FJR Shock

[ianbh]

I have a 2004 FJR1300 with ABS.  The shock has over 35,000 miles on it .  I am going to replace it with an aftermarket one.  I'm a 66 year-old-geezer who rides fairly aggressively in the twisties (remember the 66 year-old part) one up with saddlebags and a tank bag. Quick searches seem to narrow it down to either an Olin or Penske.  The Olin is about 25% higher, is it worth it?  If not is the 8987 Penske worth the 50% more $$ then the 8100 series?
The 8987 series lists for $1180 and hardracing.com has it for $1100. They also have the 8100 series which lists for $800 for $750. Is there a better price available. TIA Ian, Iowa

[Andrew]

Wel if you get a better deal on the shock PLEASE POST WHERE  As i am in the same market

[jude]

The Penskes seem to be the shock of choice what with the Wilber's barf earlier.  Pop on over to FJRForum.com and do a quick search for the exact model, but I think it's the lesser costing jobby.  

[FJRmgm]

I have the Wilburs suspension on front/rear with almost 30k miles on it with no problems and it made a WORLD of difference in ride quality and handling.

I will have the rear shock rebuilt this winter as that is recommended interval.

Not all of us had problems with Wilburs - matter of fact, very few did.

[Lawn Dart]

I've put Ohlins on three different bikes now.  Ohlins is the proven solution - yeah, they do cost more but I don't hear about shock failures on Ohlins.  

Anyway, Ohlins, Penske, Wilburs - they all have a reputation for dramatically improving the ride of a bike.  I don't think you can really go wrong with any of them.

At a minimum I'd get a shock with Spring Preload, Rebound Damping, and Compression Damping adjustments.  I've found that I truly need to all three adjustments to get the ride just the way I like it.

Final note:  I've purchased my shocks through Kyle Racing - great guys!

[jude]

I have the Wilburs suspension on front/rear with almost 30k miles on it with no problems and it made a WORLD of difference in ride quality and handling.

I will have the rear shock rebuilt this winter as that is recommended interval.

Not all of us had problems with Wilburs - matter of fact, very few did.

I was referring to the Klaus debacle losing/dumping the line.  Love my Wilbers, too.

[Dirk@Wilbers]

Hi there, Dirk from Wilbers Germany here... Sorry that still you suffer from our separation from Klaus... However, as with a marriage in some cases a divorce is better than carrying on and becoming miserable for the rest of your life...
We actually do have a couple of new and reliable service point partners in the USA, find their addresses on our website www.motorcycle-suspension.com.

I just stopped by to inform you guys that Wilbers is still available in the USA and that servicing and guarantee works are also no longer a problem as some of our partners have already been here in Germany for training!

So please don't let us down, Wilbers is still there and offers quality 'Made in Germany' at a reasonable price...

As unfortunately I do not often have the time to visit forums, in case of any questions, please write me an email (kontaktusa@wilbers.de) or contact one of our partners!

Oh, before I forget: Hope you all had a HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Cheers,

Dirk

[ctfz1]

Sometimes the local vintage is best, Penske from Traxxion.

[Bounce]

I have the Wilburs suspension on front/rear ... with no problems and it made a WORLD of difference in ride quality and handling.

+1

[Jetpilot5]

I bought Penske sport shocks from Traxxion Dynamics for my VFR and my XX.  While it doesn't have compression damping adjustment, it was still far superior to the stock components and serviceable.  Quite a bit cheaper too at $600.

http://www.traxxion.com/store/detail.asp?product_id=SPORT

[Mr Sunshine]

Unless you feel you need to adjust the high speed compression damping stick with the 8100 series.  Personally the high speed adjustment isn't needed on the road and barely needed on the track (in fact some GP teams switched back to the twin clicker from the triple clicker cause it was too confusing)

[ctfz1]

FWIW one of the guys at Traxxion is active on the Yamahafz1oa board and a number of board members have FJRs. Good advice and service.

[daddysbike]

I just replaced my Front springs with Eibach springs and steering head bearings on my '07 FJR, I highly recommend it.
I ordered a Penske rear shock from gpsuspension.com and it should  be here soon.
The fjrforum.com is rumored to be putting a group buy together from gpsuspension and maybe get a 15-20% discount.
Good folks to deal with.
Stock suspension is crap/undersprung on all OEM, worth the $$.
Steve

[gman97216]

I've got an OEM low mile (less than 1000) FJR1300 shock that will work on a 2004 or 2005 if anyone is interested. $100 plus shipping.

[Robert]

I just replaced my Front springs with Eibach springs and steering head bearings on my '07 FJR, I highly recommend it.
I ordered a Penske rear shock from gpsuspension.com and it should  be here soon.
The fjrforum.com is rumored to be putting a group buy together from gpsuspension and maybe get a 15-20% discount.
Good folks to deal with.
Stock suspension is crap/undersprung on all OEM, worth the $$.
Steve

I was in on the GP Suspension GB last year & it made the bike handle & ride like it is on rails - Worth every penny. Had Eibach springs & revalve on front plus 8987 Penske rear. Dave's the man, GP Suspension is a great plan ! At 57 yrs old I enjoy the hell out of this bike !

[Canadian FJR]

Group buy by Mr. Warchild starting next week over at the FJR Forum.






Canadian FJR

[bikerider]

If you are looking for a less expensive alternative you may want to look Hagon shocks. I have one on my ST1300 and have been very happy with it so far.

[Fudge]

I bought Penske sport shocks from Traxxion Dynamics for my VFR and my XX.  While it doesn't have compression damping adjustment, it was still far superior to the stock components and serviceable.  Quite a bit cheaper too at $600.

http://www.traxxion.com/store/detail.asp?product_id=SPORT

Ja, I did the same for my FJ1200.  Good scheiss!