Let the fun begin...RPM Rear Shock

[racerrad8]

...$1500 Randy suspension conversion...

I mean, you're in for $1500 if you put one of Randy's suspensions on the bike...

FYI, I notice you have put down $1500.00 a couple of times now. I just checked and the fork valves, springs, oil & rear shock total with the discount is only $1304.64 and when the introductory offer expires it will only go up $50.00

I just want to make sure people understand that the price you are quoting is not the actual price of the items required to upgrade the suspension with RPM products. and $200.00 might make a difference.

Randy - RPM

[movenon]

I think that the RPM shock is the best you can buy because primarily it is designed specifically for the FJ not compromised for other applications and has been tested / refined by active real time FJ riders. All I can say is if I had the money I would get one. I do plan on buying front end emulators as my repair comes along. Any improvement in the rear right now will have to wait until my riding skill gets to a point where I can appreciate it.

I would say if I was going to spend 6- 800 for a brand X shock then I would step up to the RPM shock for the FJ.

I converted my 1990 to an f4i and am reasonably happy with it for 75.00. It's not perfect but better than stock, IMO. (even I can feel that).  The cost of things usually has a relationship to how it preforms for a task involved. If you run hard / street or track race  etc. and that's where you want to increase your skill's then top line suspensions, kangaroo hide racing suits, etc. is more appreciated than say a rider that tours and occasionally will to par take of some minor civil disobedience. 

George

[Bozo]

The cost of things usually has a relationship to how it preforms for a task involved. If you run hard / street or track race  etc. and that's where you want to increase your skill's then top line suspensions, kangaroo hide racing suits, etc. is more appreciated than say a rider that tours and occasionally will to par take of some minor civil disobedience. 

George

George, its on the road you appreciate this suspension not dressed in a Wombat (or was that kangaroo) suit racing, this is where the real bumps are. For racing you get away with suspension setups to fit circuit whereas the RPM is overall road and without doubt racing. (As Marks video illustrates). I would down load my video from last week but since I have a speed showing I will not.

[skymasteres]

FYI, I notice you have put down $1500.00 a couple of times now. I just checked and the fork valves, springs, oil & rear shock total with the discount is only $1304.64 and when the introductory offer expires it will only go up $50.00

I just want to make sure people understand that the price you are quoting is not the actual price of the items required to upgrade the suspension with RPM products. and $200.00 might make a difference.

Randy - RPM

Sorry about that Randy. I was just quoting what I was budgeting for the upgrade for when I got around to it.
I figured most people would be doing the fork rebuild that the same time (It'd be kind of dumb not to since you're already there)
That's another $95.59.

So my budget was:
Fork Valves  $209.18
Spings         $137.99
Fork Oil        $ 18.47
Fork Kit        $ 95.39
Rear Shock   $989.00

Making it $1450.03 before shipping and tax so I just called it $1500 even. (I'll never be able to buy it while the discount applies)
If you take out the fork rebuild kit it's still $1354.64 for the minimum components before tax and shipping.
For the unlucky among us where sales tax has once again gone up the total would be $1476.55 after tax and $1509.50 after shipping without the fork rebuild kit. With the fork kit the total goes up to $1616.48. (So much for my $1500 budget)

I got all excited to be corrected down to $1354.64 too...

Although for you non Republik of Kalifornia customers you save a cool $81.28 in sales tax. (Almost enough for that fork rebuild kit)

[FJ_Hooligan]

Sometimes these videos are deceiving in the sense that it's really hard to tell just how violent an action really is. Case in point, there's a video of the early F-22 flight trials where the pilot fell victim to a self-induced oscillation that was exacerbated by the flight control computer. The result was about eight oscillations in about two seconds going from +/-13g of acceleration. In the video it looks like just a little bobble up and down. But I can tell you that in the cockpit even 9g's is pretty dang intense. Especially going from positive to negative in such quick succession...

