Zx14 Shock

I'm looking for anyone that has done the zx14 rear shock swap on a 3rd gen. Stock shock isn't cutting it, especially 2 up. Didn't really find anything searching. If you've done it, let me hear the benefits. Thanks

 

I originally used an Ohlins shock from a 93 ZX7RR. Length was perfect, connections were right, damping a little light. So if they're the right length, get them rebuilt and damping increased a little and try it.

Larry

 

FYI https://www.ebay.com/itm/Honda-VFR-...ash=item33e0ca969c:g:SOUAAOSwXYtYzs1y&vxp=mtr

Larry

 

I know it's the same length and will fit in the stock location without any issue. It does take a small amount of fitting but I have access to a machine shop. I know it's been done, just hoping there is somebody that can give me a review of it

 

simple n quick!

 

What a coincidence. There was a LONG discussion about putting the ZX14 shock on a 3rd gen last year or so. I was just searching both here and VFRD trying to find it. In the end, it amounted to moving the solenoid from the left front of the battery box to the right front, filing about a mm off each side of the inside of the shock mounting foot(?) to widen the opening, swapping the original VFR spring onto the ZX14 shock, and optionally, putting on the '86-87 dogbone to get the ride height just about perfect (just a tiny bit higher than stock). I really wish I could remember the user name of the fellow who did this because he did a shitload of testing and tweaking with lots of pictures and videos. He really did an awesome job of it.

I have a ZX14 shock with only 1000 miles on it and the beefier '86 dogbone for the swap. I was going to do it this past winter, but circumstances changed. I'm going to have to sell my VFR now.

I'll keep trying to find the thread.

Cheers,
Glenn

 

The same guy also has a few YouTube videos of the swap, how to modify the shock, and road tests. I didn't think you had to swap the spring, although I did see another video with a zx14 shock with the vfr spring

 

My opinion - and I think the original guy's, too, now - is that the ZX14 spring is just too light for the VFR. Maybe if you're 100 lbs soaking wet it might be OK. Putting the VFR spring on it AND a '86-87 dogbone makes it a perfect package.

 

Good to know, I'm really thinking about going for it. Is there any modification needed on the 86-87 dogbone? I think I remember needing to drill a hole on the original videos, but that may have been for the factory dogbone.

 

The '86-87 dogbone just bolts on. The welding & drilling was for the original.

 

That's what I figured. Thanks

 

if you want my answer to the "is it worth it" questions...
Hell Yeah!
I'm 230ish befor gear. my chick... 150ish be or gear.
7000 miles 2 up.
spring preloaded 2.5 turns up.
rebound and compression 1/2 turn out of max.
Not bad for a $75 bill.
I did shorten the link to get the rear height up and then some. she is set up for 2.
I turned the preload till it stopped bottoming out on the underside of the subframe.
One more time 2 up.
Center stand or jack stands are a must. I had jacks.

 

Hi Jorgescar69,
I'm about to do the swap myself with a zx14 shock and 86/87 dogbone on a 1991 VFR750...Wondering if you still have your VFR and are riding it with the swap, how does it feel? Especially with a passenger ger?. Also, did you end up swapping in the original VFR spring into the new ZX14 shock?

 

I'm on the stock spring. I love it.
I went 89 VTR250 link.
Just turn up the preload till it no longer bottoms out.
I currently am waiting for a few gaskets and have it on the stands. ☹

 

Good advise. How much shorter was the VTR250 link compared to the original VFR dogbone link. Ps. Amazing you have a left exit exhaust to show off the rear. I wishbone had that.

 

The TWO BROTHERS pipe is for a 94-96

 

Sorry... it's a 87 88 dog bone in it.

 

So what's your progress on the swap?