6th Gen Suspension Options...

I'm getting tired of forgetting and researching so I am making notes here...


Front:

Links Ohlins, Racetech, Sonic, Traxxion Dynamics...

Ohlins Springs:

Part no: 08687-85, FORK SP, 335mm, Honda VFR 800 FI(2002-2008)

Racetech Springs:

FRSP S3732085 RT FRK SPR 36.7x34.5x315 .85kg $109.99
FRSP S3732090 RT FRK SPR 36.7x34.5x315 .90kg $109.99
FRSP S3732095 RT FRK SPR 36.7x34.5x315 .95kg $109.99
FRSP S3732100 RT FRK SPR 36.7x34.5x315 1.0kg $109.99

Sonic Springs:

VFR800 02-05 - 0.90kg/mm Sonic Springs $79.95
VFR800 02-05 - 0.95kg/mm Sonic Springs $79.95
VFR800 02-05 - 1.00kg/mm Sonic Springs $79.95
VFR800 02-05 - 1.10kg/mm Sonic Springs $79.95

Valving by Racetech:

Type 1 Gold Valve Kit – Standard Type 1 Compression Kit FMGV S2040 $169.99
G2-R Gold Valve Kit - G2-R Next Generation Compression Kit FMGV S2040G $179.99
Fork Rebound Gold Valve Kit - FRGV S02 $169.99
Fork Rebound HFR Gold Valve Kit-Racing (Hi-Frequency Response Race Rebound Gold Valve) - FRGV SR2001 $169.99

Traxxion Dynamics Cartridge Kit:

AK-20 Axxion Cartridge Kit (AK-20) $999.00


Rear Shocks:

Links Ohlins, Penske, Elka

Ohlins:

HO 605 (46HRCLS) with compression adjust.
HO 203 (46DRS) no compression adjust.

Penske:

3 way adjustable (8987 Series)
2 way adjustable (8981 Series)
1 way adjustable (89E Series)

Elka:

2 way Normal adjust
2 way Hydraulic adjust
3 way Normal adjust
3 way Hydraulic adjust

 

ok seeing as i'm very interested, mind explaining your notes?

 

Basically anything that I can find that "fits" or "bolts on" I am listing. You see... I set my sag yesterday and the best I can get out of the front is 40mm with my weight. Still have adjustability in the rear but it's useless if I can't get the front to match. So if I want better, I need to upgrade at some point.

I know nothing though... there are some folks here that have actually upgraded and may be able to suggest other options.

 

Nyteshades-
It looks like most of the notes came from the venders web sites. If you haven't already, check out the Racetech site. If you search under sport bikes you can pull up a page for VFR's. It has a calc. for spring rates as well as whats availabe for your VFR. I really want new springs, front and rear, but so far haven't been able to swing them. Hopefully a project for the next winter.


EDIT - nevr mind - Jason posted up
Action

 

ya....i'm trying to understand all this....suspension...stuff...makes my head hurt. I know I can adjust the preload on the front, as well as the sag, but is it the rebound you can't adjust? ugghhh....brain pain...

 

Shades,
I hear ya bro. Yes you are right, only thing you can adjust on the forks is preload (other than moving them up higher in the mounts). The rear shock has preload and rebound. For most of us, the front spring is too soft so you cannot set the proper amount of sag. If you put new springs in the front then you need at least a matching new spring in back. If you re-valve the forks to get them to work better with your new springs then you probably want a whole new shock/spring combo on the back. My problem is you start running into serious money putting gold kits in the forks and ordering new shocks. But, like I said, I’ll start small with new springs and go from there.

Action

 

$$$ thats what it's all about and I suspect thats why the suspension is only so so from new.

A full front setup with springs, c - valves and r - valves was quoted at $790 installed. Throw a fully adjustable set of Ohlins on the back add another $1300 or so.

First of all I would like to get my sag down to around 32mm ish. And maybe have the room to go down a bit more even if I can warrant the riding style. So I need new springs for sure. Since the forks will be coming apart maybe a valve job.

