CBR929 shock for 5th gen - nice cheap upgrade!

Picked up a 929 shock off ebay for $34 delivered. Even though the 929 was 80 lbs lighter than the VFR, the spring rate is the same for the 5th gen shock. It's rebound and compression adjustable with an external reservoir.
After setting sag at 38 mm, preload was set to 3 clicks from full - I set both rebound and compression a half turn softer from standard position, may mess with those later.
Ride: definately improved. Takes bumps better, turn in is sweeter and holds a line better. It's just a better shock, what can I say?
Here's some install instructions I found on VFRD, I just used a 2" longer bolt and bunch of washers to get just shy of 1 3/4" spacing, giving me what feels exactly like what I had with the stocker plus 2 washers.

http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=17268&hl=929+shock

 

Giving the gift that seems to keep on giving, here's a link to my first post on this mod back in 2002:



Later on, I saw the shim-the-upper-mount method used instead of the rather "lame" bracket version I first came up with; much better.

 

2002 - wow, thanks for starting a great idea. :tea: Just took bike for a nice 160 mile ride through some rocky mountain twisties - biggest difference other than taking bumps is how much more stable the VFR is in a turn - I could just let go of the bars leaned over and it wouldnt budge. Bang/buck = :first:

 

Hi, Does this shock have the same suspension travel as the VFR vtec ? 54.5mm I believe the vtec is.

 

I recently purchased a brand new 929 shock off of ebay for $60 shipped. I have had it on my bike now for about a month and I just wanted to say it made a huge difference. The bumps no longer kick me all over the saddle, I also feel way more stable in corners. If anyone is even considering this mod I would say to you do it and do it now! :thumbsup: The most difficult part of the install was getting to the linkage bolts and fabing up a spacer. There is a very good how to thread here. 929/954 Shock Install (5th Gen) - VFRD Now if I can just figure out what to do with the forks.

 

What type of shock will fit on a 4th Gen? I have a 96 and am heavier than the previous owner (I am 215) Plus I am just looking to upgrade the bike.

 

929 for the 4th gen too. search for 929 install and you should find my post and pics on it.

 

Do you need to rebuild the shock or anything? I have seen a couple on ebay for the price you guys got yours but they seem to be in bad shape. Is this something I need to just wait and look for, or should I plan on rebuilding and replacing rusted springs and such?

 

I watched ebay for a few weeks to get mine. Just be patient and wait for one in good condition to pop up. Oh, and be sure you get a 929 shock some of the sellers say the 929 and 954 are the same but they aren't.

 

Yeah just add it to your search list and have them come in your email as they are listed. If I find one for you Ill PM you.