Well, I now have 35,000 miles on my baby and she is getting soft in the rear. Does anyone know if the rear shock can be serviced? If so, how and can I do it myself. It's an ABS model if that makes a difference (has the remote preload adjuster).
Thanks.
Basically all shocks can be rebuilt, but many are not worth the cost! :blush:
I would suggest that you buy a used CBR F4i shock and have it rebuilt and set-up for your weight vs rebuilding a stock shock.
BTW you can probably use the abs's remote preload adjuster on the F4i shock also, the shock shop can install it for you.
Absolutely, I service and upgrade stock VFR shocks all the time. A basic rebuild is pretty straightforward, and while inside there are ways to squeeze better performance from the OEM unit. In fact, you can make th perform quite well - easily better than a stock F4 shock. The biggest advantage to a CBR shock is the added adjustability they offer.
[image: View Post]JamieDaugherty, on 22 February 2011 - 12:31 PM, said:
Absolutely, I service and upgrade stock VFR shocks all the time. A basic rebuild is pretty straightforward, and while inside there are ways to squeeze better performance from the OEM unit. In fact, you can make th perform quite well - easily better than a stock F4 shock. The biggest advantage to a CBR shock is the added adjustability they offer.
Jamie, can you point me to some more info on this? I'm very curious as to how you would rebuild the shock (or whom to send it to), where to get any necessary parts, and how you could improve performance.
[image: View Post]TalkingPie, on 23 February 2011 - 09:46 PM, said:
Jamie, can you point me to some more info on this? I'm very curious as to how you would rebuild the shock (or whom to send it to), where to get any necessary parts, and how you could improve performance.
Thanks!
The stock shock must have a hole drilled in the body to release the nitrogen pressure in order to disassemble it. In order to reassemble it this hole must have a recharge port added so that it can be recharged with nitrogen. That's all part of what I do when upgrading the VFR (and other stock Showa) rear shocks. Probably not something for the do-it-yourself-er to attempt.
The shock can accept RaceTech Gold valving. I've done many of these setups for VFR's over the years so I've got a lot of data to draw from when determining the correct valving configuration. The valving is where all of the performance is generated. Many people don't realize that aftermarket shocks come standard with whatever valving the manufcaturer thinks would be a "middle of the road" for all riders. That means it not right for anyone, certainly less than ideal. Getting your shock valved specifically for you and the type of riding you do will be the key to a good performing suspension. I'd put a properly valved OEM shock up against any out of the box aftermarket shock, I think they perform that well. Gold Valves are what I run in my own bikes!
[image: View Post]JamieDaugherty, on 23 February 2011 - 10:03 PM, said:
[image: View Post]TalkingPie, on 23 February 2011 - 09:46 PM, said:
Jamie, can you point me to some more info on this? I'm very curious as to how you would rebuild the shock (or whom to send it to), where to get any necessary parts, and how you could improve performance.
Thanks!
The stock shock must have a hole drilled in the body to release the nitrogen pressure in order to disassemble it. In order to reassemble it this hole must have a recharge port added so that it can be recharged with nitrogen. That's all part of what I do when upgrading the VFR (and other stock Showa) rear shocks. Probably not something for the do-it-yourself-er to attempt.
The shock can accept RaceTech Gold valving. I've done many of these setups for VFR's over the years so I've got a lot of data to draw from when determining the correct valving configuration. The valving is where all of the performance is generated. Many people don't realize that aftermarket shocks come standard with whatever valving the manufcaturer thinks would be a "middle of the road" for all riders. That means it not right for anyone, certainly less than ideal. Getting your shock valved specifically for you and the type of riding you do will be the key to a good performing suspension. I'd put a properly valved OEM shock up against any out of the box aftermarket shock, I think they perform that well. Gold Valves are what I run in my own bikes!
I hope this helps!
Thanks for all the info. I guess the next question is, how much will you charge me to rebuild it, including the RT Gold Valve kit? BTW there are no leaks, just about 35K miles on it.
[image: View Post]crazybrother, on 24 February 2011 - 09:09 AM, said:
[image: View Post]JamieDaugherty, on 23 February 2011 - 10:03 PM, said:
[image: View Post]TalkingPie, on 23 February 2011 - 09:46 PM, said:
Jamie, can you point me to some more info on this? I'm very curious as to how you would rebuild the shock (or whom to send it to), where to get any necessary parts, and how you could improve performance.
Thanks!
The stock shock must have a hole drilled in the body to release the nitrogen pressure in order to disassemble it. In order to reassemble it this hole must have a recharge port added so that it can be recharged with nitrogen. That's all part of what I do when upgrading the VFR (and other stock Showa) rear shocks. Probably not something for the do-it-yourself-er to attempt.
The shock can accept RaceTech Gold valving. I've done many of these setups for VFR's over the years so I've got a lot of data to draw from when determining the correct valving configuration. The valving is where all of the performance is generated. Many people don't realize that aftermarket shocks come standard with whatever valving the manufcaturer thinks would be a "middle of the road" for all riders. That means it not right for anyone, certainly less than ideal. Getting your shock valved specifically for you and the type of riding you do will be the key to a good performing suspension. I'd put a properly valved OEM shock up against any out of the box aftermarket shock, I think they perform that well. Gold Valves are what I run in my own bikes!
I hope this helps!
Thanks for all the info. I guess the next question is, how much will you charge me to rebuild it, including the RT Gold Valve kit? BTW there are no leaks, just about 35K miles on it.
Nows a good time to start PM'ing each other about the details of working together gentlemen.