I would love to see a review from anyone who has done the valves.

MD did you do the AK-20 Axxion Cartridge Kit (AK-20)? If so how is it??

 

You can also buy the complete G2R Cartridges and have your VFR fork lowers machined to accept them, as they aren't made specifically for VFR's......pricey, but VERY good. The cartridges are $1200.00, then you need to find a competent suspension person/machinist to machine the fork lowers and install the cartridges, about $400.00. Powder coating the fork lowers while disassembled is $150.00.

An Ohlins shock with adjustable compression, rebound, remote preload and adjustable ride height is about $1000.00.

This is an awesome combination....:biggrin:

 

Sweet, good to know man, THANKS. I will check out your pics. I thought I saw a Penske install thread here somewhere...

 

Ah man if I only had $$, and was in the know it would be good. I don't know of any hardcore suspension dudes up here. As of right now the springs are a must and will hopefully sooner rather than later. I need to check and see what my rear will go down to. If I have to change the rear with the front then it will all go on hold till I can do it right.

 

Damn I love suspension threads! If your willing to make the 2 1/2 hour ride to my hood, I can get you hooked up on a smoking deal on a Penske rear, Racetec Gold Valves with springs for approximately $1,200 installed by a very well respected AMA suspension guru...

 

Holy poop man, that is one amazing deal / offer. Your not that far... I may just take you up on it :wink:

WOW, my wheels are a turnin now... :nod: Now I wanna do it before our Baker ride... we'll see, I'll put my spring only idea on hold and save for the whole package. Really appreciate the offer R-Dub :hail:

 

Jason:

When it comes to suspension work the possibilities and prices are endless. As I've begun understanding how a suspension works and setting sag to what rebound means, I've also seen poeple spend way more money than what they need. An example is the mechanic I take the 97 to. John has a FZR400 that he rides on the track and from what I know he is wicked fast. John installed the race-tech springs, oil and CBR600F3 fork internals into the front of the 97. He and I had a great conversation about what to do to the back of the 97 for a rear shock. He has a Penske Triple clicker on the FZ abd John stated that looking back he would have bought the double clicker instead. When I asked why, John basically said he cannot use all what that shock has to offer in adjustments, so why spend the money? John's not the only one at that skill level who I've heard say that.

Which brings me to my point. If you are primarily a street rider only with maybe the occasional track day. The only thing I would do is purchase the race-tech springs for your weight for your forks with the appropriate oil and drop them in. The springs come with spacers you can cut to help set your sag where you want it. Price for this upgrade is under 200 bucks, if you do it yourself. Your rear shock should still be in good shape, so save your nickels and set your sag and have some fun! Save those nickels for a nice rear shock, you'll eventually need it.

Although I will say this, R.W. does have a nice offer on the table! If you have the cash and can go all out, I'd jump on that too!

And I am not trying to step on peoples toes who have done the full on suspension upgrades. I agree they are worth every penny. I've just found for my skill level I am doing the upgrades as my skills increase. I knew the front end sucked, but until my speeds in the corners increased I didn't know how bad it really was, and the track really brought that out.

Just my 2 cents.

P.s I love suspension thread too! Its the single best mod you can do!

BZ

 

A couple of Gen 6's owners I know have changed over the Fronts to USD Forks, one late model R1's with Radial calipers and Wilbers Rear the other SP2 ( RC51 ) with Ohlins Rear, following them can say they look even more smoother than a standard VFR over ripply sections and they say besides handling better the tyres last longer.

 

The best suspension you know, is only the best suspension you have ridden. It is the single most important item when used correctly in conjunction with a good set of tires. I prefer to make my own decisions rather then base my choices on what other folks feelings are. You don't learn anything that way. Your skills will increase quicker, you'll learn more, and you'll be much safer with a top of the line setup.

 

I know Norcal, and you are correct using the best is best LOL!. The main point I was trying to make is people sink alot of money into a modification they'll never fully use. Just food for thought to Jason and nothing more.

In my eyes spend the money wisely, don't be cheap, just research and get what you need, not what you don't.

BZ