| Author | Message | ||
     Mr_gto |
Does anybody know where you can find a straight rate rear shock spring for my 05 firebolt? I have been looking around and cant really come up with a good source. I weigh about 230lbs w/o gear so i need a heavy spring rate. I have the pro series rear spring on right now and it still not enough. | ||
| Bad_karma |
Tim try RaceTech. Also check Traxxion Dynamics and Cogent Dynamics is just east in NC. They are a RaceTech service center. Joe | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
Computrack is also a good source for motorcycle suspension upgrades. http://www.gmd-computrack.com/network.php Frankly Tim, the stock rear suspension is not really a very good unit, as this is an area where most manufacturers try to save a few bucks. Before sinking more money in it, you might want to consider upgrading the entire suspension unit. The Penske shocks are very highly regarded, and are easy to service, Ohlins are good, and several of our sponsors, American Sport Bike, and Trojan Horse to mention just two, have various upgraded shocks. These shocks typically have bigger bodies, larger remote reservoirs, a wider range of straight rate springs, and, very importantly, adjustable ride height, as well as improved damping. All good stuff. While you are at it, Computrack, and others, also can revalve and respring your stock front fork, and make it work as well as an Ohlins. or other competition grade fork. I recently installed stiffer front springs to match the rear spring when Computrack serviced my Ohlins front fork, and I am very glad I did. So if you are going to get a stiffer spring for the back, you might want to think about a stiffer set for the front forks as well. Investing in upgraded suspension is one of the most hard to understand, and yet, one of the most beneficial things one can do for his Buell. Ideally, working with a suspension expert who attends nearby track days, is best, but several of them can do the job. Expect to spend around $900 for a new shock, and $650 or so for a front fork rebuild. Best money you will ever spend on your bike | ||
| Teddagreek |
I'm about 260 with gear and my pro-series works well.. What exactly is happening? If you need the pro-series Adjustment PDF shoot me a PM with an email and I can send it to you.. Jon has a good point about makers trying to save money.. Did the 08's get the new shock like the 1129 with 9 preload setting compared to our 7... Sky's the limit when it comes to suspension but be Leary if you go to a place and start getting a sales pitch. | ||
| Mr_gto |
Gentleman, thanks for the imput. I have reworked my front forks and they are much better. I am now working on my rear. I wish i could afford a Penske right now, but i just cannot. So i am just trying to to get as close as i can now with a new spring. Teddagreek, I can only get 40mm of sag. I need to be around 30mm or so and i have no more adjustment because the shock is on the 7th ramp. The spring is just not stiff enough to reach optimal race sag. | ||
| Teddagreek |
40mm now you got me wondering I've measured right... I'm going to have to check now.. Your subtracting the the fully extended distance from the distance when you are sitting on the bike in riding position.. You want to bounce it after you lower it then measure.. If you take the front and rear Rebound all the way out you get a better measurement.. You Tube has some good vids and tips.. I'd double check the setting and if it doesn't work the cheap and easy is to shim the rear shock.. Here is a how to http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/howto/rear_suspe nsion_shimming/index.html I posted the factory instructions here a month ago.. http://www.buelletinboard.com/forums/showthread.ph p?t=3168&page=2 Good Luck Man.. Let us know how you make out... | ||
| Snkkpr01 |
The 08 12R only has 7 settings. I have it cranked up, and will probably need a little more. I will not be riding it rough for a little while though. Darin | ||
| Mr_gto |
Ted, i am positive i did it right. I have set up everybodys sag that i do track days with. I am currently trying to learn how to read tire wear. I love suspension it is way more fun than spending all the time and money on 1 or 2 more hp. I have learned through my limited track experience you can really whip way faster bikes by braking later and corner speed, neither which have to do with hp numbers. Suspension is where it is at. I just wish i had the money to spend on better components. I am trying to make due with what i have for now. I have saved a lot of money by doing all the work myself. I find it more rewarding also. I am going to look into that shimming option. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
Mr. gto, I am going to have my rear shock reworked as well. I am 235lbs without gear. The rear shock is overworked. I have the preload dialed just about as high as I can get it to make it feel right. I need a heavier spring. That will only disguise the problem. It won't fix it. I am currently looking at the Elka set up from Traxxion Dynamics. It has many of the features of the Ohlins and Penske shocks, but it isn't as expensive. Some of the Ohlins and Penske price is in the name. Part of it is in the fact that Elka is Canadian and the exchange rate works in our favor. Give it a look. It's much less than the O & P options. | ||
| Mr_gto |
What are they asking for the Elka shock? I have heard they are great shocks. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
I haven't priced them lately. They were a little over $700 when I was pricing them earlier this year. I need to call them to get an updated quote. I've been considering getting one soon. | ||
| Mr_gto |
Dang, thats still a lot of money! I wish i was a little fella sometimes that way stuff would work/fit better. O well i guess there is just more of me to love. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
Big Bastards need lovin' too! We're simply going to have to drop the coin to get anything worth having. Look at it this way, if you ride 10,000 miles a year, the shock only costs $.07 per mile. Tires cost $.075/mile. | ||
| Mr_gto |
Thats one way to look at it. Maybe I will use that theory with my wife to convince her i need a new shock! One question about the shimming method. If you shim your bike will it just raise your ride height and/or will it help reduce your sag, and can you even shim our shocks? | ||
| Teddagreek |
If the shimming doesn't work... You can get a stiffer springs... I remember some mentioning getting one from Race Tech Its just a 40mm showa, Just a wild guess I can't see a spring being more than 120 dollars.. | ||
| Rsh |
The shimming you are talking about is for changing geometry by adjusting the ride height, it is not doing anything to change the sag. The only way to change the sag is to have the correct spring for your weight. |