Since I'm sitting here in Oahu waiting for the hurricane to move thru, I'll disrupt this thread and drop a name on you. That pilot is Tom Morganfield. I worked with him when he was the chief test pilot on the F117 Stealth Fighter. One heck of a nice guy and a hell of a pilot!  A lesser man would not have walked away from that F22 incident.

[Bozo]

Sometimes these videos are deceiving in the sense that it's really hard to tell just how violent an action really is. Case in point, there's a video of the early F-22 flight trials where the pilot fell victim to a self-induced oscillation that was exacerbated by the flight control computer. The result was about eight oscillations in about two seconds going from +/-13g of acceleration. In the video it looks like just a little bobble up and down. But I can tell you that in the cockpit even 9g's is pretty dang intense. Especially going from positive to negative in such quick succession...

Since I'm sitting here in Oahu waiting for the hurricane to move thru, I'll disrupt this thread and drop a name on you. That pilot is Tom Morganfield. I worked with him when he was the chief test pilot on the F117 Stealth Fighter. One heck of a nice guy and a hell of a pilot!  A lesser man would not have walked away from that F22 incident.

I guess I'll ask the question, where is a copy of this video please?

[X-Ray]

Would be something to see thats for sure,

[racerrad8]

Well, the RPM shock thread is getting a little off base, but it is all related the the RPM suspension experience and at least you agree on the actual price I listed from the website.

If you take out the fork rebuild kit it's still $1354.64 for the components before tax and shipping.

I figured most people would be doing the fork rebuild that the same time (It'd be kind of dumb not to since you're already there)

The RPM fork valves can be installed without having to remove and disassemble the forks from the bike. The top cap and original springs are removed, then the oil is drained. From there the new parts and oil are installed. You do not have to break down the forks so replacement of the bushings and seals is much more work and you never "get there", unless you just want to replace them for maintenance reasons.

This is unlike the other fork valve on the market that require complete fork disassembly for modifications of the damper rod by drilling additional holes. If you are going to have to break the fork completely down, then "since you're already there" it would be prudent to replace the bushings & seals.

Finally, yes the shipping and taxes do have to be calculated into the equation, but unfortunately that is not money coming to RPM, it goes right out to pay the taxes and shipping costs, so please do not hold that expense against me.

Randy - RPM

[movenon]

The cost of things usually has a relationship to how it preforms for a task involved. If you run hard / street or track race  etc. and that's where you want to increase your skill's then top line suspensions, kangaroo hide racing suits, etc. is more appreciated than say a rider that tours and occasionally will to par take of some minor civil disobedience. 

George

George, its on the road you appreciate this suspension not dressed in a Wombat (or was that kangaroo) suit racing, this is where the real bumps are. For racing you get away with suspension setups to fit circuit whereas the RPM is overall road and without doubt racing. (As Marks video illustrates). I would down load my video from last week but since I have a speed showing I will not.

No doubt RPM's suspension is the best one for the FJ. I guess what was getting at was higher performace products costs more money, but you have to evaluate how much performance your need or want.  At preset my forks needs to catch up with my existing rear shock.  

I hit a few real bone jarring chuck holes and my rear preformed very well considering I was over weight with loaded bags and top box.  On a certified scale with me on it the weight was 900 lb.... I weight 212.  It was loaded. The front end performance wasn't so good.  On 2 occasions I stopped to check the front wheel but everything was OK. I will note that when I ordered my front tire I mistakenly ordered a 120/60-17 and thought that would be alright but I am of the opinion that 120/70-17 would be a better choice for our roads. The tire and rim were OK but I am uncomfortable with the low profile of the 60 tire, as I have bent cast rims in the past (BMW) I know how easy that is to do.

So my next suspension improvement will be front emulators and back to a 70 profile tire. Then I will see where I am with the rear shock.  
George

[Mike Ramos]

Good evening gentlemen,
   
If I may be allowed to make several observations concerning the RPM Shock:

First & foremost it is apparent that in the opinion of most members (and definitely all of those who have purchased the shock) is that the appearance, quality & performance of the shock from R.P.M. are above reproach and absolutely in a class by itself.  This is perhaps the only subject pertaining to this Forum on which members agree.

