929 replacement shock question

I've installed a CBR929 shock on my bike with the reservoir facing the front.
It didn't fit the other way without cutting the plastic undertray, and I thought I'll give it a go this way first to see.
The problem is after a short 20 minute ride, when I touched the reservoir, it was very hot.
Has this been a problem to anyone else?
It's been raining on and off, so I haven't managed to go for a long ride to test it properly.

 

I just thought I'd bump this while I wait for an answer.
Funny how if you tell people you are going to rebuild the original shock, you get a hundred answers telling you that you're mad and to go with a JD 929.
But when you want to hear about results, all you get is the odd tumbleweed and the sound of crickets.
Surely someone has tested and checked after an install.
Anyone?

 

Hey cuelho

i have had JD's shock installed on my bike for about 3 or more years now and also the reservoir facing forward. I've yet to notice any ride ability issues with the heat from the exhaust headers. Temps get up in the mid 30's Celcius here during the summer so it can get quite hot, but the shock has always performed flawlessly.

 

According to JD, the internal temperatures of the shock will exceed any heat picked up from the engine/exhaust. Unless your shock starts "fading", this should not be an issue.

 

Thanks guys, that's what I wanted to hear.
I've now had a bit more time to play with it, and found the rebound damping was way too hard which would have not helped.
First ride I thought the spring was way too hard as I was getting bounced off the bike. But with a bit of tuning, it is now really good.
It is still stiff, as I asked JD to take two up riding into account, but not overly so.
It has raised the rear 20mm, which is a bit of a pain since I'm a short arse, but stearing and tracking are now much better.
I also have around 5mm of rear wheel play from a worn out bottom shock bearing which I'll have to address.
I'll report again when I go for a long ride on a known road.

 

The shock itself generates a LOT of heat - that is it's job. It converts mechanical energy into heat. Just about 30 seconds on the dyno and a shock is too hot to touch. Enjoy!

 

I installed mine facing backwards on my 5th gen because I couldn't make it fit any other way. I'm assured that it should fit the other way, but it isn't worth it to tear it all apart just to try. It pushes on the undertray a little, but doesn't seem to impinge on anything else.

It's also really hard to get to one of the adjustment screws if you install facing forwards. I don't remember which one since mine seems to have been set perfectly right out of the box. :smug: