6th Gen fork internals upgrade

On the topic of rear shocks, it's often suggested, as jaz does, to go straight to an aftermarket shock. What is missed is that there are other options that are cheaper that can net you the same result. Going with an F4 or 929RR rear isn't a bad choice and even with valving adjustments it would be a fraction of the cost of a Penske or Ohlins. Revalving the stock VFR shock is rarely considered but they actually perform very well with that modification. For the cost it's tough to beat a revalved/resprung stock shock. You can get that done for $300, add a "1" to the front for a cost of a Penske or Ohlins shock! For street riders the performance difference (if any) would be small enough that it would tough to justify the extra $1000.

 

Again, Jamie is right. However, I only paid $750 for my Penske through traxxion dynamics, and it came set up for me and my bike. The shock may be more now, as that was 5 years ago. But I don't think they are $1300 now.

 

Not a bad deal at all! What I like about upgrading the stock shocks is that you can get the same performance for half price (at least). The last time I checked, Traxxion/Penske, Ohlins, and pretty much all others use a standard valving set and just change the spring for each rider. That's not really what I would call being "setup", but it's certainly better than stock!

 

Ummm, that is not how they used to do it as far as I know. That was why I ordered through traxxion. My bike also came with a dyno chart, showing how the shock performed on their chassis dyno. It did have the rebound set way too high (which I fixed), but it worked really well. I'm pretty fussy on my setup on both motorcycles and bicycles, and this shock works really well. If it is standard valving, it's standard valving that works. Both compression and rebound adjustments work for the range I'm in. Ohlins I can see doing that because they just ship them from Europe. But my Penske was made for me as per Traxxion's instructions. That's the impression I get. I also got preload and ride height with the shock. Not sure if the stock showa shocks get all that. But it is much cheaper to just have them rebuild, that's for sure Also, I got my Penske with the knowledge that if it wasn't setup right I could keep sending it back until I was happy. You crack open a showa and you've voided the warranty, I believe. But that's if there is any warrenty left. The showa route is much cheaper, and performance is going to be real close. I'm not sure I can agree that it will be as good, but I am talking inths, and I'm biased.

Rich

 

Opps, didn't know I might be stepping on you business toes Jamie. Sorry.

Daugherty Motorsports - Motorcycle Suspension Performance and Modification

 

I expected so much more from you JD.........

 

Just an update, guys. GP Suspension in Oregon City, put in some F4 internals I had purchased on ebay. In addition, Dave and Ben also put in their valving, shimmed and loaded me up with .95 springs, changed the oil, etc. Perfect. Now the darn thing turns in quick and holds the line through the corner extremely well. I didn't notice the pounding I was taking with the rebound prior to the upgrade, but notice it now that it's gone! If you push the bike on the sport side, this is a great mod worth doing.

As for the Penske, I agree. I don't have one on Vociferous, but just put one on my track bike. It's most excellent. Highly encourage the upgrade. I think I'll ride the Viffer on the stock shock prior to making an upgrade there. All-in-all, the VFR's stock setup is quite adequate. But if you indulge in the suspension upgrades, you will thank yourself for it. Better to be able to brake hard and corner well than sound like you can...

Thanks to all for the great advice.

 

The GP suspension valves work very well indeed. I'm not surprised that you like your setup! Correct springs and revalving the forks, even with the stock caps, makes a big improvement in the handling for sure.