R6 shock on late model FJ

[yamaha fj rider]

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 

[movenon]

Sounds good. The more options the better. Put some miles on her and give us a ride report. 
George

[fj11.5]

Brilliant work mate , any pics 

[yamaha fj rider]

Brilliant work mate , any pics 

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

[fj11.5]

Dam phones, I hate when they die for no reason understandable when they can't swim  ,, what  S
ingarm will you be using

[Pat Conlon]

This sounds like a very reasonable alternative Kurt.  
Yep, we need pictures and a complete write up for our Files.
Kudos!

[yamaha fj rider]

Dam phones, I hate when they die for no reason understandable when they can't swim  ,, what  S
ingarm will you be using

I cracked the screen on the phone. Swingarm is off of a thunderace.

Kurt

[fj11.5]

Nice , I'll look forward to your wright up mate



Cheers
Rod

[Little Pink Steve]

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?

[Pat Conlon]

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

If '06-'07 R-6 shock isn't what you bought, select your model here: http://www.racetech.com/VehicleSearch

[Little Pink Steve]

Hoping the OP "Yamaha FJ Rider" will be along any minute to share his experiences of the R6 shock in an FJ

[Millietant]

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.

[Little Pink Steve]

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.

[Pat Conlon]

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.

[Millietant]

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.