I have read through some of the old posts but still need some additional input. I am looking to replace the rear shock on my '89. The bike has 69k miles on it and I am about 255lbs which translates to the rear shock basically just being a spring. Damping is almost non-existent no matter what I set it to.
What are the some of the things people upgrade with or is there a fix/rebuild for the stock shock?
I like the GSXR conversion but am not so big on the increase in height due to it, my back and wrists remind me of my age already enough.
Re-read the files section under GSXR shock mod before you consider this route. I bought a Penske, and have never looked back! :good2: :drinks:
===
Post from Yahoo group
==
2008-Jan-22
Warning!!! Don't bother.
The 'kind' folks at RaceTech don't have a clue about how to set up a shock from a 400 lb GSXR to work on a 550 lb FJ1100/1200. I know because I WASTED 2+ months F*$@*ng with them trying to get technical assistance. Fellow FJ Lister Gary Mastro went to their offices, with receipt in hand, to try to 'remind' them of what they'd done on his GSXR-FJ shock. RaceTech shrugged their shoulders!!!
My local RaceTech service guy jaw-jacked with their lead-tech/monkey for 2 hours, and came up with 'this might work'. That was my stopping point. I now have a Penske 8987. Bolt on, ride away. A few others here also have a Penske. They seem to work OK.
If you & whoever you have servicing your shock want to to try to go down this possibly expensive road, prepare for frustration. (I figured about $200 worth of frustration each time RaceTech guesses wrong!)
My 2ยข
-- RKBA Regards,
Ed
Penske, Penske, Penske!
Did I mention Penske?
DavidR.
PS, the answer is Penske!
What might the options be for a 85??????
Uh,... let me think,...
Penske!
DavidR.
cmon, hertz, budget, there has to be a alternative.
I guess I will have to check into penske since your so adamant on them
Yeah, this has me wondering... is the Penske really $400 better than the Ohlins?
Quote from: threejagsteve on October 08, 2009, 05:38:21 PM
Yeah, this has me wondering... is the Penske really $400 better than the Ohlins?
If you can buy an Ohlins for $200, then maybe yes. But then a $200 Ohlins is probably a piece of junk.
I have Penske Sport Shocks that are around $600. Spring preload, rebound damping, and ride height adjustments only. All those extra adjusters on the more expensive versions are just something to screw it up with. :-)
I was easliy convinced when I was able to ride my '85 with the Penske back to back with my '93 and its stock shock. World of difference.
DavidR.
DavidR.
Quote from: threejagsteve on October 08, 2009, 05:38:21 PM
Yeah, this has me wondering... is the Penske really $400 better than the Ohlins?
does the ohlins have adjustable ride height ? No
(however you can get one with the nice hydraulic preload adjuster... but i believe you can also get that feature on a penske)
the ohlins comes with a spring.... if its not the right one you will have to buy another
if the valving doesnt suit the bike /rider weight then you will have to pay to get it revalved
the nice folks at traxxion will kindly sell you a Penske that they will guarrantee to have the correct rate spring and valving... if you are not happy they will valve and spring it until you are happy.... no extra charge. but some shipping required if you cant make it to their shop.
yes the Penske is worth the extra money..... it costs money when you want the very best.
BTW they also have the "sport" version of the penske which is a couple hundred less expensive but yet can be fully upgraded in the future should you ever feel the need.
KOokaloo!
The cheapest penske is $625.00. I think they will fit anything since they custom make each one.
I appreciate that but for street riding day in and day out there has got to be a much less expensive alternative
Quote from: thuber3040 on October 08, 2009, 06:49:06 PM
The cheapest penske is $625.00. I think they will fit anything since they custom make each one.
I appreciate that but for street riding day in and day out there has got to be a much less expensive alternative
street riding day in and day out is when you really appreciate the benefit of the Penske....... maybe GURU George on the other list is who you need to be talking to.... he will tell you that bias ply tires are far superior to modern radials and that the stock shock is just fine and never needs to be upgraded regardless of how you ride or how much you weigh.
following his advice will save you a ton of money.
what is 625.00..... three (two?) payments on a new motorcycle?
i guarrantee you put a penske on your FJ and you will think its a different motorcyle.
but thats just my opinion... and the opinion of everyone else who has gone penske.
Kookaloo!
OK, OK... :flag_of_truce:
I did a quick search for Penske 8987, since that was the p/n Ed posted - One site said $1150 (+~$100 for a spring); the other, $1170 (spring cost not mentioned).
And I believe the Ohlins go for $750-850+, depending on options.
I've really been noticing my stock shock since I upgraded my front springs and put the 15-wt oil in.
