Rear Shock

[Tex]

Hi all,

Its been awhile.  I'm looking at replacing the rear shock on my 93 FJ. Was looking for some suggestions. I know RPM would be the most recommend choice but it's out of my price range. otherwise I would have already of bought it.  Any help would be great.

Thanks

Scott

[aviationfred]

I am on my phone, so I can't copy and paste the link. Look in the Files section, Suspension section. There is a BMW shock mod that may interest you.

I posted an Ohlins shock in Parts for sale earlier today. It is for the '89/'90 model. The bottom clevis is narrower than your OEM shock. Possibly a bit of material removal from the shock linkage would work.

Fred

[Pat Conlon]

What's your budget Scott?

The rear shock is the single most expensive component you will buy for your bike.

If you buy a used shock from a different model bike, chances are you will have to put on a different spring on it and/or rebuild it, so factor that cost in...
....unless you make the mistake of buying a used shock that can not be revalved (for the heavier spring) or is not rebuildable....then you're screwed.

Traxxion Dynamics can build you a nice Penske 8900E Sport shock for our FJ's for ~$650.
http://www.traxxion.com/Penske-Sport-Shock-by-Traxxion-Dynamics-0/

[Tex]

Hey Pat,

I was hoping to spend around $500. I know you get what you pay for but anything has to be better then the FJ stock shock.  When I'm riding 2 up with my girlfriend bumps get really harsh and the handling isn't there. Even solo the ride can be ruff.

I was looking at Fred's suggestion and noticed that components have to be modified. Not that I can't do it but I would prefer plug and play.   

I will check out the link you sent. I would imagine this would be a significant improvement from the stock one correct?

Thanks Again

[Capn Ron]

Hey Scott,

When I got my rear Penske Sport Shock from Traxxion Dynamics, the RPM shock was not yet available.  Although I can't speak to the differences between the Penske and the RPM shocks, I can tell you that the Penske Sport made a HUGE difference over the stock shock on my '92.  The stock setup made the bike feel under sprung and under dampened...the Penske made the bike feel "planted" and predictable.  I did this upgrade in unison with a Racetech front end rebuild with straight-rate springs and their gold emulator...Some of this "planted" feel is attributable to the front end upgrades as well.

[Tex]

Thanks Cap'n Ron. Looks like the price is $650 I will have to weigh my options. I believe the RPM goes for around $950.

I'm still open for any other options but it seems like these are the two that would be ready to install out of the box.

[Pat Conlon]

Yep +1 to what Ron said The stock FJ shock was weak sauce the day it left the assembly line.

The RPM shock is superior with it's inertia valve technology (which is what you would expect from a $1,000 shock) and it is a design generation ahead of the Penske emulsion shock, but many, many FJ's have the old school Penske shocks and they are a significant improvement over the oem offering.

[racerrad8]

Scott,

This came up just last month as well...http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=14143.msg142671#msg142671

I understand the budget and I wish there was a way to offer the RPM shock for $650.00 but due to the specific design and manufacture for the FJ1100/1200 motorcycle and not being a universal shock that fits a wide range of bikes, like every other shock on the market, it just cant happen.

I am not trying to beat a dead horse, but when you say plug & play there is only one: RPM Coil Over Shock - Late Model Version

Here is a quote from a current Penske shock owner:

Alright boys, here is the dealio .

I had the opportunity to follow Mike Ramos at the WCR on the hwy 20 rip and grip . He was able to hang with the Nor cal Renegades . Known at the WCR as the "fast five".

I purposely followed Mike R. so I could see his bike in action with the RPM front and rear set up in action. It performed flawlessly , no unsettled wiggle or big ass bouncy wiggyness . We were flying and even with the last second quick downshifts to 2nd gear and throttle up reducing corner surprises the suspension took it.

So, to sum it up the RPM stuff works as advertised.

I have the race-tech springs and emulators on the front and the penske 3-way adjustable rear on My 86 . I have spent a bazillion hours and thousands of miles getting my fj just the way I like it.

With RPM Randy offering a one size fits all Rear shock I am thrilled . I will be doing a straight up comparison to how it works right out of the box as opposed to literally years of dicking around with the penske. Look for the Muppet Labs report when I am finished.

MarkO    

Like Pat just mentioned prior, every shock on the market will out perform the stock shock so you will always hear from anyone who has purchased any aftermarket shock how much better it was that the worn out stock unit.

But, for the only truly designed, built and tuned shock for the FJ the RPM shock is the only one that can fill that "plug & play" spot.

Randy - RPM

[aviationfred]

I will also add some additional input. I hated the OEM rear shock when I purchased my FJ. I was one of a very few that tried the BMW shock mod. It was an incredible improvement over the OEM shock. I did this while the RPM shock was still in development. Shortly after the production release of the RPM shock, I pulled the trigger and ordered one. Yes the price can be scary, but it is one of the best improvements that I have done to my FJ. I can not give any higher praise to Randy and RPM than the the awesome performance of this shock. IMO the RPM rear shock is a MUST have item on any FJ.

Fred

[Tex]

Randy I totally get what your saying. I would love to be able to get your shock. And I understand why you need to charge what you do. But I too can't justify spending $1000 dollars on a shock for a bike I ride on the weekends and only paid $2000 which includes parts I needed to get her road worthy and running.

Unless someone has a used RPM shock there willing to sell.  

As long as the Penske is plug and play I may consider this option.

Scott

[FJmonkey]

Unless someone has a used RPM shock there willing to sell.  

A used RPM shock??? Hens teeth? Rocking horse shit? An honest politician? Maybe the perfect oil or tire??? 

I am quite happy with my RPM shock and have no interest in selling it. My old OEM shock... You can have for the cost of shipping....

I hope you find a good solution that fits your budget, some have spent slightly less than the Pen shock by rebuilding a CBR shock. The details can be found in the old posts from the last 2 years. 

[Urban_Legend]

Another plug and play option is the Hagon shock (from England)  a good budget shock that is still a.good improvement over OEM. But do your research. I like my Hagon shock, but now I have realised my front end is crap. More $$$$

[Bones]

You can get a Hagon shock that'll suit your budget. I've had one on my bike for a while now and have had no problems with it and still happy with its performance.

http://www.hagonshocksusa.com/index.htm



Whoops, looks like Mark beat me to it.

[roverfj1200]

You can have the stock shock rebuilt for a fraction of the cost of a new one. A good shock shop can revalve and fit a new spring if needed. Here in Australia this would cost about $400 dollars including new spring. It would be much cheaper in the U.S.

Cheers

[BikeryJeff]

http://www.epmperf.com/