tired suspension

I have a 1983 Interceptor that I have owned since it was new. It has about 24,000 miles on it. It seems to me that the suspension has stiffened over the years. I replaced the front fork seals and changed the fork oil about a decade ago using Honda fork oil using the oil recommended in the owners manual . I have not touched the rear shock except to add air and changed settings. It currently has Avon bias ply tires on it in the stock sizes. My memory is getting hazy but it seems to me that this was a softer riding bike when I first got it. It was firm but enjoyable and rode and handled worlds better than the Kawasakis I owned before it. So is it just me or has my suspension given up the ghost? Did this thing ride like a log wagon years ago and I'm remembering things that weren't true?:crazy: I am thinking that a rebuild/replacement of the rear shock and front forks might help but I thought I would ask before I went that route. Any thoughts- suggestions?

 

A rebuild of front with new springs (spring rate sized for your weight) and an aftermarket shock like a Fox would probably help things.

 

+1 what Dukie said. If you want to do the front end yourself, Progressive springs show up on eBay all the time. For a great rear suspension upgrade, Daugherty Motorsports will set you up:
Daugherty Motorsports - Motorcycle Suspension Performance and Modification
If you scroll down to the bottom of the page - they'll even do the fork rebuild for you, and upgrade it to whatever you want too!

 

Over at VFRD a lot of guys praise Daugherty for his knowledge and customer service. He seems to know the VFR really well.

 

Yeah, I think you are finding out that the old VF's suspensions are just getting plain tired. It's a real shame too because they are still terrific bikes. With a little bit of work you can bring it back to a condition much better than stock. The forks are ok but need new springs (linear rate are best for performance) and emulators at minimum. There isn't anything you can do with the rear shock except throw it in the trash can (where it belongs) and go with something else. I can help you out with both ends, feel free too drop me an email if you would like more details.