Re: Rear Shock question - what fits?

mik_str · Post by **mik_str** » Wed Jul 22, 2009 3:58 am

This topic has been discussed at length on the superhawkforum and the general consensus is that the VTR has one of the longer, if the longest, OEM shock of any recent streetbike so direct replacement are non-existant. That being said, there is a chap on the site (Jamie Daugherty) who fits F4i shocks with an extension to make it fit so you may want to explore that option. If you want to stick with the OEM piece, perhaps some upgraded valving would do some good. AS for springs, I have a Hyperpro progressive spring that I am parting with (and that you could have for a decent price) but chances are that shipping it across The Pond would be quite dear.

Good luck

Zakalwe · Post by **Zakalwe** » Wed Jul 22, 2009 7:51 am

Speak to Andy or Nick at Kais Suspensionin Atherton. At the minimum, they will fit a stiffer spring. They will probably be able to rebuild the shock as well, freshening up the oil and re-gassing it. maybe even a revalve if you want to go the whole hog.

They've always done good work for me (2 sets of forks and a re-spring and re-valve on a Gixxer shock for the track bike). Â£50 will get you a new spring set up for your weight, Â£150 upwards will get the shock rebuilt.

Post by **sirch345** » Wed Jul 22, 2009 9:03 am

Tim,
I fitted a Maxton (weight related) spring to my original Firestorm shock (as Zalalwe said around Â£50).

If you're on a tight budget, for the money I'd say well worth having, but that will largely depend on how many miles your standard shock has done.

As with most things to do with better suspension, the more money you throw at it the better the results.

Probably the next best thing for the money is going to be a Hagon Shock. (That is if you don't go for a rebuild of the standard shock as Zalawe mentions). Some of our members on here have them fitted and are very happy with the results. No doubt they'll be along shortly to advise.

Chris.

Post by **sirch345** » Wed Jul 22, 2009 9:51 pm

Timbo wrote: Chris, where did you get your spring and did it require collets etc to fit it?

My spring originally came from http://www.maxtonsuspension.co.uk/

It was supplied complete with the collar. The reason you need a collar is, if you look closely at the standard shock spring you'll see one end has a smaller diameter than the other. This is where the collar comes in as the Maxton spring is like most shock springs, the same diameter from end to end.

I 'm pretty sure they rebuild the standard shock too, but worth asking, if only for a price as it might not be as bad as you think.

A Hagon shock with a weight related spring will be under Â£300 iirc.

See pic below, that should give you an idea of what I'm talking about regarding the collar etc:-

HTH,

Chris.

madcow · Post by **madcow** » Wed Jul 22, 2009 10:29 pm

if you can sort out a spring i am sure i can knock up a spacer,if someone knows how long it needs to be !

Post by **sirch345** » Thu Jul 23, 2009 8:57 am

Timbo wrote: p.s. Just had a look at Maxton site, wouldnt you know it, they are near me So i feel a team lunchtime field trip coming on in the data centre tomorrow.

That's a bit of luck Tim, I hadn't realised they were near you. I be interested too hear how it all goes.

Chris.

warby221 · Post by **warby221** » Thu Jul 23, 2009 5:19 pm

FirestormMike wrote:Didn't someone on here have an R1 shock fitted ?

yep me and it didn't work lol

spring loading was way to weak as it uses 10mm dia wire
and with a stiffer spring you run out of damping on the shock

edit: has any one got any pic's of the R1 linkage????
i may be able to work out the linkage geomatry to be able to use an R1 shock

Post by **sirch345** » Thu Jul 23, 2009 10:01 pm

Timbo wrote:Well, the good news just flows.

Spoke to Richard at Maxton and they do a weight related spring and collar for the firestorm standard shock for Â£70. You can buy the kit for Â£70 or take/post your shock to them and they fit it for no extra charge, takes a couple of days. Richard, the technical blokie at Maxton said there are 2 different shocks for the storm (i did not know that, but there is apparently a small difference) and it is best to let them fit it as they will ensure the correct pre-load etc and also give it the once over while its there.

So i am dropping my spare shock off at Maxton on my way to work tomorrow as they are in Frodsham in Cheshire.

Will keep you posted on the results.

Ah that's the guy, Richard, I couldn't think of his name, well it was a while ago now. That sounds like the best thing getting them to fit it, even better they don't charge for that,

Chris.