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Suspension upgrades

Unread postby PirateRiderBen » Sat Dec 21, 2013 12:38 pm

Spoke with Cogent Dynamics about upgrading my suspension on my 98 VFR. He recommended an entry level rear ohlins shock on sale for 550$ And a service of the front forks for 170$ plus 18$ For new oil. Race tech springs at 110$ and I will probably forgo re-valving due to lack of funds. For those of you who have messed around with suspension upgrades, is this competitive pricing? He promised a night and day difference which is what I am after. For any of you guys who got stuck behind me riding around lake James and Lake lure the other day, you probably noticed how my bike wallows around in the corners (my lack of skill combined with sofa soft suspension) , leading me to invest in some better components. Thanks y'all

-Ben
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Re: Suspension upgrades

Unread postby Bob » Sat Dec 21, 2013 12:57 pm

Ben check out hardracing.com on the web. They offer ohlins at competitive prices. CALL them for best price.

Here's some info. with pricing from the Racetech site-->>
http://racetech.com/ProductSearch/2/Hon ... /1998-2001

If you plan on keeping the bike a while, new suspension is the best money you can possibly spend on it. The Ohlins shocks are rebuildable, and when you sell the bike, you can sell the shock on Ebay for probably 75-80 cents on the dollar. I'd advise against any kind of rebuild of the old OEM shock, in case that comes up.
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Re: Suspension upgrades

Unread postby Brick » Sat Dec 21, 2013 11:29 pm

I know Rick vey well and he would not steer you wrong. Just be sure he doesn't give you something too "race" hard. There is good compromise. Just be sure you are very honest with your riding skills and what you really want.
Actually best money spent is on rider education... second best is suspension.


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Re: Suspension upgrades

Unread postby PirateRiderBen » Sun Dec 22, 2013 12:44 am

I think my plan is to get rick to do my rear shock upgrade to the ohlins now, then as money allows I plan in having him do the fork service and upgrade to race tech springs, then a fresh set of rubber before the big VFRD forum ride on Memorial Day weekend. If I could get this darn money tree to grow, I would be in a better place, but hey we have to work with what we get right?

-Ben
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GPS: Garmin Nuvi 500
Bike-to-bike comm.: I yell REALLY loud.

Re: Suspension upgrades

Unread postby Bob » Sun Dec 22, 2013 9:36 am

A rear shock upgrade alone will give you a big boost in stability. I did that on my '07 R1200RT and almost decided to leave the front "as-is", it was so much better. But I did replace the front too.
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Re: Suspension upgrades

Unread postby Brick » Sun Dec 22, 2013 12:47 pm

Good plan Ben!


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Re: Suspension upgrades

Unread postby Bob » Sun Dec 22, 2013 1:07 pm

PirateRiderBen wrote:I think my plan is to get rick to do my rear shock upgrade to the ohlins now, then as money allows I plan in having him do the fork service and upgrade to race tech springs, then a fresh set of rubber before the big VFRD forum ride on Memorial Day weekend. If I could get this darn money tree to grow, I would be in a better place, but hey we have to work with what we get right?

-Ben


Be sure to get the right spring rate for your weight. I went with "1 rate heavier" than what is recommended for my bike and my weight, because I have 35 lbs of luggage strapped on. But if you get it TOO high the ride may be too firm. Just don't go too soft! <bugeye>
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Re: Suspension upgrades

Unread postby PirateRiderBen » Wed Dec 25, 2013 5:13 pm

Racetech listed me at .97, and I can go to a .95 or a 1.0 actual spring rate. I'm planning to go for the .95, I need to lose weight anyways haha. <joecool> Considering the stock is like .74 or something, It should be a good improvement.

-Ben
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Posts: 423
Joined: Thu Dec 19, 2013 6:47 pm
NAME: Benjamin Nathan Ealy
Location: Morganton or Greenville NC
Bike(s): '08 K1200S, '99 VFR800, '05 K1200S, '07 BMW 328i
GPS: Garmin Nuvi 500
Bike-to-bike comm.: I yell REALLY loud.

Re: Suspension upgrades

Unread postby Bob » Wed Dec 25, 2013 8:45 pm

You really cant go wrong with a new Ohlins. And if you ever decide you want a diff sprg rate, Ohlins will swap one out for you at nominal charge.
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Bike-to-bike comm.: Sena 30K & SR10

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