| Author | Message | ||
     Oldog |
Well I've suspected it for a while, ( actualy blamed this on my recent weight gains ) The ol Showa has bought the big one, a search through the KV has yeilded 3 possible paths 1. DIY rebuild showa [ havent figured how RickA did it W/O a kit ] 2. Send it to a shop, [repaired item reputed to have a shorter life] 3. Call Al and order the WP goodie, the question is it comes in 3 flavors, and I am not a hard core peg dragger, which is likely best for general use understanding that even the empty Showa will hold the rear wheel off of the tire. What have your experiences in this area been like? Showa,  Should Have Ordered Works-Performance Anyway  | ||
| Sloppy |
I'm not that impressed with the WP. Suspension valving is an improvement over the Showa, but the chromed preload screw is poor quality, the braided remote res. line will chew through your aluminum casing without protection and it requires two different tools to make adjustments (allen and screwdriver). The preload tool is poor as well (but you only use it once). Also there's no high speed compression adjustment either. For the price, it's a very poor design. If I was to do it again, I'd pay the little extra and go with Penske. | ||
| Xldevil |
Hi.What I really can recommend,is the Wilbers or Hyperpro shock.What a difference! It's like riding a new bike.A vast improvement over the Showa.Probably superior to any "pulling" shock on the market.  This is not a simple damper unit, they add a "lever" system with a standard shock - pushed not pulled like the original shock. It's perfect on the street and under race conditions as well. Most sensitive with a separate high-speed and low-speed compression damping unit, widely adjustable in any direction. I'm more than satisfied. Ralph (Message edited by xldevil on May 18, 2006) | ||
| Natexlh1000 |
My showa crapped out near the end of last year and I bought one off of E-bastard from some chopper guy. They don't use the rear shocks for "custom choppas". I got mine for $79 or so. Most of the shocks on Ebay seem to be the old "brake and kill you" style. Just be careful and look at the pictures closely. Be sure to measure your shock length since there seems to be a few lengths floating around out there. | ||
| 89rs1200 |
You will need to buy one on Ebay or from www.americansportbike.com. Works ($599-$689 Blue spring) and the Penske ($895-$1250 black spring) are still available. I have both and can recommend both. They are far superior to the stock shock. The Penske 8700 series is the sweetest riding shock I have ever used. I have 40,000 mile on my Works shock. No failurs or problems. 15,000 om my Penske with no problems. The the Wilbers or Hyperpro shock ($1818.95) I would live to try. Concerning the reservoir line. Put plastic wire protector around it. I like the kind that coils around the braided line like a spring. Find this @ your local Radio Shack or electronics store. NOTE: Beware of the 97-98 stock rear shock with the welded on front bolt eye. These were recalled because of weld failures! Still find them selling on Ebay. OUCH. Can you imagine what it would be like to have the front of your shock fall on to the ground @ speed?!?! (Message edited by 89rs1200 on May 24, 2006) (Message edited by 89rs1200 on May 24, 2006) (Message edited by 89rs1200 on May 24, 2006) | ||
| Oldog |
I caught a showa on e-bay [ new recall kit ] I dont know the number but for 200 $ if I get 3 or 4 years from it ok I wanted a works but the 700+ price is a little steep for me, I can re sell it if needed Is the color the spring rate or cosmetic? TIA | ||
| 89rs1200 |
Spring color = spring rate. My Penske has the dark blue spring, not the black spring. (Message edited by 89rs1200 on May 26, 2006) | ||
| Jreichner |
I have a works shock and I have had no issues. Major improvement over the stock shock. I do agree that the braided line will cause damage if you don't protect it. The line took a piece out of my voltage regulator but other than that it works for me and the price was right. I didnt want to pay as much as the hyperpro. I hope this helps. | ||
| 89rs1200 |
The Penske 8700 does have separate hi and low-speed damping adjustments. | ||
| Djkaplan |
Would you recommend the 8700 for street use? Is it hard to adjust the damping settings properly? I've never had a shock with hi and low speed rebound damping adjustments... would this be overkill for a streetbike used for occasional trackdays and just cause me more grief, or does the high-speed damping adjustment open up a whole new world of suspension control? It's only $100 for the option; I don't see how it could not be worth it. Do tell... | ||
| Djkaplan |
Also, where did you mount the reservoir? | ||
| 89rs1200 |
The 2 Penske rebound adjustments are great for a street bike. My 1998 has this shock and we use it for touring. Rides easier over those speed bumps and pot holes. (A bit of over indulgence, I admit.) My wifes 1997 has 1 rebound adjustment, hense it is just a little harsher over low speed bumps. Penske reservoir tube comes out the bottom front of the shock. Expect it to be the first thing to break off against the road. I rotated my shock so that the reservoir line goes out the top. Had to rotate the 90Deg elbow GENTLY 1/4 turn so that the line exited the shock tword the exhaust pipe. Routed the line between the exhaust and the engine. Mounted the reservoir, adjuster up, onto & under the left side frame tube. Fits behind the S3T left leg fairing. Put plastic wire protector around the reservoir line @ wear points. Tie wrapped loosley @ the front muffler mount to keep it stable. | ||
| 89rs1200 |
Penske manual, Great adjustment tips: http://www.penskeshocks.com/8900%20Motorcycle%20Manual.pdf | ||
| Djkaplan |
I was really hoping you were going to recommend the least expensive Penske with the limited adjustment range. This is gonna hurt. | ||
| 89rs1200 |
Go ahead and get the cheaper Penske. I have a Works on my other 1997 S3. The cheapest Penske rides better than the Works, and, of course, they are both far superior to the stock shock. The Penske is made of better materials, has .47" lenght adjustment for ride height, and can be custom revalved. In my opinion, you would be happy with either the Works or Penske. It is a matter of affordability. For street riding the extra adjustments are for comfort. Not required, just nice to have. (Message edited by 89rs1200 on June 15, 2006) | ||
| Dfbutler |
Got a WP from Al at American Sport Bike. The huge change from stock Showa was riding 2 up. A 300 mile trip including some serious speeds (triple digits) never bottomed now seemed overwhelmed. No matter which one, you'll be pleased with the improvement over stock |
