Suspension set up

Hi

My headlight seems to be pointing a bit skyward recently and I'm sorry to say it's not because I travel everywhere on one wheel

I think my rear shock might be on the way out (7 years and 32k miles) but before I spend cash getting it rebuilt/replaced I want to get my suspension properly set up as I've never had that done. GaryA noticed last night the rear sags a fair bit when I sit down.

Can anyone recommend a good place to go for this, or perhaps someone could just help me run a critical eye over it next Wednesday night at Blueboys? I don't push the bike particularly hard so if a bit of adjustment will get another year out of it, that'd be great

 

Hey Rob,

Perry at HM Racing did mine and it made a world of difference.

http://www.hmracing.co.uk/

Getting the correct suspension set up is the best mod you can do to the bike IMHO.

Regards
Neil

 

Steve Jordan, near Dorking did mine. No point setting it up though until you sort the shock out!!!

 

Agree, new or serviced shock first. Perry at HM at Edenbridge did both of mine to good effect. Although he may be busy as I saw him at Brands BSB testing last week.

 

K-Tech! By far!! http://www.k-tech.uk.com/

Hubby went there before last summer with a group of mates. All did a trip up, got a group discount and they put on a free BBQ for all. Given em a ring, they are quite cheap to and teach you and give you all your settings too...

 

I have to say I fear you're right, and it's a sealed unit so not a serviceable shock. I'm just hoping that what appears to be a failed unit is really just poor adjustment, as forking out £600 for a new one isn't filling me with joy...

 

HM racing done 2 for me - to r6 to ktech did not rate them but would use HM all day lond - Also DHR dover done this for me But jordan has left and is now at ashford Triumph...and they would charge sill money !

 

Ugh just had a quick Google (had some time to kill) ... £424.50 for a new rear shock? And it's not even a fancy one. Bleeeeuuuurgh why couldn't I have had a cheaper hobby

 

how much --- try Hagon shock - i know for a fact 300 got us a made to mesure one

conatct 0208 502 6222 - they do have a web site also

 

That price is for a Hagon with remote preload, which is the closest match for the Honda gubbins on it at the moment

 

First thing is to ascertain if the shock is in fact pony. Should that be the case, have a nose about google for VFR shock swap, you may find its common to swap in a unit off a different model for improved function or just easier sourcing of parts.
I upgraded the rear on mine from bare minimum level to fully adjustable and better built for a princely £35 and half an hour with a socket set.

 

Yeah , and half a roll of sticky backed plastic.!

 

Don't ever buy a new Honda shock at full price!!! Buy a Nitron, much better than a Hagon , but not Ohlins pricey.

 

Alright, bit of an update for those interested - spent about half an hour with the bike this morning checking front and rear sag, and got the forks and the rear shock pretty well matched up. The front of the bike now drops with the rear when I sit down, which is handy. Of course I'll have to wait until it's dark before sorting the headlight aim, but I'm starting to think the rear shock might have a couple more years left

 

How quick does the rear come back up? Spring could be ok, but not damping.

 

Damping is silky smooth. I'm now fairly sure I just didn't have enough preload on

 

Good to hear fella, suspension isn't such a black art once you start. Remember to take notes of what changes you make along with dates and any thoughts on the ride afterwards, can be invaluable in making those tweaks for a great ride.

 

Cheers that's good advice