Suspension upgrade

Discussion in '6th Generation 2002-2013' started by Cacique2002, Apr 10, 2012.

  1. Cacique2002

    Cacique2002 New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2008
    Messages:
    32
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    I want to refresh the suspension on my 2003 VFR800 with 30,000 miles.
    Most of my riding is sport touring and 50% of the time I am with a passenger and luggage, so I want to be able to adjust the rear preload on the fly.
    What combos out there do you recommend?
    Can I do the rear only> or do I most replace/refresh the front suspension as well?
    Thanks
     
  2. Kobe Diesel

    Kobe Diesel New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 9, 2008
    Messages:
    427
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Location:
    CT
    Map
    Get fork springs rated for your weight. you can also re-valve the forks but at least try new springs first. And avoid progressive rate springs.
    Re-spring rear shock same or upgrade to a 3-way adjustable like a CBR 929 shock, requires a clevis

    see racetech, traxxion, sonic springs websites
     
  3. Cacique2002

    Cacique2002 New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2008
    Messages:
    32
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    when selecting the spring rates do I use my weight or the sum of my weight and the passenger + luggage or an average??
    thanks
     
  4. Cacique2002

    Cacique2002 New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2008
    Messages:
    32
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    after some research i am now in between a Penske and an ELKA rear suspension upgrade.
    any feedback on these?
    The ELKA i know are from Canada and I would have to install on my own (which is no prob) or take to a shop and the Penske shock will be installed at a local shop that sell them.
    Thanks
     
  5. bitterpil

    bitterpil New Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Mar 7, 2008
    Messages:
    1,379
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    38
    Location:
    Northern Virginia
    Map
    I'm gonna say this. Go against the grain and look at Hyperpro.

    Give the guys at epm suspension a call. Link>> High performance motorcycle suspension sales and service from EPM Performance Imports

    If you ultimately end up not liking those. Then go Penske.

    You still need front springs for your bike.


    Now I know you have heard not to go with progressive springs but... Based on your original post, I think you should not be so quick to leave them out of the mix.


    BTW...I upgraded my front springs and rear shock in a total of about 4 hours. It is a do it yourself job if you have some tools.
     
  6. Cacique2002

    Cacique2002 New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2008
    Messages:
    32
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    am assuming your bike is a 6th gen VFR. what model Hyperpro did you install? Does it have a mounted separate reservoir or is it built into the unit?
    thanks
     
  7. bitterpil

    bitterpil New Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Mar 7, 2008
    Messages:
    1,379
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    38
    Location:
    Northern Virginia
    Map
    Yes I have an 06 6th gen with just over 30k. I ended up installing the 460 emulsion shock rear. I actually got the whole street box which is a 460 emulsion rear shock, front springs and fluid. I ended up using Belray 10w fluid for the forks.
    It takes some time to get them in as the shocks are built to order.
     
Related Topics

Share This Page