How is 5th-gen stock suspension?

So up until a few days ago, I was happy with my 5th-gen (2000) stock suspension. Then I had the opportunity to ride a 2006 ZX-10R for a couple of weeks, and when I came back to the VFR, it felt crappy. When I hit a bump going down the freeway at 40 mph (in traffic) the front end seems to want to bounce around a bit before settling. What's more worrisome is that I can't really corner very aggressively, as it feels like the rear tire wants to let loose and wash out.

So...how good or bad is the stock suspension on these VFRs? Should I just live with it, or will adjustments of some kind help?

I'm 6'0" and weigh 150 lbs.

Thanks.

So, a fast update - as I was typing my original post, I realized that some of the problems might be caused by low tire pressure. I just ran out and checked them, and both tires were 5-10 lbs low.

How does low tire pressure affect handling?

Even if you had the tire pressure perfect all of the time it would not make up for the fact that the VFR has soft springs front and rear, limited adjustments, and comparatively thin fork tubes. I have the 2004-2005 zx10r and there is no comparison in handling between these two bikes.

The stock vfr suspension is a pogo stick. You can do some of the suspension mods and improve it quite a bit, or even go all out and put inverted forks and all of the related parts and get an ohlins or penske shock for the rear..$$$$$$$. It still will not be a zx10r or any other kind of track scratcher.

The gear driven cam v4 has makes a sound like nothing else. That is why I like that model.

We weigh the same and I learned about the reality of the mushy suspension when I got my gen 5.

The stock VFR suspension is fine until about 50,000km, then the springs are shot and the rear shock is shot. You can rebuild the rear but the type of shock will see it wearing out in another 25-30k km.

Most owners go down the path of Ohlins/wilbers/Penske etc shocks.

For the front replace the springs with after market ones, and change the fork oil every 12 months. The oil turns to grey/gray sludge very quickly. You only have preload on these forks so not much room for adjustments.

Or you can go down the frankenviffer route and fit USD forks :)

You shouldn't have to live with bad suspension, unless you do not have the $ to do something about it. I would check out www.Daughertymotorsports.com. Jamie is a forum member and has helped many of us with our suspension woes, myself included.

Cheers

Okay, so it isn't just me - good to know. The zx10r is actually mine (I got it with ruined covers and replaced them), but almost everyone I know who know motorcycles are fearful of what will happen to me if I keep it. Of course, that means that my wife also wants me to get rid of it. Such a darn fun bike...and it only has 11,000 miles on it, so it's practically new.

The VFR has 77,000 miles on it, has a chain that needs replacing really soon, and has nagging electrical issues that I'm having trouble tracking down (FI light comes on dimly at erratic times).

With the mileage, electrical issues, and less-than-ideal suspension setup, I'm considering getting rid of it. What else could I get, though? The V4 with the gear-driven cams sounds so sweet, and I don't think there's another bike like it.

sounds like your VFR just needs some TLC to get it back to normal, 77k miles is not end-of-life.

It depends on what you paid for and if you are ok with working on your bike. This site can walk through almost anything related to improving that bike.

If you got it cheap and are receptive and patient enough to slowly improve it then go ahead and do some maintenance on the suspension and electrical.

That zx10 has brutal power. the top gear roll on on that bike from 60-80 is about 2.5 seconds. If you do not have the discipline and the experience to handle that kind of power it may be best to sell it and buy something like that in 2 or 3 years.

I like more power in my bikes, but if you want a gear driven cam v4 you only have that gen vfr and earlier as your choice. So I have similar dilema regarding building one with my spare parts or buying one and dumping even more money to make the bike handle somewhat similar to what I am used to.

What did you pay for yours?

You shouldn't have to live with bad suspension, unless you do not have the $ to do something about it. I would check out www.Daughertymotorsports.com. Jamie is a forum member and has helped many of us with our suspension woes, myself included.

Cheers

My forks and Ohlins shock are at Jamie's now for re-valving and springs. Based upon all the great feedback of his work I decided to take the plunge and get the suspension done "right".

I did the Racetech full mod on the front and an Elka 3-way on the back. Absolutely LOVED IT. Very confidence-inspiring. I didn't think the stock set-up was bad until I experienced the change. It was by far the best modification I did. Not cheap though; about $2k IIRC.

A suspension upgrade on a 5th gen (or any viffer) is well worth the bucks spent. Its a night and day difference.

So...how good or bad is the stock suspension on these VFRs? Should I just live with it, or will adjustments of some kind help?

I'm 6'0" and weigh 150 lbs.

Thanks.

At 150lbs your job is an easy one as stock spring rates are almost right on for you.
At 77k it's shot, but a vast improvement is only a small investment away.
Go to ebay or post in out ads and find a CBR 929 shock(not 954), these are selling for $50 or less. Make a simple upper mount bracket extension(add 5mm over stock vfr length) and Slap that shock on the bike.
Next just rebuild your forks! New oil and seals and if your springs aren't not sagged out (check specs) then just reuse them, otherwise get newer and maybe slightly stiffer springs like .80's(.74's stock) at Sonic for around $80. Add 10cc's extra oil in each fork leg, Drop the front 5mm(raise tubes 5mm) set sag and correct air pressures and ride the crap out of it!!! :tour:
Add a set of Michelin Pilot Powers and you'll have a new beast minus 70 hp to the ZX.

Enjoy!

BR

My bike has 30k on it and the prior owner was a light weight, like me at 165lbs without gear. I set the suspension at standard factory settings as per the manuals and i find it is spot on. I ride at a "brisk" pace and have some racing background. Am i missing something? All these mods? Admitted, i dont track this bike. Is my bike just a good one? It has been well looked after. Maybe i just assume that if the tires stay on the ground and she doesn't bounce around... Job done?

My bike has 30k on it and the prior owner was a light weight, like me at 165lbs without gear. I set the suspension at standard factory settings as per the manuals and i find it is spot on. I ride at a "brisk" pace and have some racing background.

Am i missing something?

Not really, if your not the avg american heavy and the stock suspension is in good shape (with decent tires!!!) the VFR handles pretty good up to moderatly quick Pace. :tour:
BR

I'm with Baily. If you're at 77k and have never serviced the suspension, then I would just mend it instead of getting rid of it. I had the opportunity to ride a 5th gen with some upgrades to the stock suspension and it felt much better than mine.

How well maintained is the bike? How's the brake and clutch fluid? Is it an ale or a stout?

Money spent on upgrading the suspension on a 5th gen is money well spent. I put over $2K in mine, and don't regret it one bit.

As you become a more aggressive rider you will be demanding more from the stock VFR suspension than it can deliver. Spring rates and fresh fork oil will help some. But if you want to improve it more the suspension mods begin to add up in cost. In my oppinion the 5th gen is a keeper so if you add a better after market shock and some better valving in the forks is very worth it. If you are looking for a track/canyon bike chiefly then there are much better bikes. VFR is a great do it all bike.