Replacement shock for 5th Gen

Hey all,

I recently joined up! First post! :smile:

There is a little over 25000 miles on my yellow 2000 viffer and I wanted to hear what everyone would recommend for a shock replacement. Anything else I should do - suspension wise? Forks? springs?

The front end is like a pogo stick - which makes fast sweepers not very much fun these days. Noticed it shortly after 20K but I procrastinated. Now its time!

I don't get on the computer much but this forum rocks!

THANKS!!

 

howdee,

I'm counting my chickens before they hatch... however, I should be picking up a 2000 VFR this Saturday. After 27kish the p/o recommended that I replace the fork springs/oil and rear shock.

I remember reading about a CBR600 for the rear somewhere? I can't find the review now...

I'm looking to keep the costs down, but improve the suspension.

~mikeym

 

I think I will go with the racetech springs and also replace the fork oil. I have to wait to do the rear shock - its a $$$ restriction.

 

You could pick up a used CBR929 shock, it's 3 way adjustable - you can pick one up off ebay for around $40. I used one for about a month before biting the bullet on a Penske, noticeable improvement over VFR stocker.
http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=35515&hl=929+shock

 

Good decision, the stock front suspension is the weakest link and must go. The stock rear suspension has at least an dampener adjustment where the front suspension doesn't. Getting the front end revalved, new springs, and new oil will give your bike a new feel (almost like a new bike). You will not regret it.

 

What kind of fork oil and springs would you recommend for a 90kg bloke on a 98 vfr

 

the right thing to do (is what i done) is to change the stock springs with holins spring and use its oil...
you'll have a new front moto sensation..believe me!!!seems run on a track!!!
obviously is better to change also the rear schock with an holins component.on ebay you can find it to good price...
i hope to be useful for you.
mikyvale:biggrin:

 

Hi mikyvale,

Once again thanks mate. You are an awesome source of information. I will be trying what you suggested and I will let you know how it goes.

Cheers

 

perfect alexi!!!
i've mounted as you can see in my foto gallery these items and since that day is like i should have a new moto,very states,but not to much harder( you don't have a yamaha r1 after holins care)but is an abyss from stock version.
you'll understand me when you'll drive these modifications.
tell me when you'll do this and how you fell...
bye and good night!!
mikyvale

 

how hard is it to replace the springs and fork oil? can it be done on the bike?

 

i dont know mikeym...
i changed front and rear suspension when i made 36000 km coupon.
i'm sorry...

 

Just waht I was wondering

Newbie here too.

Well I have to sell my 1998 Triumph Tiger so the wife and I can share a bike until I can get another bike for me when we are better financially later in the year (Tiger is in good shape, black, has 28K miles, well-taken care of, Corbin Seat, Yosh pipes, heavier fork oil, one tooth larger rear sprocket, Givi Wingrack 2 and 2 Givi cases. It does have some paint scuffing on the tank do to shipment strap rubbing and clumsily storing it up a few winters ago – yours if interested – email me). We have pretty much decided to buy my vet’s slightly scuffed 1998 VFR. I have always loved the looks and the reviews of the bike and, after riding it really like the induction howl and comfort and – I never thought I’d say it – but I even like the linked brakes!

What I do not like is the fact that I, too, am pogoing allover the place on anything but glass smooth roads. And the suspension is seriously harsh. My '93 Fireblade over the exact same roads is smooth with tons of feedback - and the '93 'Blade is known to be a harsh and twitchy bike - so something is definitely wrong with the VFR. Now, to be fair, I have the suspension set to factory defaults. I am thinking of stiffening up the front pre-load to max and at least cranking up the rear rebound damping to near max and probably cranking up the rear pre-load to 5. I have all my bikes set up that way and like it. But I am still not sure, with 20K miles, the shock and fork springs aren’t shot. How can I know for sure?

Also, I searched on the net and I haven’t been able to find much for a 5th gen VFR on all the typical sites. Is there one or two good sources? I did find new Penske or Ohlins shocks for around $1000 (!). Is there any other, cheaper, alternatives? Am I am also very confused by the various fork spring and “gold valve” combos, can someone please explain that to me like at the level of “VFR Replacement Fork Springs And Valves For Dummies?”

Cheers
John