ZX-6 shock information thread

[alikkon]

So I'm looking in to the ZX-6R shocks for my '06 US Z750S now - I had no idea how inexpensive they were.  My bicycle's rear shock costs easily three times as much... it's kind of disturbing.  Before I actually buy one, I want information, and I want it from you.  I don't like to do anything before getting informed about it, so I'm stealing your information - muahaha.  I intend to update the original post with all of the information I gather from you.

What year is your ZX-6 shock? 
Did you install the ZX-6 linkage or reuse your stock linkage?
Did you need to modify the shock or linkage at all?
Did you need to re-orient the electronic unit just behind the shock?

Year	Linkage	ShockMod	Reorient
2004	ZX	No	Yes
2003/4	Stock	No	Yes
2005	Stock	Yes	Yes
2005/6	ZX	No	Yes
2006	Stock	Yes	Yes
2006	Stock	Yes	Yes

I can dig through lots of threads, or make one thread and try to get everyone's data unified - I chose the latter option   It might help people in the future as well.

[pauly75]

Year-        2004
Linkage-    Used the ZX-6
Modify-     No
Re-Orient- Yes

[alikkon]

Thanks Pauly - anyone else?

[axx]

Year 2003/4
Linkage - No, original z750 used
Modify - No
Re-Orient - Yes

Year 2007
Linkage - Yes, from 2007 zx6r
Modify - Yes - some thin rubber washers cut to size and put either side top and bottom of shock
Re-Orient - Yes

[customyota]

05/06
zx6r linkage
no mods
re oriented the box

[Mike L]

Year: '06 ZX-6R
Linkage: No, original Z750S used
Modify: Yes, trimmed the inside of the "ears" at the bottom of the '06 ZX-6 shock to clear the Z750 lower mount bushing
Re-orient: Yes

If you search Scottymac's posts on installing ZX-6 shocks, he found the '00-'02 ZX-6R shocks are the same length as the Z750S, and the reservoir is oriented longitudinally so you don't have to re-orient the electronics box.  The later shocks are a bit longer, and so raise the rear end a bit if used with the stock linkage, which is OK if you want to slightly quicken your steering.  If you use the ZX-6R linkage, you'll keep the ride height close to stock.

[alikkon]

Thanks for the updates - I've updated the original post with what's been brought up here.  I had spotted Scotty's earlier post, but I'd like a newer shock than the 00-02 shock.  I've seen a few '08 and '09 shocks up for dirt cheap, so I've been considering it recently.  Just wondering what's common with them

[alikkon]

Just put in an '05 shock with the Z's stock linkage, and it failed.  It seems the metal sleeve that goes between the shock and the bushing in the linkage is ever so slightly too wide (talking <1/16", from what I can tell) and doesn't allow it to fit... Time to order a linkage, I guess... Or I could probably order p/n 42036-1258 - this is the sleeve for the 2005 ZX6R's shock... all measurements are the same except the width.  It's 30mm vs. the Z's 32mm. 

[Mike L]

Just put in an '05 shock with the Z's stock linkage, and it failed.  It seems the metal sleeve that goes between the shock and the bushing in the linkage is ever so slightly too wide (talking <1/16", from what I can tell) and doesn't allow it to fit... Time to order a linkage, I guess... Or I could probably order p/n 42036-1258 - this is the sleeve for the 2005 ZX6R's shock... all measurements are the same except the width.  It's 30mm vs. the Z's 32mm. 

Yep, that's what I also found on the '06 shock.  I trimmed the insides of the "ears" to fit over the 32mm sleeve.  Buying the ZX6R sleeve or swapping the linkage is the non-machining way to do the swap.

[alikkon]

Yep - sleeve came in today and I traded them out.  Took it out for a test ride.  I definitely feel the bumps a bit more, but it certainly feels a bit more planted.

[alikkon]

Thanks for the sticky - much appreciated

[MrAliT]

Year - 2006 ZX6R
Linkage-    Standard Z750
Modify-     Yes - ground ears of shock
Re-Orient- Yes

Anyone got any good base setting for the 2006 shock?  Ive seen mention of some for earlier ones but i think the design changed a fair bit since 2002.

Any help much appreciated.

Alistair

[tsr]

Just did the shock swap.  Details:  05-06 ZX6 shock, dog bones and linkage; did reorient and no shock mods.


Now the question:  what sag numbers are the setup for our bike?  (05-06 Z750S)   Local shop measured installed ZX6 unit at 50 mm full sag, and 20 mm static sag.  (I know.  I should have measured the stock one before replacing it    ).    I looked (perhaps not hard enough if it's there) in the service manual for measurements and couldn't find 'em.  Anyone know??


I'll adjust rebound and damping after sag is set.  Used customyota's step-by-step how-to from this forum and it worked as written.  Very nice !!  http://zee750s.com/zeeforum/index.php/topic,2538.0.html