

I meant to grab that can this morning, but just realised I'd forgotten it. I'll get it out tonight and see what it is from.

[Ascalon]

@Laminator

Cheers mate, would appreciate it!

A

[Flerbizky]

OK chaps,

here we go. The PB feature by JR on improving the suspension of the ZXR750J from January of 1992.

A

Any chance of getting this in a higher resolution ?...

Cheers,

/Steff