vfr800 vtec rear shock getting hot

Hi new to this site as i've only just become a vfr owner.Love the bike but have noticed the rear end seems a bit harsh especially at lower speeds.I noticed the other day after a 20 mile or so ride the rear shock was very hot to the touch surely not normal.Has anyone else experienced this? my bike is a 2002 vtec with 27k miles.Any advice gratefully received.

 

Welcome. I'm pretty clueless when it comes to suspension so the only advice I can give is to check that the preload on the shock isn't cranked way up. I've never felt my shock after a ride, but it's possible that it's just hot from it's proximity to the exhaust/motor. Apparently the VFR shock is known to get soggy with age so maybe it is buggered.

 

Yeah my rear shock seems harsh too. I didn't really notice it till after I flushed out my front forks. I have messed with the preload and rebound but it still always seems harsh and bouncy. I think its time for a new fully adjustable one, after I get the new exhaust ceramic coated and on the bike, to help protect the new shock.

 

:welcome: to the nuts house from across the pond :wave:
The heat you feel can be from the engine, there is a small skirt between the engine and the rear shock to help block the heat, take a look to see if it roll up. What is you weight, you can swap out the spring using Race Tech they are very reasonable price.

 

Yeah i see the skirt and heat shield but the shock is that hot you can barely hold your hand against it surely something wrong or a very bad design flaw.I'm 12 stone so not a heavy weight by any means.

 

OK I bite. How much is a stone for us ignorant people over here. Even in metric land, that one is unfamiliar.

I can't say as I have ever touched my shock to see if it gets hot. But it did last me somewhere around 90,00 miles and a few very long nonstop rides. By that time, the shock was kinda worn out but hey, I think you have to expect that. Especially you can consider I weigh about 220 pounds and will carry upwards of 150 to 180 pounds of gear when I go on a trip.

 

Its normal....based on its location, the shock get seriously hot. Ride and don't worry about it!:smile:

 

Cheers mate thanks for putting my mind at ease :biggrin:

 

I also weigh about 12 stone (170 lbs.) My shock was pretty hot after a 25 mile ride and still hot to the touch an hour later. So I think it's normal.

 

So a stone is same as about 14 pounds or 6.5 kg give or take?

 

The internet must be run by very smart people. Actually a stone is 6.35029 kg.