Secondly budget considerations are certainly a high priority, and I myself am under considerable financial constraints, certainly on par with many others, probably under more restrictive financial demands than most.

However, we cannot discuss solely the actual cost of the R.P.M. shock itself.  It should be noted that we are discussing the difference in cost between the RPM unit and its' competitors, which changes the equation significantly.  The cost difference between lesser priced brands [which all agree do not perform as well] and the RPM unit is considerably less than the cost of other items, such as a set of tires.  However, unlike tires and such, the cost incurred by the shock is a onetime expenditure which will last the life of the motorcycle itself.  Amortizing this onetime amount over a period of time and factoring the diminishing cost per mile as the miles accumulate; it becomes clear that the cost is quite reasonable.

However, there is a point of diminishing returns, which should be addressed in this discussion and not necessarily of a financial nature.  As other members have stated, the main improvement aside from performance is safety orientated.  Those who believe that potential trouble awaits only during spirited riding are only fooling themselves.  An incident and its' potentially severe and negative consequences can and does strike at anytime and anywhere.

I am of the opinion that the best tires, brakes, lighting, sound defensive driving and of equal necessity, yet perhaps not as well understood , the best suspension available are of the utmost importance.  Slam on the brakes, drift wide or perhaps accelerate as hard as possible to extricate oneself from a hazard and all these factors come into play, all of them complimenting each other and without compromising each other.

Attend a Rally and you will see everyone wearing excellent protective gear.  No compromise, all the gear all the time.   The best protective gear available.

In my mind this same philosophy pertains to the motorcycle itself: the best after market, FJ exclusive components available to enhance the ride and to make it as safe as possible.  It is called self-preservation.

Ride safely and keep smiling,

Mike Ramos.

[ribbert]

Yes Mike, couldn't agree more on the safety, not just the comfort or sports handling, of good suspension.


Crotchety old bastard AND Contrarian
(although not on this occasion)

[Bozo]

Yes Mike, couldn't agree more on the safety, not just the comfort or sports handling, of good suspension.


Crotchety old bastard AND Contrarian
(although not on this occasion)

Totally agree but my other main reason was because my back cannot handle road jolts (poor little possum)  . When using the Corbin seat & Hagon Shock combination (It didn't matter how I set the preload/ damping) the bumps were always there. I could only ride for a short time before I re-fitted the softer standard seat.

Basically what really convinced me to buy an RPM shock was (as the test riders stated) the "smooth ride" & Quality of Ride (well dampened). Also now with the RPM setup I can use the Corbin seat -which saved me loosing half the cost of the seat if I sold it to some peanut in FJ land.

Funny after fitting both the RPM front and back the first thing a person does is go above the usual comfort zone to test it and how this setup exceeds expectations - what other system does that (in every way)

[fintip]

The idea that I could have a motorcycle that has a suspension setup that rivals (and possibly bests) modern bikes... How intoxicating is that idea?

A great deal--I'd say the majority--of the joy of riding is a direct result of the quality of the suspension components. Tires, and engine performance are the other parts of the equation, and then comfort (seating/handlebars/etc.).

If I got 1500 tomorrow and someone required me to immediately spend it on something I would just ENJOY? I know what would blurt out of my mouth...

50% better than old, worn out stock shock is great. But that next 50%? I dream of that bliss everytime I take the U-turn under the highway I live by and feel the limitations of my bike.

The cost of making your bike less shitty, $50? I'll probably do that in the next few months, if I get the chance.

The cost of making your bike perform beautifully, 1500~? I make $850 a month right now, but I hope to figure out a way to have it within the next year, if possible.

One day...

[skymasteres]

Just so Randy doesn't have to step in again.

