So I did some research and found out that a shock off a late model R6 will fit the FJ with the clevis. Some modifications required. Looking on ebay there were several for sale. Some were take offs from race bikes that no miles on them. That is what I purchased off of a 2012 with no miles on it. When the shock arrived all was well, it looked brand new no signs of wear were visible. Four changes need to be made to the shock. #1 the spring was too light for the FJ so I order a spring, collar and preload spacer from Race Tech. #2 The bottom shock mount for the R6 is 7mm narrower than the FJ. So I called my machinist and he removed 3.5 mm from each side of the linkage so the shock will fit. A new bearing was installed for the narrower mount. #3 The top shock mount is 10mm on the R6 shock and the FJ is 12mm. So I ordered a bearing and pressed out the bushing that came it the R6 shock and pressed in the new bearing. #4 Shorter dog bones will need to be made. These can be done to the riders preference. I have only ridden it for about four shorter rides but the preliminary report is great. Need some more time in the saddle. I now have a modern shock hi/lo speed compression dampening, redound and preload adjustments. This the shock off of a modern sport bike and if I want to upgrade it Race Tech makes a Gold valve for this shock. Making it better than new. R6 shock is about 5mm longer than the FJ. The cost will very with the price of the shock but the total to date is just under $250.00. This is for the shock, spring, collar, preload spacer, bearings and machining. Dog bones I made and already had the steel. I changed the spring my self. The top shock mount will need to be shimmed with washers. More detailed information will follow but did not want to keep this under wraps any longer. If you have any question please feel free to ask.
Keep the wheels turning.
Kurt
Sounds good. The more options the better. Put some miles on her and give us a ride report. :good2:
George
Brilliant work mate :good2: , any pics :scratch_one-s_head:
Quote from: fj11.5 on September 03, 2013, 11:06:44 PM
Brilliant work mate :good2: , any pics :scratch_one-s_head:
Well I had pictures but broke my Galaxy S4 and they went with the phone. Had not downloaded them yet. Good news on the phone was that they replaced it under warranty. I will be swapping the swing arm and wheel later in the year and will take some more then.
Kurt
Dam phones, I hate when they die for no reason :dash2: understandable when they can't swim :biggrin:,, what S
ingarm will you be using
This sounds like a very reasonable alternative Kurt. :good2:
Yep, we need pictures and a complete write up for our Files.
Kudos!
Quote from: fj11.5 on September 03, 2013, 11:30:17 PM
Dam phones, I hate when they die for no reason :dash2: understandable when they can't swim :biggrin:,, what S
ingarm will you be using
I cracked the screen on the phone. Swingarm is off of a thunderace.
Kurt
Nice , I'll look forward to your wright up mate
Cheers
Rod
Quote from: yamaha fj rider on September 03, 2013, 09:49:59 PM
So I did some research and found out that a shock off a late model R6 will fit the FJ with the clevis. Some modifications required. Looking on ebay there were several for sale. Some were take offs from race bikes that no miles on them. That is what I purchased off of a 2012 with no miles on it. When the shock arrived all was well, it looked brand new no signs of wear were visible. Four changes need to be made to the shock. #1 the spring was too light for the FJ so I order a spring, collar and preload spacer from Race Tech. #2 The bottom shock mount for the R6 is 7mm narrower than the FJ. So I called my machinist and he removed 3.5 mm from each side of the linkage so the shock will fit. A new bearing was installed for the narrower mount. #3 The top shock mount is 10mm on the R6 shock and the FJ is 12mm. So I ordered a bearing and pressed out the bushing that came it the R6 shock and pressed in the new bearing. #4 Shorter dog bones will need to be made. These can be done to the riders preference. I have only ridden it for about four shorter rides but the preliminary report is great. Need some more time in the saddle. I now have a modern shock hi/lo speed compression dampening, redound and preload adjustments. This the shock off of a modern sport bike and if I want to upgrade it Race Tech makes a Gold valve for this shock. Making it better than new. R6 shock is about 5mm longer than the FJ. The cost will very with the price of the shock but the total to date is just under $250.00. This is for the shock, spring, collar, preload spacer, bearings and machining. Dog bones I made and already had the steel. I changed the spring my self. The top shock mount will need to be shimmed with washers. More detailed information will follow but did not want to keep this under wraps any longer. If you have any question please feel free to ask.
