So my bike is 19 years old and i'm assuming the rear shock has never been replaced. I can bounce up and down on the seat and there really isn't much bounce in the bike. Are there adjustments I can make or is it just time to replace it? What are some of my options? What have you done if anything? vic
I'm not 100% sure what's available for your model but... a bouncing bike is just bad. It sounds like your shock is doing it's job. You want it to compress and rebound correctly, but it's not suppose to be a damn trampoline. Smooth controlled rebound and compression are what allow the bike to ride like it's on rails. These bikes aren't meant for rough roads either especially with such little suspension travel. (It's no Cadillac either) A firm ride on the street is usually the result of correct suspension settings. you should be able to adjust the spring preload to make more firm or less firm depending on the weight you're carrying. If you're well over 200+lbs you'll be close to maxing out the stock suspension. I believe there may be a rebound adjuster at he bottom of your shock? I'm not sure. I know there is on the stock 5th gen. Other options...send it to Jamie Daugherty and have him spring it for your weight and have him rebuild it. His prices are very fair for his services as well. Also could go all out and buy an aftermarket shock....but depending on how often you ride and what type of riding you do, the cost may outweigh the benefits of this approach. Companies to take a look at(I'm not sure if they have product available for your specific model, but they have made parts available for other generation VFRs) are Ohlins, Fox, Elka, Penske, Wilbur, Hyperpro, Racetech, Sonic Springs, and some others. Some of the companies don't deal with rear shocks but most of them do. The ones that don't are popular for front end suspension modifications. I'm not sure about your generation but some guys have used 929 shocks on their bikes...but I forget what generations/models exactly.
thers no preload adjusment on the 3rd gens, only dampening. doesnt sound like you have aproblem to me. i replaced mine with a 929 shock because the stock one was bouncing.
