how to set stock suspention?

Discussion in 'Mechanics Garage' started by cjames, Jan 17, 2011.

  1. cjames

    cjames New Member

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    i have been searching the forum and have found lots of useful information and links oh now to properly set sag. where my problem comes in in when i go through the procedures, and adjust the preload, i still have to much rear sag. looking at the shock i see the upper nuts that set the spring height on the shock, is that where i should adjust next to put a higher static load on the spring to start. if it helps i am 200 lbs with gear, and would like if possible to be able to back of the preload adj. when i am alone and be able to bump it up when i have a passenger. the only other option i have found is to install a different springs from Hyperpro of race tech. Any ideas.....
     


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  2. tinkerinWstuff

    tinkerinWstuff Administrator Staff Member

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    stock suspension?

    you set it in the trash. You need to get a 929 shock. Servicable and more adjustable. $30 bucks on fleabay, rebuild run you around $200. Then you'll need to fab an adapter bracket.

    [​IMG]
     


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  3. tinkerinWstuff

    tinkerinWstuff Administrator Staff Member

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    Jamie does shock rebuilds here and the 929 adapter (his is different than shown below). While I think he's a dick myself, there are plenty of positive reviews to be read about his shock rebuilds. Contact him through PM here http://vfrworld.com/forums/member.php?u=3292

    No doubt there are local guys if you sniff around the track circuit that can do the same. Here is the bracket I made for mine, haven't had the chance to machine one from aluminum yet.

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     


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  4. cjames

    cjames New Member

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    ok that solves that. next question then, for fitment onto a 91 vfr dose it mater what year 929 it comes off, and any one out there have dimensions of the bracket that i will be needing to fab up. by the looks of it it is simply made from square steep tube stock. final question is how dose the new setup handle 2 up compared to the stock, the bike squats like hell 2 up right now.
     


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  5. jesusbuiltmyvfr

    jesusbuiltmyvfr New Member

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    Is dat dare one of dem cat-oons? Mixed bread I surspect.
     


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  6. tinkerinWstuff

    tinkerinWstuff Administrator Staff Member

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    I don't believe the year matters. Mine was off a 2000 I believe. I bought one that included the linkage (dogbone) and ended up using two of the bushings because they were wider and fit nicely in the square tube. I used the length difference of my old shock and new to figure out how long to make the bracket and what spacing to drill the holes. I did not create a print so I have no dimensions to share. You'll notice the rod is rotated 90 for my method to work and in order to make it solid once it's bolted in.

    You have to move the starter relay because of the reservoir on the 929 shock. I am 240lbs without gear. I think I have the preload turned up to max on the spring and it's night and day difference from the stock VFR shock. Sag is better and handling in the corners is a million times better. Never a bad idea to get a spring matched for your weight and riding style though.
     


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  7. tinkerinWstuff

    tinkerinWstuff Administrator Staff Member

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    measured a drop piece of square tube off the rack. It was 2.03 OD and 1.540 ID. Admittedly it looks a little redneck. I intend to take my model up to a local shop and have them fab the bracket (plus a few spares for sale) out of aluminum barstock. But, nothing's more permanent than something done temporary and there she sits in the bike. No doubt it weighs a couple ounces over aluminum but it's rock solid and up under the bike where no one sees it.

    I also have the old 929 dogbone and found my old bushings. The VFR bushing was 1.250 where the 929 bushing was 1.540 (length) so the 929 fit perfect inside my tube with a little polishing.

    The 4th gen VFR is different and the top mount isn't part of the cast. Much easier to extend the top mount bracket to fit a 929.
     


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  8. cjames

    cjames New Member

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    k think i will do the 929 conversion.. i have all tooling needed for doing the rebuild as well as a 2000 psi bottle regulated nitrogen at work, any one know where to get the o rings or the sises i will need as well as what weight oil. second question how necessary is a rebuild if the shock has no leaks and looks to be in good shape. all that may be needed is a top up on the nitrogen? or are there problems with the age of fluid and loss of viscosity. thanks for any info.
     


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  9. JamieDaugherty

    JamieDaugherty New Member

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    The later model Showa shocks are good quality units and don't normally need rebuilt - not even recharged. Keep in mind that a 929 shock still has stock valving that is very similar to what is in your stock VFR shock. The pistons are the identical same part, in fact. While the 929 shock is overall a better performer it's still a stock shock and thus has limitations. If you are considering a revalve in the future then I would say that it would be a great place to start.
     


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  10. cjames

    cjames New Member

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    That's great to hear thanks for the imput Jamie. I think I would put it in as is other than with the properly rated spring, and the see how it is and when I get board or want more out of it probably when winter come again put in the valves. As far as springs go what direction is good to go. I am a semi aggressive rider (200 lbs tith gear) and I carry a passenger how is probably (140 withgear). And right now the bike squats alot loaded up even with pre- load turns all the way up. Once again I apriciatte any input and experience you all have to offer.
     


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  11. JamieDaugherty

    JamieDaugherty New Member

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    I'd suggest a 1000lb/in spring for your weight. I do not suggest including a passenger when setting up a suspension unless you ride with them 100% of the time. Good luck!
     


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