1984 VF 1000F mono shock alternatives.

Discussion in 'Mechanics Garage' started by CAP66, Nov 23, 2013.

  1. CAP66

    CAP66 New Member

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    If this don't work or the suspension is to mushy I will be contacting Jamie D. I just figured I would give it a try first and hope for the best to save a dime.
     
  2. Captain 80s

    Captain 80s Member

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    Again, I can see the two clevises are welded together. But where each side of the adapter attaches to the shock and the linkage, they could move, rotating in relation to the bolt. For example, when you first look at a picture of a Daughtery modified shock, you think, "Well, what keeps those extensions from rotating under a load and fucking everything up?" Then you see one in person and realize that the lower eyelit has been machined with grooves that indexes the extensions in place and keeps them from rotating. Maybe I'm not "getting" something, but I don't want you to fuck you or your cool bike up on a test ride. Not trying to be a nay-sayer.
    Mike.
     
    Last edited: Dec 6, 2013
  3. CAP66

    CAP66 New Member

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    I understand now what you are saying. The yolk or clevis that mounts to the bottom of the shock can pivot in the lower shock eyelet and cause problems, good eye. It all should be solid and only move at the linkage of the swing arm. I will look into this and come up with a solution. Thank you for pointing this out, now that I understand it makes good sense and another over look by me, since the original VF shock, this cannot happen. I remember the shock that Jamie gave me when I bought the bike had these extensions on it. Like a fool and not knowing what I had, I bartered that shock off on a exhaust system after not being able to find anything for sale, exhaust wise. Looks like a total revamp is in order, thanks again.
     
  4. CAP66

    CAP66 New Member

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    I started this thread hoping to get more info on alternatives to the stock shock without paying big bucks for one. I have seen others install shock off from VFR800's and CBR's but no one elaborates on how and what it takes to do it. Seems to me that mating new parts to old bikes is a trade secret and finding info is a pain, but I am the type of guy who will always try before I buy. Sometimes it costs more that way but the journey is worth its weight. seems to me that either very few do this or its a trade secret and no one is willing to share and that's fine, it only makes me try harder. I have a friend who has access to the equipment I used to use, I will draw him up what I need and have him mill it for me. A straight locking extension that captures the lower eyelet from moving and that bolts to the linkage. I will post pictures as soon as I can. It may be a couple weeks since my whole life is in limbo.
     
  5. vfrcapn

    vfrcapn Member

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    So here's what I did with my R, same shock and linkage as the F. Started with a Penske GSXR shock, machined up a solid aluminum extension. It's up tight against the bottom of the shock clevis so it's not going to rotate.

    [​IMG]


    This is an early pic before I took all the hard corners off and cleaned things up but I ended up replacing all of the lower linkages. The triangles are from a 4th gen VFR and the dogbone is from a 5th gen VFR. You can't see it here but I machined up some spacers and washers so things would stay centered (dogbone) and nothing would rub (triangles against anything else). You can see the extension is tight against the lower shock, it's like 1.5x2" Al so it's plenty beefy.

    [​IMG]

    This is the replacement shock spring, about 1100 lb-in if I remember right, from Hyperco, $81 from here: http://www.hypercoils.com/catalog.html

    [​IMG]


    It took 3+ years but it finally came together in the end. It's all about the journey they say, or some other bs. I was happy when it was done.

    [​IMG]

    I ended up eventually selling this bike when I also got laid off. 18 months later after steady work, the buyer called and said he was thinking of selling. I bought it back in a heartbeat. Things have a way of working themselves out. Keep at it and good luck with the job hunt.

    [​IMG]
     
  6. CAP66

    CAP66 New Member

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    Thank you very much for posting such a great reply, I found a picture of your VF awhile back and kept it, love the black frame, love the bike, I have always wanted an R model. When I was 16 or 17 my dad bought a 1986 GSXR 1100 when they came out. He had just gotten out of the hospital and couldn't ride it home from the dealership, so me and my older brother took turns riding it back home for him. I was hooked!! the power, the engineering beauty of the machine left me speechless and a grin two miles wide. I specialize in electronic and hydraulic engineering and field work, been working on machines for twenty some years, so figuring out mechanical problems is part of my daily life. Lately I am run down and stressed about life in general and it appears I have overlooked the obvious.
    Hopefully someday I can pick me up a R model to go with the F I have, the R is my all time fave and you have a beauty.
    Thanks for the awesome post and helping my out with great info, it means a lot to me.
     
  7. CAP66

    CAP66 New Member

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    Figured out how to solve the issue and stop the pivoting of the shock end to the linkage. I will weld a tube shape pocket on top of the new yoke or clevis that the shock end will fit into. The shock end will bolt into this tubing and fine thread set screws will hold it from pivoting during movement. I will drill small holes into the side of the tube so that the shock adjustments can be accessed and adjusted. May be awhile until I get on this since I am no longer employed but none the less it will happen, I will post pictures of the progress. I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this post.
     
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