'02 KZ1000P- suspension mod ideas wanted

I recently purchased a 2002 kz1000p with 11,000 miles. This bike has never seen police work. It is in excellent condition. I plan on making this my long distance tourer. I've noticed however that it's highway manners are less than stellar. I will eventually go up one tooth on the front sprocket to mellow out the rpm's but I'm looking for advice from anyone who might have any ideas as to how I might make this bike a more stable ride at say 75 - 80 mph. It seems to be all over the place while making quick lane changes and such. I know it's not a sport bike, just looking for a solid ride.
So far I've replaced the OEM run flats with Bridgestone Spitfire tires. 110/90 front and a 130/90 rear. Thanks.

How wild are you looking to get with your mods?

porchev914 wrote:

How wild are you looking to get with your mods?

I want to keep the bike as stock as possible but I want to get rid of that "wet bag" handling. I'm hoping some kind of fork brace will help though I fear it is the frame that is the culprit. I will consider any suggestions I get.

www.fastfromthepast.com for fork braces, www.progressivesuspension.com for rear shocks(your's are probably shot)

Shocks and Suspensions

www.racetech.com
www.hygearsuspension.com
www.aftershocks-suspension.com
www.gpsuspension.com
www.davequinnmotorcycles.com/cgi-bin/web...GON_TWIN_SHOCKS.html
mpcustomvalve.co.za/index.html

I've done business with Phil at Aftershocks. Good place.

I though that the police bikes had some of the best frame bracing from the factory. I would start by replacing the rear shocks and rebuilding the front fork with new springs, oil and seals. It would be worth your time to check the steering neck bearings. They could be loose and need adjustment or just plain wore out. Also check that the tires are properly inflated.

Brace everything up.
Stiffen your new setup.

Spitfires are ... ok. kinda sloppy.

RUBBER:


AVON VP2 Sport, nice price/performance.

GL!

Here is an update.
My brother is now riding my KZP due to a bad knee, he can't bend it so his sport bike had to go.
Anyways, he bought different profile tires, Pirellis I believe, and that tightened things up.
But the big thing, he found a guy that has a few fork braces that fit the police model. If anybody is interested, email me at blipco@yahoo.com (to make sure I get it)
and I will ask my brother where he found them. Be warned though, he doesn't keep paperwork and he usually forgets where he puts his memory. LOL

I have had good results setting the static sag on my vintage bikes to about 30mm front and 25mm rear. Doing this makes the handeling very stable and at the same time takes the slop out of the handeling.

Come to think of it, my sag was set for my weight at 185. We never reset the sag for my "little" brother who weighs in at about 240 (claimed weight mind you). So that is yet another step to be taken.
I can say though, the sportier tires and fork brace have definitely helped.
And keep in mind, when you jump off a modern sportbike to a vintage motorcycle you are in for a rude awakening. (But a good awakening).