Best mod EVER! Suspension upgrade Racetech front and 929 rear shock

A few months ago, I finally made the decision to upgrade my VFRs suspension. I was really torn on this one, I hated to put that much bucks into such an old bike, but now that it's done, I'm really glad I did. I was debating selling the VFR and going back to a VStrom for commuting and two up touring but decided I couldn't give up the VFR so I went ahead and got the RaceTech springs 1.0 (I'm 220lbs), gold valves and gold rebound valves for the front forks and one of Jaimies (thanks Jaimie!!!) fully converted 929 shocks for the rear with new spring and re-valve. I waited awhile to post this until I had enough miles on it to give a decent and objective review of the mods.

After I got them installed, and what I thought was adjusted, it was a bit too stiff, it handled great but it would rattle the teeth over sharp bumps. So I figured I had done all I could and it wasn't near good enough, so I took it to my local suspension guru who handles the suspension on my racebike and had him adjust it. Once it was properly adjusted, it made a HUGE improvement, no more teeth rattle over the bumps and it rides fairly smooth now.

So all in all I was in less than 1k for a complete suspension upgrade and it really is like having a new bike. All the old slop and handling issues that over time I had gotten used to are gone, I really can't describe how much better it rides. Braking is improved, no more front end dive, and two up I don't even need to adjust the preload. It is still a bit stiff, if I was to go back and do it over again, I would have gone with the .95 spring or maybe even the .90 as this is mostly my A to B bike but on the flip side, taking it out on the twisties now is a pure pleasure, I would have no problem keeping up with any of my buddies on their sports bikes.

Without a doubt, this was the biggest and best bang for the buck upgrade I have done and really wish I had done it a few years ago.

 

Glad you are happy with the Mod :thumbsup:

 

Do you think the stock spring on the 929 shock would have been too much or too little?

 

Depends what you are looking for. I didn't try out the OEM 929 spring, so I don't have any first hand experience with it, but if you are a ligher person doing mostly solo rides and were content with the OEM shock and not tearing up the twsties, it would have probably been fine. If you weigh more than say, 160lbs and doing two up rides and\or pushing it in the corners, definately not. For me I am really glad I went with the new rear spring along with the front upgrades. It gives me LOTS of room for it to loosen up over time and should last me the life of the bike even doing a lot of touring with wife and luggage.

 

Glad to hear that you are happy with the mods. I am talking to Jamie at the moment ordering a rear shock, fork springs and shim stacks for my 3rd gen. Cant wait to ride the old girl with some decent suspension.

 

I am definitely doing this within the next few months. My 5th gen handles good in the twisties (as well as my skill level will allow) but I get the front end dive quite a bit when braking.

 

mosarse, HUH that what I say about the wife - - - -Cant wait to ride the old girl