Honda Bros 650 Hawk GT

[Harvy]

Guys, anyone on the list own, or know of anyone that owns the above bike?

I picked up a Penske 8987 3-way rear shock a while ago, but without major surgery, its not going to be any good for the FJ.

It's in as new condition........ the bloke I bought it from only had it on his bike for a week (he was going to race, but decided he wanted something with a bit more get up and go, so sold the Honda, and I grabbed the shock). Not even a year old and be lucky if it's got 5 miles on it.

Selling for what I paid AUS$500......+ shipping.

Cheers
Harvy

[racerman_27410]

what do you mean by major surgury Harvy ?

It shouldnt be that much to get the shock valved and sprung for the FJ.

KOokaloo!

Frank

[Harvy]

Frank, its to fat, too long and the eye is only 10mm.

The valving is the same believe it or not, but the shaft is an inch too long, and of course, it would require a heavier spring and a change to a clevis on the bottom.

According to the Penske folks here, the body would need replacing (for a 12mm eye) , and the remote adjuster hose connector would need to be changed from a 45 degree to a 90 degree.

The only thing I'm not too sure about is the too fat bit..... I didn't realise they made different diameter bodies/springs.

Your thoughts?

Harvy

[racerman_27410]

shit if i know HArvy,

i thought all the bodies were the same and they used bushes to adjust the upper mount for different bikes.

shaft length can be adjusted with the use in an internal spacer

lower clevis/eye can also be replaced....it just screws in.

maybe they're trying to sell you another shock instead of making chicken salad out of the one you already have ?

BTW the triple adjuster external resevoir  can be used on a regular penske sport shock to make it a triple adjustable.

[Harvy]

OK...... that all sounds reasonable.

I think I will email Traxxion and see what they say.........maybe its a keeper after all.

Cheers mate
Harvy

[Harvy]

OK....email sent to Traxxion.

If they say it can be converted for use on the FJ ....wooohooooo!
I will send it over to them for mods.

Thanks again Frank   

Harvy

[Harvy]

I've received a reply from Dan at Traxxion:

#######################################################################
Parts needed for fitment to FJ1200:


Body Cap (74.25)

MO-15T (18.40)

2 Sets of bushings (21.20 a pair)

Clevis (95.30)

DS-500-D (7.50)



$216.65 in parts, Shock would need to be fully disassembled and rebuilt, labor for that would be $150.  We usually spec around a 1400lb spring, depending on rider weight, for the FJ. The spring for the Hawk is usually around 1300. a new spring is $100.  Depending on how much the spring rate changes, a revalve might be recommended. We charge an extra $50 for that.

#############################################################################################


SO, sorry folks, the shock is no longer for sale.......it will be going on a holiday to the US in the new year for a face lift!

Thanks for the input Frank.

Cheers
Harvy

[racerman_27410]

Harvy,

Good goin' mate!  

I was pretty sure all the bodies were the same and the construction modular.. cant believe your local boys didnt want to help you out.

Since you are running the FZ1 arm i might suggest not going so heavy on the rear spring since the leverage ratio is slightly different on the shock... (i'm sure you have noticed) if the spring on it is a 1300# i would stay with that and save 100 bucks.

That 8987 shock is a super nice piece (and expensive over here) With the high and low speed compression damping adjusters available and as long as you get the spring and valving baseline fairly close, you will able to set that baby up to ride smooth like a silk sock

i think they offer a long hose for the resevoir.. that might be  good investment to be able to mount the external resevoir where you can get to the adjusters while riding.....Shit i'm jealous as i've only got the double adjustable 8981 

KOokaloo!

[Harvy]

Harvy,

Good goin' mate!  

I was pretty sure all the bodies were the same and the construction modular.. cant believe your local boys didnt want to help you out.

Since you are running the FZ1 arm i might suggest not going so heavy on the rear spring since the leverage ratio is slightly different on the shock... (i'm sure you have noticed) if the spring on it is a 1300# i would stay with that and save 100 bucks.

That 8987 shock is a super nice piece (and expensive over here) With the high and low speed compression damping adjusters available and as long as you get the spring and valving baseline fairly close, you will able to set that baby up to ride smooth like a silk sock

i think they offer a long hose for the resevoir.. that might be  good investment to be able to mount the external resevoir where you can get to the adjusters while riding.....Shit i'm jealous as i've only got the double adjustable 8981 

KOokaloo!

Yes Frank...... the hose is already 2" longer than the one recommended for the FJ (according to the local Penske guys down in Adelaide) so it will be staying!
And if it is a 1300 spring, that can stay too, what with me being a flyweight!
As for the FZ1 arm - I used the FJ linkage, the only difference is the length of the arm itself, so the only change in leverage ratio can be attributed to that. My OEM shock (the one Steve C sent me) is set at max pre-load and max damping, just so the rear end does its thing the way I like it to, so I will be really happy to be able to set it up properly!

Man, I was lucky to find this shock, and I really didn't want to sell it, so am very happy it is in fact suitable for a re-build for the FJ.   

Thanks again for your input mate. 

Best wishes to all for Christmas.

Cheers
Harvy

[racerman_27410]

Merry CHristmas to you as well Harvy 


Kookaloo!