Race Tech 4th gen rear shock rebuild

^ yep, what he said is right.. sounds good, i think, Hmmm that's if I can remember.

 

another queston on that race tech spring upgrade-what spring weight would you recomend? i wont be looking into ordering parts till monday, but just wondered if you guys had any input on that. 175 lb rider, 2up once in awhile not much. you would say gold valves be worth the extra $150? thanks for the input!

 

gearhead:

Go to race techs site:

Race Tech Inc.

They have a calculator that you use to figure out what springs you need.

If you are a street rider only and carve twistys, but not at a blinding speed. I'd say you can forgo the gold valves.

Are they worth it? YEs, but will you use them? I don't know. I don't have them but will probably get them at some point if I keep progressing on the track.

BZ

 

thanks for the advice!

 

Thanks Bubba, I will be checking this out

 

Just throwing this out there in case folks are interested in another option - I can do Gold Valve installation and setup on the VFR shock for $200. That includes adding a Shraeder valve to the shock to recharge. If desired, a new spring matched to your weight and installed is an additional $85. This is kind of a for forum members, usually I charge a bit more for this kind of service. Shoot me a PM if interested!

 

BUMP to Jamie for offering this very nice service to VFRW members!:cheersaf:

BZ

 

With all due and considerable respect for Bubba Z., I offer the following thoughts...

I'm paying my dealer's shop $90.00/hour in labor to do the work of removing the front-forks and rear shock, then reassembling everything now that the rebuilt parts are back from Race Tech. In my case I decided to go with a more complete rebuild (including the HFR Gold Valve kit, etc.) because I wanted to get the most bang for the bucks I'm paying the dealer for labor, as well as the many other details and headaches I'm enduring in undertaking such a project and overseeing its completion, including shipping both ways.

In other words, regardless of whether I chose to go half-way or all of the way with Race Tech's rebuilds, I'm still paying the dealer for same amount of shop labor to take things apart and then reassmble them at a later date. So, to my way of thinking, it made good financial sense to order the full Monty from Race Tech, thus getting the most out of the money I'm paying for hourly labor costs charged by the dealer.

On the other hand, had I chosen to go only half-way with the Race Tech rebuilds, only to later decide (or 2nd guess myself) that maybe I should've also opted for the Gold Valves, etc., I would end up paying the dealer twice for the labor required to once again take things apart, put 'em back together, etc., not to mention the headaches involved, including shipping, etc. Moreover, this is a winter project for most of us, so why waste a golden opportunity to get it all done in one fell swoop, and get the pain over with the first time around?

In the course of my many phone conversations with Race Tech before I placed a final work order, one thing seemed clear, and that is that if one can afford the modestly higher price of going all the way with the Race Tech rebuilds (e.g., either the Gold Valve, or the HFR Gold Valve kit, etc.) the end result will always be an improvement in the motorcycle's suspension and handling, regardless of one's riding style and habits. The added expense of, for example, Gold Valves, is really rather small compared to the labor costs for those of us who hire a shop to do the wrenching.

YMMV.

 

Ahh, the joys of being able to work on your own bike! Not everyone can do this or even wants to, some folks like to leave the dirty work for someone else. Thanks for offering a different perspective.

 

Well have you rode this thing yet or just looking at it all winter?

Im in the middle of the 929 shock install and buying the Ohlins shock as seen on the other thread. Im sure the Ohlins will win hands down. My stock shock had to be cranked to full hard just to set the sag with just me on it and no gear. Forget about any adjustment with my bags on there.

 

Slo:

Yes, the weather and some small issues with the 97 have kept me from riding.

I'll post an update when the suspension has been set and ridden on:smile:

BZ

 

OK, this past Sunday I was finally able to meet up with a NESBA Control Rider and all around good guy (Barry) and get the 97 dialed back in.

My first impression? I am getting very excited for the track days scheduled!

Now we set my sag at a race sag setting, 27mm, so the ride home was rough on some of the really bumpy sections. I knew that would happen, but when the road was just regular...all I can say is WOW!

When I had the front done, that made a big difference. Now that the back is done the bike feels really balanced. I did some lower speed cornering and goofing off and the 97 felt so planted.

Bubba Zanetti is very happy!

When I do some parking lot practicing, I'll post up additional information.

BZ