Keep the wheels turning.
Kurt
Sorry to dig up an old thread, I worked out that the R6 shock should go in my 3cv Bitsa with different swingarm. Got one arriving this week.
Just wondering if you have part numbers of the race tech bits you fitted, or know the spring rate?
How did you find this conversion?
I would also check with the folks at Traxxion Dynamics. They are very very good.
Re: Spring rate: according to Penske, the FJ can use a 900 lb spring (16.0 kg/mm) on the light side, up to a 1200 lb spring (21.4 kg/mm) on the heavy side, with everything in between.
Remember, the spring controls the bike, the shock controls the spring.
What you need to know is 1) exactly what shock did you get? 2) what spring rate is currently on the shock? 3) What spring rate do you want to run? 4) what is the correct length of spring needed to prevent coil bind and allow full range of motion on your new shock? 5) now, the important question: can the valves currently in the new shock properly control the heavier spring? 6) if not, can your new shock be rebuilt with custom rebound/compression valves?
Professional guidance is suggested.
FYI, Here's a link to the Race Tech site for the 2006-2007 YZF R-6 goodies:
http://www.racetech.com/ProductSearch/12/Yamaha/YZF-R6/2006-07 (http://www.racetech.com/ProductSearch/12/Yamaha/YZF-R6/2006-07)
If '06-'07 R-6 shock isn't what you bought, select your model here: http://www.racetech.com/VehicleSearch (http://www.racetech.com/VehicleSearch)
Hoping the OP "Yamaha FJ Rider" will be along any minute to share his experiences of the R6 shock in an FJ
Don't just wait Steve, send him a PM - I'm sure we'd all like an update.
I also ride a FZ1 2001 (Fazer 1000 here in the UK), which I put a R6 shock into - the difference in rear end control was pretty amazing for the cost (the shock was modded specifically to fit before I got it and the dog bones were also changed).
With the right set-up, I can't see why it shouldn't be a major improvement on the FJ too.
Quote from: Millietant on November 06, 2018, 10:44:20 AM
Don’t just wait Steve, send him a PM - I’m sure we’d all like an update.
I also ride a FZ1 2001 (Fazer 1000 here in the UK), which I put a R6 shock into - the difference in rear end control was pretty amazing for the cost (the shock was modded specifically to fit before I got it and the dog bones were also changed).
With the right set-up, I can’t see why it shouldn’t be a major improvement on the FJ too.
Done that, he’s been in touch and has been very helpful.
I started looking at fitting a Fazer (UK here too) shock, then read that owners were swapping to R6 units.
Fitting the R6 shock to the 3CV will require a few mods, the OP fitted his to a 3XW, but shouldn’t be too much of a ball ache.
My minty R6 shock arrived this morning, looks like a bargain.
Tell us more Steve.
What year shock did you get and specifically, what will you have to do to make it work?
Kurt's '93 vs. your '89 (both with dog bone linkage) should be the same.
Sound a good Steve,
Let us know how it all works when you're done please - I'm just running a Hagon shock, set up by them for my weight and riding style - what difference it made, I absolutely love it.
I'm sure the better shock will make a big difference on your 3CV. :good2:
Quote from: Pat Conlon on November 06, 2018, 03:49:43 PM
Tell us more Steve.
What year shock did you get and specifically, what will you have to do to make it work?
Kurt's '93 vs. your '89 (both with dog bone linkage) should be the same.
Pat, actually the shock mounting positions are different between the two models, so the dog bone length will be different.
Steve, did Kurt say he would post up for the rest of the forum members to be able to know how the conversion worked?
I'm sure there are many others interested with the application, modifications required and end result if the shock is a viable option.
I see Kurt had a thunderace swing arm, does that have any additional modifications required.
As Pat already requested more than five years ago and again this week, a full write up would be a benefit for members looking for other options.
Randy - RPM
Randy, question RE: Different shock mounting points on '89 vs. '93. I'm aware of the upper offset the '93 shock has, which matches the offset on the '93 lower relay arm. The '89/90's do not have this offset.
Is that the shock mount difference you were referring to, or are there more?
They both use an upper eye mount and a lower clevis, correct?
Sure, correct length dog bones need to be made, that's no biggie.
