Frequently asked question I know.

The search function yielded nothing so I ask those who are in the know!
What shocks will interchange/fit my 1997 VFR 750 without any major modifications?
I found a ready to use/used Ohlins for about 600.00 but I don't have the funds for that kind of expenditure even though I know it would greatly improve my VFR's handling.
Is 600 a reasonable price for a plug & play Ohlins with proper spring installed b.t.w.
Whats an inexpensive (a relative term, I know) answer to the stocks VFR's aging shock?
Many thanx in advance!

 

I would NEVER pay $600. for a shock or even 2 shocks.

I would never pay $700. for a computer controlled Subaru shock either.

It is totally crazy!!

A shock consists of a 1. spring.
2. shaft
3. dampner with oil, or air oil, or nitrogen an oil.
4. top and bottom fitting with eye and rubber bushing.
THATS IT!!! No big secrets.

A $1200.00 set of shocks even crazier!!!!!!

These flim-flam men are really getting over.


BTW I have some really really good Valentino Rossi brand shocks for $5000
If interested give me a call. 10 days for delivery while I order the special decals. LOL

Go to Ebay and see if you can get the OEM shock for your bike.

 

This reply answers few if any of the questions I posed!
While ebay is always an option, the question still remains "what will work"?
My thinking is that a newer shock (929/954?) will have better technologies applied to it and be substantially better than the o.e.m. unit.
If you wouldn't pay hundreds for a top shelf shock then I have to wonder what you would pay for the motorcycle itself?

 

Mostly what can go wrong with a shock is not the spring but the dampening rate.
When I lived in Tucson many moons ago a lot of the roads were very rough so the shocks get worn out faster.
On freeways the shocks last much longer.
You can give them a rough test by pushing down on the rear of the bike and if it pops right back up instantly the dampening may be worn but when you push down you want it to come up slowly.

The trick with any shock is getting it adjusted for your weight (rider) weight and the roads that you drive on. Most people never experiment with the 5 position or 3 position adjustment on the shock spring.

Even racing shocks have to be adjusted for different race tracks. Some dirt tracks are so rough and have washboard surfaces so you need to adjust the shocks for different conditions.

Most shocks nowdays come fitted with progressive style springs.


Lets see.... $700 dollar shocks, $700 dollar controls,$700 dollar garbage can muffler...
$700 wheels, where does the insanity end.

 

^This guy is a spammer, No?
^This can't be real?

 

Naa, no spammer. The thing to do is get a towel and dry behind your ears then Google "motorcycle shock absorbers" and go from there before somebody jumps your shit and really tells you how it is.

 

Here is Jamie's e-mail. He's a top notch guy and knows what it will take to repair/replace your shock without spending a lot of money.

jamie@daughertymotorsports.com

 

Thanx...I emailed Jamie and am waiting for his response.
I thought Donald was spamming because all I was getting was generic, suspension 101 responses to specific questions but as it turns out he is just "special" but also builds some special machines as well. Sorry Donald!

 

Yep, those questions were really specific.

 

when referring to shocks and suspension, the word is damping. dampening is the addition of moisture.



.

 

Damping is the present participle of damp which makes the whole forking thing shocking.

 

Damping? Dampening?? OK now I will have to research that word.
Thanks.

 

If you're gonna be an interwebz master mechanic, I figured the correct terminology would be helpful.

 

Norlkeboy is already Sherlock Homie so that's taken.

 

Oh William, why so bitter? As a writer and editor I thought you would appreciate the subtle difference between damping and dampening.

 

Damping is what a man does with his legs while driving a boat standing up in rough water.

Dampening is the water that occurs between her legs when you're rough on the man in the boat.