So I'm paying attention... ;)
BTW and FWIW, I just checked the (rather expensive but easily searchable) Pasadena Yamaha online parts listing for a stock shock for an '89... $689.98!
But that's not all! If you have a '91 (like me), a plain-jane OEM stock shock will set you back $789.92!
All of a sudden, these hi-po aftermarket shocks aren't looking so pricey after all! (http://i33.tinypic.com/2a9phqt.gif)
Cheers, and the duck says, "Kookaloo!" (http://i34.tinypic.com/fa8so1.jpg)
Well never mind then.
Certainly did not mean to anger people.
Thats just way out of my price range for any of those
Quote from: threejagsteve on October 08, 2009, 07:19:11 PM
OK, OK... :flag_of_truce:
I did a quick search for Penske 8987, since that was the p/n Ed posted - One site said $1150 (+~$100 for a spring); the other, $1170 (spring cost not mentioned).
And I believe the Ohlins go for $750-850+, depending on options.
I've really been noticing my stock shock since I upgraded my front springs and put the 15-wt oil in.
So I'm paying attention... ;)
BTW and FWIW, I just checked the (rather expensive but easily searchable) Pasadena Yamaha online parts listing for a stock shock for an '89... $689.98!
But that's not all! If you have a '91 (like me), a plain-jane OEM stock shock will set you back $789.92!
All of a sudden, these hi-po aftermarket shocks aren't looking so pricey after all! (http://i33.tinypic.com/2a9phqt.gif)
Cheers, and the duck says, "Kookaloo!" (http://i34.tinypic.com/fa8so1.jpg)
the Penske "sport" shock is all most people would need for street riding... i believe it's right in line with the pricing for a stock shock
i have the double adjustable 8981
the triple adjustable 8987 is big bucks and IMO overkill for street riding.
Kookaloo!
Quote from: thuber3040 on October 08, 2009, 07:34:54 PM
Well never mind then.
Certainly did not mean to anger people.
Thats just way out of my price range for any of those
LOL you're not angering anyone.... and i dont blame you for wanting to work within a budget.... however having good suspension is going to make a world of difference in how the motorcycle rides and in how much you enjoy riding it..... look at it like this..... if you buy a penske and then someday decide to sell your FJ the Penske can be fit to most any motorcycle you decide to replace it with.....even a brand new one!
think of a premium shock as an investment in your motorcycle riding future.
i cant always afford everything i want.... but i know how to put money back until i can afford the things i really want...my technique is called "saving up money for the stuff i want" :biggrin:
Kookaloo! :yahoo:
Quote from: thuber3040 on October 08, 2009, 07:34:54 PM
Well never mind then.
Certainly did not mean to anger people.
Thats just way out of my price range for any of those
Now, now, thuber3040,
I'd be surprised if anyone's feathers were ruffled, much less
angered. :D
And yes, it's all too pricey for me too right now (counting my pennies for a pair of pods and the jets it'll take to make 'em good).
But I, for one, try to keep up with what's out there whether I can afford it or not... you never know when you might run across a bargain, or a windfall!
Cheers, and the duck says, "Kookaloo!" (http://i34.tinypic.com/fa8so1.jpg)
Thank you, and I will add the shocks to my long list, after a front end and wheels and tires, and shopping for new muffler
Then I will add my pods and the jetting, think I've still got some spares laying around.
Tim
If you can find a set for a fzr1000 cheap, they are the same for fj's
I love that the only answer is "get a bigger budget, nothing under $600 will work".
Quote from: andyb on October 08, 2009, 09:54:21 PM
I love that the only answer is "get a bigger budget, nothing under $600 will work".
its more than a shock simply "working"
you want a shock that is worth the money spent on it!
my answer to that question as it applies to a FJ is ....... Penske
if you want to find out how expensive a good shock really is?...... buy a cheap shock first! :dash1:
KOokaloo!
Don't know if this is any help, but this is the shock I was told would preform great and save me a few bucks over the other brands. The nice thing about these is they are costume built to your specs. The dealer I was working with quoted me reasonable prices somewhere between $450 to $650 depending on the shock I ordered, but don't hold me to that price because it was well over a year ago. They need some info on your weight, riding style, bike use, etc. and then I think it was a 2 week turnaround and they ship straight to your home. But, this is on my long list so I don't have the shock yet, but I am saving so it wont be to much longer.
