'86 RC24 Rear Suspension Help

Hey fellas,

Got the bike pulled apart finally and the shock is shot. Any suggestions from guys that have swapped them out as to who to look for? YSS and Hagon are obvious choices but does anyone run anything else?

In addition, I'm curious about the needle bearings in the linkage - they don't show up in the parts fiche but I want to pull them out and media blast the linkages up and refinish them - any source for new bearings?

Thanks,
T

 

may not be a good idea to remove needle bearings until you can confirm you have new ones in hand.

 

Those needle bearing have such a small range of movement, they really don't go "bad" unless they have been sitting under water or something. I highly recommend prepping for paint without media blast and mask off the seals. That's how I've done about 6 or so. And like Squirrel said, availability could throw a wrench in your plans if something goes wrong pressing them out and back in.

As far as the shock goes, YSS and Hagon are good. I have 2 bikes with YSS and like them. There are other options that aren't made anymore but still come up every now and then. Fox, Ohlins, WP.

 

definately no plans to remove them unless I have new ones on-hand that's for sure! they seem in good shape with lots of old grease packed in, I think I'll just pull and replace the seals, give it a good clean then prep and paint as is and avoid blasting them then.

I'll keep an eye out for a good shock, PO installed RaceTech springs up front which is cool, still deciding if I want to leave them as is or get some emulators.

thanks for the help guys!

 

If you plan on upgrading the shock, by all means at least do some Emulators up front. They do work pretty damn good.

 

If you want some more rear ride height, you can also keep your eye open for a nice low mileage '87 shock. They are 10mm longer than the 86 and have improved damping (separate compression and rebound circuits). Not as nice as a aftermarket unit, but if the price and condition is right, it's an option for a decent shock at a fraction of the price. I installed a 87 unit on one of my 86 when I installed a Euro 17" rear wheel.

 

I noticed that was another option - is it a straight drop in mod where I keep the 86 linkage or do I need the 87 linkage as well?

planning on keeping the 86 forks/wheels/swinger at least for the time being...

 

Keep the 86 linkage if you want the extra ride height. 87 piece if not. It is the piece with 3 holes I am talking about. The "U" shaped piece is dimensionally the same between the two years, the 86 is cast and the 87 is plates welded to a tube.

 

sounds good, thanks Cap'n, much appreciated