Suspension, newb question

My bikes in the shop! I moved the timetable up because I hit a pothole and bent my rear rim. Looks like its going to be in the shop 5-6 weeks for rim repair. I know thats a long time but apparently the guy I'm using is extremely busy and thats his turn around time. But I don't mind really, it gives me time to order other parts and do research.

So I'm starting with the suspension... I've read thats a good place to begin. But my first newb question is this: Am I right is thinking there are three main areas to replace... Front Springs, Front Forks and Rear Shock Absorber (Under seat)? I'm guessing my current setup are stock and have the full 50k miles on them. Will know more about that when they dismantle the bike. I've read a lot about the RC 51 forks, but it could take time to locate it all. So I was thinking of just going Racetech for those three items.

Also, what role would a Revalve play in the suspension? I've noticed it tends to be done at the same time as replacing other suspension parts but not sure if I want to spend the coin on it.

 

This is the price sheet I'm going buy for parts. RT - Digital Product Search

 

I'd start with the front on my 99. I don't like the front end dive under braking. But, it could just be my setup... I have EBC wave rotors and extreme pro pads that have a lot of grab under braking. My rear shock feels fine to me.

I put a set of Sonic Springs in my Suzuki forks and they where spot on for that bike. They cured my front brake dive. When I upgrade my VFR I'll order from them again.
SonicSprings.com
A lot of the riders on the Suzuki forum I frequent use them also. The owner will respond to any questions you have about what is the right spring for your bike. He is very knowledgeable and will spec your springs to your weight and riding style. The price is right as well. Looks like $79.95 for a set of custom wound VFR springs.

I'd go with 1.0 kg/mm for my bike and body weight
For Rider Weight = 220 lbs. (with gear)
Bike Weight = 500 lbs.
Bike Type = Standard or Sport Touring
Riding Style = Aggressive Street
Tank Bag = No

 

Thanks! I will order them tomorrow when I see my shop guy. Will let you know what we pick out! :excited:

 

+1

For seeking the advise of a suspension shop, as you know I recently did my suspension and enlisted the help of a suspension guru who sets up a lot of race bikes. Now keep in mind my bike had 90000 klm on the clock and you could feel the rear shock was really lacking, the bike would wallow in corners and just felt saggy. For most people the option to just service and respring the OE shock is a good option at a low cost. Reading the forum Jamie's shock is also a great option. In my case the cost of freight back and forth to the US negated this option, I explained to my guy what I wanted and at the time I was tossing up between Elka and Ohlin's.

Elka had a special on which made the decision a no brainer and I love the fact they built it to my weight and riding style, it also has more adjustment options than I will ever need.

I also had the front re sprung and re valved at the same time. I don't believe you HAVE to spend a fortune to have great suspension, however I do recommend have it done right and to suit both you and the riding you do. Anybody can throw a set of springs and valves into fork tubes but not everyone can adjust them and make them work they best.

Just food for thought

Cheers Daniel

 

Talked to my shop guy today... He has a set of RC51 forks for the front that will fit my bike, but he said they are used and did have a slight bend in them... but that he could straighten it out and make it good as new. He also said he felt it would be a superior option then a new set of Racetechs. It's a complete RC51 Fork and Spring assembly. We did not discuss my weight or driving style, although I have mentioned to him that I plan on being more agressive riding it through The Dragon. (Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap, motorcycle and sport car two lane tourism serving Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap, Cherohala Skyway, Moonshiner28, Devils Triangle, and Six Gap North Georgia.) For the rear shock he suggested a used 929 that I could probably find online somewhere. So I guess I will begin my search for that in the usual places.

What do you all think of fixing a bent fork and making it "good as new"... ?

 

I would never claim to be an expert when it comes to suspension parts but I don't think I would ever consider trying to straighten a bent fork tube. I'm not sure you could completely remove a bend without the possible risk of the tube bending again at the same point. Again, this is only my personal opinion. If you want to get a new rear shock for the bike I would not hesitate to give Jamie D. at Daugherty Motorsports - Motorcycle Suspension Performance and Modification a call or send him a private message on this site as he is a member. Jamie built a 929 shock for me a couple years ago now and I can not say enough good things about the way the bike handles. He could probably offer some suggestions as to what to do with the front end as well. Just my 2 cents.

 

If you are asking for opinions, then i would say a repaired bent front fork is probably about as trustworthy as a broken light bulb super-glued back together. The amount of stress necessary to bend a fork tube means the metal is now weaker than it was when manufactured, and then the genius is going to further stress it by bending it back or whatever. And then you are going to mount that on your bike, climb on and trust it to one of the best, technically challenging, aggressive roads in the North Ga. / East Tn / Carolina area? Can I get your personal info, I wanna take out a life insurance policy on you with me as beneficiary.
Not worth the risk.
My suggestion would be to learn more about how suspension actually functions before determining your system is bad and dumping money into a more complex system that requires even more in depth understanding to dial in.

Start with reading material not a parts list. Lee Parks and Kieth Code are good beginning resources.

 

+ 1 on all the above by Tink and zoom-zoom. A straightened fork will still be weaker than new. You get one go at life so don't go there.

My 2 cents too. Take care


SkiMad

 

Shmekle makes sence as well as all the others.......take it from people that know a VFR and not the word of a local shop thats never even riden a VFR....just my 5 cents