Rear Suspension

Now that my carbs seem to be on the way to recovery the next thing I need to tackle is the bikes rear suspension. Do any of you wise gentleman know if the rear shocks ans spring are the same on newer VFR's and the 86 700? My buddy thinks they look the same as the do on current models but looks dont amount to nothing if they dont fit?

If nothing newer fits can the originals still be found or possibly from another VFR?

 

No 86 and 87 were about 10.6 inches in length, specific to those models only. The shocks got longer on the newer bikes. Works Shocks are about the only ones that are currently made for these bikes.
If you can find some old Ohlins rear shocks a company out in California- Lindemann engineering http://www.le-suspension.com/rebuilds them. A rebuilt Ohlins will run you almost as much as a new Works Shock though.

 

PM Jamie Daugherty on this board. He can help.

BZ

 

also rarely you can find a Fox shock. good workability and adjustable ride height. these pieces are coveted though.

 

Guys I'm looking to change the spring rate on my bike to better accomadate my specific wieght. Right now when I sit on it it drops low cause its so old. Has anyone swapped their spring out with 1 simular but not the OEM?

 

Check out Hagon shocks they can make a shock specifically for your weight. The cost is very reasonable as well. Here is where to get more info : Dave Quinn Motorcycles

 

Daugherty Motorsports - Motorcycle Suspension Performance and Modification

 

My bike came with a Fox shock designed for these bikes that is now not sold new. I sent it to Jamie for service and recharge and he discovered the spring rate was WAY too strong for our bikes or my weight for that matter. I'm 5'10 and fluctuate between 200 and 216lbs. No other shock from another year VFR or a different bike altogether will directly bolt in. My suggestion would be to send it off to Jamie Daugherty and have him calculate what spring you would need and to have him service the shock itself.

 

I just sent off a 2004 VFR800 shock to Jamie for a custom fit to my 1984 VF1000F. I read many positive reviews before I did. I also spoke to Jamie by phone. Really nice guy. I will report back how it works out. No pressure Jamie!

 

Don't wanna threadjack on ya Curry but this might help.

Toe, Squirrel, and Jamie- I have the original Showa on my runner and when I get most of my cosmetics out of the way and the brakes rebuilt I plan on attacking this next.

Would I be better off just buying the Works Shock or try and find an Ohlins or Fox Twin clicker and rebuild? I have heard nothing but good things anout the Works shocks and they are rebuildable.

I am about 235lbs and just do street riding but like to carve in the twisties when given a chance- suggestions?

 

No worries Big Dukie all this is informative to me, I'm amazed at how fast you pick this stuff up. My suspension is ok just a little soggy when you sit on it. I was planning on attacking my suspension next also but after the recent light shed on the seals from my carbs (besides cosmetics the most pressing issue on my bike) I decided to go balls out on my carbs and get them done right so the money I had for the suspension went to those seal kits so the suspension will have to sit. There was a rear spring posted on ebay last night for $79 but it looked worse that whats on my bike now ( dumb poster should have at least cleaned it up a little). But I'm reading these suspension post for future reference.

 

It's been said...but I'll say it again.

Don't spend any money on your stock shock.

Buy a used shock from one of these and have Jamie rebuild it

* 1991-1993 CBR600F2
* 1994 CBR600F2 (†)
* 1995-1997 CBR600F3 (†)
* 1998+ CBR600F4 / F4i (†)
* CBR900RR all years (†)

 

Looking at the stock shocks Honda put on my bikes I am very leery of buying any of Honda's stock shock for any of their bikes.

I would rather go for an aftermarket shock here, seems like this was a pinch point in the budget for Honda on all their bikes.