I think the bigger issue is:
In looking at the Race Tech specifications for the 2008-2015 YZF-R6 rear shock, it shows that the oem spring rate on that shock is 9.8 kg/mm.
Thinking about the lightest spring Penske recommends for the '89 FJ is a 1,000 lb spring which is 17.8 kg/mm spring.
My point is, I'll bet a jelly donut there in no way in hell the oem stock compression/rebound valves on the R6 shock will work on a 17.8 kg/mm spring.
It's too big of a jump to go from a light 9.8 kg/mm to a heavier 17.8 kg/mm spring without custom valves.
Add up the costs: 1) used R-6 shock 2) New spring and adjuster collar 3) custom valves 4) labor for shock 5) machine lower relay arm 6) upper/lower bearings
.....that should give you the true cost of this shock.
Kurt did mention that he was happy with everything.
I did start looking at Fazer 1000 shocks, but then read that owners were upgrading to R6 units, so I thought why not. Found one cheap, so won't lose out too much.
So far as I my build is concerned, it's a project that will take a couple of years to complete. The R6 shock looks doable, will need to remove the battery box mount (relocating my battery anyway) and some work will be required to the lower clevis. I will do a write up once I'm happy with the fit.
I can't attest to any performance gains. It may work out to be a waste of effort, but it's my first build and I'm really enjoying it. I've got a non yam front end and swingarm fitted, not your usual wheels in. Brakes all sorted, really big and beefy.
Worth noting my donor appears to have a Hagon fitted. Not stripped it down yet as I'm building this thing on a spare frame. Once I'm happy with the rolling chassis I'll transfer all the stuff in need over then get the stance right before modifying the bodywork. I've got clip ons and straight bars fitted to keep my options open.
I'll start a build thread once I'm happy with what I've done.
At last count it has parts from at least 8 different bikes, which will no doubt increase
Thanks for the update Steve - photo's of the bike's progress so far would be great :good2:
I bought my Hagon shock about 9-10 years ago, but had done only about 4,000 miles on it when I parked the bike up at the end of 2009 (I think). When i brought my FJ back into service, the shock started to leak oil immediately, so I took it to the Hagon factory and they rebuilt it and re-set it to suit me & my bike (£100), while I waited at the cafe next door for a couple of hours. If you choose to use the Hagon you've got on the donor bike, it might be worth calling them to arrange something similar (better to be safe than sorry).
Oh, and mine was handed back with a full warranty for the next 2 years (the same as they give for new shocks) - very worthwhile in my mind. Great product (bearing in mind the cost), great service :good2:
Quote from: Little Pink Steve on November 07, 2018, 05:14:30 AM
Kurt did mention that he was happy with everything.
Steve, did Kurt mention what spring rate he used?
Your build sounds bitchen! We hope you get some good pictures and details for us as you progress.
Cheers
Pat
Quote for Kurt’s PM
“The R6 shock got no modification. I used the stock spring and valving. I have the Thunder Ace swingarm on my 93. The dog bones were shortened as I recall. The bottom shock mount needs some work, one was 20mm and the other was 27mm. I don't remember the details. it works on the 91-95 and 89-90 years I think it was plug and play on the 89-90. I was super happy with it. It made the front feel weak”
Everything like this is objective and will depend on a number of things including riding style and one’s perception. I’m certainly not thinking in will be guaranteed right for me, however it’s cheap enough to try. Sometimes you just have to try and draw your own conclusions.
Honestly I doubt Im capable of riding to this shocks limits and the adjustability is more of a want than a need. Would be very happy with a tried and tested Hagon, just like to be different.
I’m using an 09 shock and is NOT plug and play, but I don’t think it will be that difficult. The battery box mount will need chopping off as it fowls the reservoir. The clevis on the shock will need a little work also.
Sounds like a great excuse to go for a tiny Lithium battery, instead of the huge brick we all use as standard :good2:
Quick update.
Had a little time on this this morning. Don't see this as an easy or safe mod. With the shock in the frame, top end, the bolt holes don't align. Which means more metal off the mount or eyelet, neither of which I'm convinced are safe options. The lower clevis will need some work also as it has square shoulders that will need rounding off.
Plus there's the hassle of spring rates and valving to consider.
So sorry guys I'm calling it a day on this one. I'll sell on my shock before I butcher it and use the Hagon from my donor bike. (Looks like a Hagon a least).