What are the rear shock options for a '89

[threejagsteve]

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.

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!"

[thuber3040]

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

[andyb]

I love that the only answer is "get a bigger budget, nothing under $600 will work".

[racerman_27410]

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!   

KOokaloo!

[higbonzo]

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

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

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......

[Pat Conlon]

+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

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

[scapello]

Busy topic, thanks for the input. Let me get this right, Penske....right?

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!

[SlowOldGuy]

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.

[SlowOldGuy]

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.

[jvb_ca]

Besides...these things are a mechanical masterpiece...beautiful...



Cheers...Jake

[threejagsteve]

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!

[racerman_27410]

Besides...these things are a mechanical masterpiece...beautiful...



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?   

KOokaloo!

[the fan]

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

[racerman_27410]

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

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!!!!

[RichBaker]

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....