Anyways.... linky.... http://www.tipp-69.com/wilbers_shock_absorber/type_631/index.html (http://www.tipp-69.com/wilbers_shock_absorber/type_631/index.html)
Like I said, don't hold me to the price, here is one for a BMW, it a bit less money, but doesn't include shipping and may not be as large as the FJs.
http://www.hermanusa.com/index.php?target=products&product_id=29826 (http://www.hermanusa.com/index.php?target=products&product_id=29826)
The dealer I was using is in Cali. I can hook you up with them if you like. They are great guys and I highly recommend them.
Later......
+2 for the Penske (I have them on both FJ's) I had to get a second on the home (kidding but close)
I wasted entirely way too much time and money on dicking around with my '84's rear shock. I could not get it dialed in right.
Bought the Penske 8981 (thanks to Frank and David) and problem solved.
Note: If you do buy the 8981 with the remote reservoir, specify a 11.5" line and it will place the reservoir right where you want it on the subframe. (thanks Gazza)
http://tinyurl.com/yguj284 (http://tinyurl.com/yguj284)
Yeppers, definitely the most expensive item I've ever bought for my FJs but well worth it.
I should have followed Frank and David's advice several years ago when I asked the same question.
LOL It's a testament that their advice has remained so consistent thru the years
Busy topic, thanks for the input. Let me get this right, Penske....right? :smile:
I was hoping someone would come up with a cheaper option but I guess that was just a dream. For those of you who owned original new FJ's how did the stock shock perform when it was new. I am assuming that some of my problems are due to wear after 69k miles.
Putting a grand into the FJ is somewhat out of reach for me right now and I do enjoy riding it even with the current configuration but I think I found a way to cure my shock blues. Whenever I feel that the FJ doesn't quite handle good enough I take my wifes 1982 Honda CM450 for a ride. That cures me for about a week and is easily repeated. Everything is relative!
Quote from: threejagsteve on October 08, 2009, 08:15:16 PM
And yes, it's all too pricey for me too right now (counting my pennies for a pair of pods and the jets it'll take to make 'em good).
Sorry, not trying to pick on you, but I just have to ask: Why are you spending money on pods and jets?
Are you trying to add speed? If your FJ is stock then you're just wasting time and money. The only thing pods will help is simplify the carb removal process. You can shim the needles and run the stock air filter and get the same performance as "pods and jets."
Now, if you want a "better" motorcycle that's quicker, then spend your money on suspension upgrades. The payback is 100X better than what any other "performance upgrades" will get you.
Unless you're wanting a drag racer, then nevermind...
DavidR.
The stock, even when new, was under-sprung and under-damped. Cranking up the preload just makes it more harsh. A quality shock that is setup correctly is simply amazing.
Also, be ware of shocks advertised as being "just as good as a Penske." As Jeff used to like to say, "similar price, but old technology." There are shock manufacturers out there that jack up their price so you think they are better quality, but you may find that they still use tapered needle and orafice damping (which is what th estock shocks use) rather than shim stacks.
DavidR.
Besides...these things are a mechanical masterpiece...beautiful... :nyam2:
(http://tinyurl.com/3dndxn)
Cheers...Jake
Quote from: SlowOldGuy on October 09, 2009, 12:59:58 PM
Quote from: threejagsteve on October 08, 2009, 08:15:16 PM
And yes, it's all too pricey for me too right now (counting my pennies for a pair of pods and the jets it'll take to make 'em good).
Sorry, not trying to pick on you, but I just have to ask: Why are you spending money on pods and jets?
Are you trying to add speed? If your FJ is stock then you're just wasting time and money. The only thing pods will help is simplify the carb removal process. You can shim the needles and run the stock air filter and get the same performance as "pods and jets."
Now, if you want a "better" motorcycle that's quicker, then spend your money on suspension upgrades. The payback is 100X better than what any other "performance upgrades" will get you.
Unless you're wanting a drag racer, then nevermind...
DavidR.
David, please see my reply on my "Son of SoCal Fix-Up" thread - don't wanna go off-topic! ;)
Quote from: jvb_ca on October 09, 2009, 01:45:49 PM
Besides...these things are a mechanical masterpiece...beautiful... :nyam2:
(http://tinyurl.com/3dndxn)
Cheers...Jake
i bought my penske in 99 right after i got my FJ which had only 3500 miles on it.... the stock shock?......well let's just say it sucked hind teet.
i could not get proper sag numbers and when i did get close the harshness of the ride made a bumpy road into pure torture.
after all these years my Penske is still performing as well as it ever did.
i see a shock sock in the photo.... good move getting one of those.... i am positive that keeping the sock on mine has kept dirt and grime from eating the seals on the shaft and has contributed greatly to the shocks long life.
i know it covers up the beauty but it's the performance we all value the most right? :gamer:
KOokaloo!
