Showa 'Balance Free' suspension tech for Z900
Showa brand suspension products from Astemo Aftermarket Germany has launched 'Balance Free' shock absorber (and front fork) technology for the Kawasaki Z900.
First seen on a production bike in 2016 Kawasaki ZX10R 'Balance Free Rear Cushion' (BFRC-lite) was originally developed by Showa, with Honda, for race applications. A step further on from the popular Ohlins TTX design, the original objectives were a smoother suspension action, improved rider feel and increased grip and traction using a 'Unit Pro-Link' configuration.
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Instead of a conventional single-tube layout, the 'Balance Free Rear Cushion' uses a double-tube design - the damper case and an internal cylinder, with a valve-free solid damper piston. The damping force is generated as displaced oil passes through an oversized piston to conventional products and cavitation is much reduced or even entirely eliminated.
Fast forward to 2025 and Showa's new shocks and front forks for the 2017 and up Kawasaki Z900 sees the technology matured to an easy bolt-in installation. The gas pressurisation suppresses cavitation in the sub-tank structure, and an enhanced functionality damping force adjuster continuously tunes for both compression and rebound.
Developed from proprietary premium materials, the lightweight, high tensile strength hydraulic spring is manually adjustable (no tools required). The rod has a navy blue titanium coating for improved performance and the upper mounting eyelet is in forged aluminium.
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At the front, the SHOWA 'Balance Free Front Fork' (BFF) delivers "outstanding damper responsiveness, enhancing handling and ride comfort for a more enjoyable ride".
Also designed for easy bolt-on installation, it incorporates the 'Balance-Free', again with a separate sub-tank structure (the world's first axial type) isolating the gas and oil chambers, and features the same damping force adjuster, spring and spring pre-load tech used in the rear shock.
There's a slide pipe, also with the performance optimizing navy blue titanium coating and a forged aluminium axle holder. The diameter upgrade is from the standard 41 mm to an enhanced handling 43 mm.
ASTEMO AFTERMARKET GERMANY
