Just shy of 18000 miles on the Z and it�s time to sort the ailing suspension.

Took a ride out to FTR suspension in Bury St. Edmunds and had a lengthy chat mainly about improving the forks (already decided to plump for a Nitron shock). I initially went to buy a set of Ohlins springs, but they only make the 0.60N/mm version now (0.50N/mm discontinued), which they suggested may be a bit stiff for my weight and difficult set up with enough rider sag. I was guided towards Yacugar progressive springs which have a maximum rate of 0.79N/mm and a start rate of 0.51N/mm, which would suit my needs. I didn�t buy any though, because they are cheaper on-line!

Obviously FTR are well renowned suspension gurus and know their stuff (their workshop is an impressive sight too), so I trust their judgment and the kit is �108 including oil, VAT and delivery in the UK and you get a free T-shirt too if you order online, which is a much better price than I can find Hyperpros for. The questions before I click the buy button are: Has anybody had experience of Yacugar suspension on here? How do the spring rates compare with the Hyperpro (or Wilbers for that matter)?

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Fitted the Yacugar fork springs yesterday and they are a revelation, which is to be honest kind of what I expected since the originals were a soggy mess! Did about 50 miles on road and about 5 off to test things out. I still have the flaccid OE shock , so today I decided tweak things and drop the legs in the yokes 5mm to compensate for the slightly tail-down attitude. Doesn't sound much, but it has made a further big difference the feel and feedback of the whole bike, particularly the steering on the road. Might slide them back when the new shock arrives? Although I was going to go for a Nitron (offer on at HPS for half-price hydraulic preload adjuster http://www.bikehps.com/nitron/), I might now go for an Ohlins from FTR who've got a trade in offer with the old shock? ( http://www.ftrsuspension.co.uk/exchangescheme.htm)

Just a couple of notes for those who might consider Yacugar fork springs as an alternative to the other brands available: FTR/Yacugar recommend 500cc (SAE 15) oil, rather than the OE spec 650cc. The spring free length is about 40mm longer than OE, but they are fitted with the spacers.

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