The standard Hagon starts at around $440... I have heard good things about thier stuff on other forums.
http://www.davequinnmotorcycles.com/cgi-bin/webc.cgi/HAGON_MONOSHOCKS.html (http://www.davequinnmotorcycles.com/cgi-bin/webc.cgi/HAGON_MONOSHOCKS.html)
Quote from: the fan on October 09, 2009, 07:40:02 PM
The standard Hagon starts at around $440... I have heard good things about thier stuff on other forums.
http://www.davequinnmotorcycles.com/cgi-bin/webc.cgi/HAGON_MONOSHOCKS.html (http://www.davequinnmotorcycles.com/cgi-bin/webc.cgi/HAGON_MONOSHOCKS.html)
yeah but the special build shocks are getting closer to Penske in price... and you would definitely want to have the shock sprung and valved to suit.
hmmmm......and no ride height adjustment....... what happens if you dont like the spring and valving they pick for you? think they make you pay until you are happy with it?
Penske
Penske
Penske
KOokaloo!!!!
Quote from: SlowOldGuy on October 09, 2009, 01:09:57 PM
The stock, even when new, was under-sprung and under-damped. Cranking up the preload just makes it more harsh. A quality shock that is setup correctly is simply amazing.
Also, be ware of shocks advertised as being "just as good as a Penske." As Jeff used to like to say, "similar price, but old technology." There are shock manufacturers out there that jack up their price so you think they are better quality, but you may find that they still use tapered needle and orafice damping (which is what th estock shocks use) rather than shim stacks.
DavidR.
Ohlins uses shim stacks, but they aren't quite as good as the Penske, main difference being ride-height adjustability(bought new, most Ohlins dealers will respring and adjust the damping stacks free, once... maybe twice). I bought a used Ohlins a few years ago and am happy with it. I had a Works Performance shock on before that, it was less expensive and "old" technology sprung ball and orifice damping. The shimstack damping is several orders of magnitude better....
resistance is futile, you will be assimilated , get the penske.
Quote from: Mark Olson on October 10, 2009, 02:08:50 PM
resistance is futile, you will be assimilated , get the penske.
Yea, I remember the first time I met Mark at our WCR, he had his oem shock with max preload dialed in. Now, for those who have never met Mark, well, he's a big guy, like pro football lineman size big guy.
I remember thinking as we rode together over Skaggs Springs Rd..."That fuckin oem shock of his is going to EXPLODE...."
Over the course of the following year he invested in a Penske and he could tell you first hand the improvement it made.
Good times eh? How many days 'till the next WCR?? sigh, We need more than 1 per year...
Quote from: Pat Conlon on October 10, 2009, 10:27:26 PM
Good times eh? How many days 'till the next WCR?? sigh, We need more than 1 per year...
Sometimes two ain't enough either. :empathy2:
Randy T
Indy
Alright Paddy, quitcherbitchen. I had 0 rallies this year. No more complaints! :sarcastic:
Quote from: Pat Conlon on October 10, 2009, 10:27:26 PM
Quote from: Mark Olson on October 10, 2009, 02:08:50 PM
resistance is futile, you will be assimilated , get the penske.
Yea, I remember the first time I met Mark at our WCR, he had his oem shock with max preload dialed in. Now, for those who have never met Mark, well, he's a big guy, like pro football lineman size big guy.
I remember thinking as we rode together over Skaggs Springs Rd..."That fuckin oem shock of his is going to EXPLODE...."
Over the course of the following year he invested in a Penske and he could tell you first hand the improvement it made.
Good times eh? How many days 'till the next WCR?? sigh, We need more than 1 per year...
Pat ,
I remember that rally well, all the bikes and the mods with the shinny bits and parts gleaming in the sunshine and my tore up pos fj with the duct tape faring and air scoops. bouncing down skaggs springs and you mentioning at least 20 times about how I needed a new rear shock before I killed myself. that was 2006, the rally where you polished my engine cases and I made you burgers for your trouble. I ran around with a note pad and got the low down on the mods.
A year later and 2000.00 invested in the fj, new wheels , penske shock,pilot powers,new forks,brakes,master cylinder,cartridge emulators,fork springs. I showed up at the next rally with a smile a mile wide. the fj rode like new bike handling the corners with sure footed ease. no more standing up in the corners and wide exits at the apex.
of course during the mod process my wife has now named the fj "the mistress" due to all the time and attention spent on it. so when we go for a ride it's a threesome.
That was in 2006? That long ago? Good God..
It's amazing how the FJ modification virus spreads at these rallys....Must be in Klavdy's coffee