Oem Rear shock compatibility

[Skaalster]

Quick question, what oem FJ rear shocks are bolt on compatible with my '85 FJ1100? (did a quick search of the board and couldn't find a clear answer.)
Looking to upgrade mine (it's seriously bad) and currently looking at a lightly used '92 FJ1200 rear shock....would that work?
I believe there are some differences in years from what I've read...

Thanks in advance!

-Daniel

[Pat Conlon]

No. Different shock lengths, different spring rates and different lower shock mounts, so they are not interchangeable.

The Yamaha oem FJ shock was under sprung and under dampened the day it left the factory.
Don't waste your time on any oem FJ shock. Invest in a quality aftermarket shock.

[balky1]

Yep, better buy the trashed aftermarket one that can be rebuilt than any OEMs.
And to answer your question, I think '86/'87 FJ1200 has the same shock like FJ1100 since the swing arm mounts are the same (not sure, though).

[Skaalster]

Thanks for the advice, much appreciated ..was afraid that was the case.
Was Hoping to find something a little bit less expensive just to ride her for a bit before I spent half of what I paid for the bike on a rear shock, but from what I've read here it's well worth the money.

[giantkiller]

If you want to go cheap check out the Honda f4i shock. There is a good write up on here about it. It's been awhile but I think I had about $160 total. That included fleabay shock, 900bleibach spring, collar and the spring compression tool. Honda guys said the 900lb spring was as heavy as you can go with stock valving.

[Skaalster]

Thanks

[FJ1100mjk]

Thanks for the advice, much appreciated ...

Was Hoping to find something a little bit less expensive just to ride her for a bit before I spent half of what I paid for the bike

I have an FJ1100 OEM shock, that has seen light use. I can gift it to you, if you pick up the shipping cost(s). I am in the USA.

There is also a trick to get a little more preload on the shock spring, that does make a difference when done.

PM me, if you're wanting the shock.

[mr blackstock]

I did the F4i conversion and it was cheap, almost a straight bolt in, and the ride improvement was stunning!  Another member, Arnie, did a great write up on it.  There are heaps on ebay off low mileage bikes, and much cheaper than an Ohlins etc. 

cheers, Gareth

[Bezmozek]

For those who did F4i shock swap, how is it to reach preload adjuster?
https://www.superhawkforum.com/forums/knowledge-base-40/f4-custom-shock-vtr-dmr-23579/
According to this, maybe 900RR should work?

Anyone here tried F3 shock?
As it is shorter, I am curious about rear end height

[PaulG]

I was in a similar situation last year with my rear shock.  Being financially concious (i.e. not much spare cash and frugal/cheap to begin with) I kept scrounging through bike wreckers and on the Internet for a straight aftermarket replacement - or doing the Honda conversion. A new aftermarket just wasn't feasible at the time.

I lucked out and found a Hagon from a 92FJ (same as mine) being parted out on eBay.  I only paid $65 for it - new retail $400-$500. I didn't have to worry about spring rates etc as that had already been taken care of.  So far everything seems ok with it.  That was my preferred option as I don't have the facilities to fiddle too much when it comes to mods in my driveway.

If a new aftermarket replacement is not in the cards, (for what it's worth) I'd take FJ100mjk's offer to get you on the road (if the shipping cost isn't prohibitive) then take your time looking/researching what you need. You just might have a great deal fall into your lap like happened to me.

Just another path to your destination.

[Pat Conlon]

....As it is shorter, I am curious about rear end height

You don't want a shorter shock on your '85. You don't have the dog bone style linkage to correct it.
A shorter shock will make your rear end lower, transferring more weight to the wrong end, the back tire.
This will make your bike want to run wide in the corners, unloading your front tire.

You want to do the opposite. Get the back end up and put more load on the front tire.

[Bezmozek]

thanks, I just worry about main stand length and F3 shock looks similar to OEM.
Don't want to go lower, but minimize raising rear end and 85 linkage does not allow setting height by length of dogbones.

[Pat Conlon]

You don't have to go overboard, but you can raise the rear end 1" and you will be just fine.
You will find it to be an improvement.

[giantkiller]

You don't have to go overboard, but you can raise the rear end 1" and you will be just fine.
You will find it to be an improvement.

Yes I think it's a great improvement in handling. And it makes it easy to put it on the center stand. My superbike racing neighbor. Rode my fj1350r. And came back after a really looong ride. Grinning so much I could see it though the helmet. And said " I don't know what you did to the geometry, but you got it just right! It turns In better than my Gixxer!" I had the gsxr 1000 front end on it too. But it was set at the stock hight, in the front at the time. I have since dropped the front slightly from stock hight. Raising the rear also allows you to lean farther. Before catching your toe/foot peg on the pavement.

On my first FJ back in 1986. The first/and last time I caught my toe it actually sent my foot back into the back wheel. Which sent it back to the pavement really hard. Quite painful. Learned to tuck my toe up really quick. My 86 fj1200 was the first bike I owned.