That $1509.50 shipped figure is just for us Californian's
The rest of you get it for a slick $1373.35

And that 50% figure I threw out there is completely bogus. I have no way measuring or comparing the performance of Randy's product to suspensions I have not even installed yet. I was making a hypothetical argument about cost benefit ratio.

For me, even if I were to ride a bike so equipped, I wouldn't have the skills to fully appreciate it. I hope to change that eventually. So in the mean time I'll save my pennies and wait for the day that I can get one. Like the man says, it's the only bike out there with this technology in it. (But that just get's the gears turning with respect to what I might be able to put it in.. That interceptor is looking pretty promising..) (Relax guys, I'm joking about the interceptor. Can already hear people muttering "philistine" under their breaths)

I was talking to Mark a couple weeks ago and he asked about the emulators I'm running. It went right back to "The best you know is the best you've ridden" For me the emulators gave me the ride two up that I felt Mike Ramos was describing. The feeling of the bike floating over the road like a low flying airplane, perfectly balanced and following every input that I commanded with amazing precision. The way it was following the exact line I wanted in spite of road seams and cracks was incredible. It was actually a really unique and magical one hour ride. Probably some of the most fun I've had on a motorcycle.

It just reminded me about Mike's comments that's all. But there you have the subjective. The objective is as follows:
Mike is riding his FJ solo, and in a completely different skill class from me. He's taking it out to extreems that I can only imagine at this point. My "magical" ride was covering the 405 to the 5 to the 14. A set of highways that don't really have "twisties" that any "real" rider would mention. (Well, maybe when you factor in velocity...) And I had a passenger which increased the sprung mass of the bike effectively adding more inertia to resist motion from suspension input. (The bike isn't nearly as smooth with just me on it)

So, if I can get that benefit out of the emulators at my piddly skill level, I can't imagine how well the real thing will work.

[movenon]

Just so Randy doesn't have to step in again.

That $1509.50 shipped figure is just for us Californian's
The rest of you get it for a slick $1373.35

And that 50% figure I threw out there is completely bogus. I have no way measuring or comparing the performance of Randy's product to suspensions I have not even installed yet. I was making a hypothetical argument about cost benefit ratio.

For me, even if I were to ride a bike so equipped, I wouldn't have the skills to fully appreciate it. I hope to change that eventually. So in the mean time I'll save my pennies and wait for the day that I can get one. Like the man says, it's the only bike out there with this technology in it. (But that just get's the gears turning with respect to what I might be able to put it in.. That interceptor is looking pretty promising..) (Relax guys, I'm joking about the interceptor. Can already hear people muttering "philistine" under their breaths)

I was talking to Mark a couple weeks ago and he asked about the emulators I'm running. It went right back to "The best you know is the best you've ridden" For me the emulators gave me the ride two up that I felt Mike Ramos was describing. The feeling of the bike floating over the road like a low flying airplane, perfectly balanced and following every input that I commanded with amazing precision. The way it was following the exact line I wanted in spite of road seams and cracks was incredible. It was actually a really unique and magical one hour ride. Probably some of the most fun I've had on a motorcycle.

It just reminded me about Mike's comments that's all. But there you have the subjective. The objective is as follows:
Mike is riding his FJ solo, and in a completely different skill class from me. He's taking it out to extreems that I can only imagine at this point. My "magical" ride was covering the 405 to the 5 to the 14. A set of highways that don't really have "twisties" that any "real" rider would mention. (Well, maybe when you factor in velocity...) And I had a passenger which increased the sprung mass of the bike effectively adding more inertia to resist motion from suspension input. (The bike isn't nearly as smooth with just me on it)

So, if I can get that benefit out of the emulators at my piddly skill level, I can't imagine how well the real thing will work.

OK, your the math wizz. You send me the money I will buy it less the tax from Randy and ship it back to you..... well most of it anyhow
Actually if you knew someone over in Nevada (Nellis ?) you you could go there and pick it up (that way no items would be missing....)
George