shocks

[three season]

Hi Folks,


Newbie here, late to join Foc-u (got my Fazer 3 years ago) a nice example with 12000 miles on it, now has 25000. I intend to do some upgrades (limited budget) thinking I should start with the rear shock and maybe front springs.
I would appreciate any advice.
Thanks
Jim

[Cellarman]

Hi Folks,


Newbie here, late to join Foc-u (got my Fazer 3 years ago) a nice example with 12000 miles on it, now has 25000. I intend to do some upgrades (limited budget) thinking I should start with the rear shock and maybe front springs.
I would appreciate any advice.
Thanks
Jim

Luke (Devilsyam) is your man for rear shock see HERE

[three season]

Thanks Cellarman, I'll look into that,


Jim

[PieEater]

I would get the rear shock sorted first, if on a budget definitely investigate the R6 shock option, PM Devilsyam for the details. The cheapest option would be getting the OEM shock regassed and resprung, this would make things better but obviously not as good as the next to new shock that Luke could supply you with.

Front springs are either linear or progressive, progressive seem to be the popular option and are available from a wider range of manufacturers, they are more of an all round setup for comfort and handling whereas linear are more focused on handling (at least that is what I gathered from my research). I went for linear as I believe they are better suited to my riding style and requirements and I got my springs (plus seals / bushes / oil) from K-Tech. If you Google "motorcycle fork spring calculator" you'll get a few sites where you can put in your details and get some recommendations on what rate spring you should be looking at i.e. http://racetech.com/ProductSearch/2/Yamaha/FZ1/2001-05 (calculate spring rates - under Fork Springs & Kits).

[three season]

Hi PieEater, many thanks for your post, your knowledge is much appreciated. I'll contact devilsyam soon.
Jim

[Falcon 269]

Linear springs matched to your weight and riding style are the better option as you have the entire length of the spring working in a regime which suits you.  Progressive springs are by definition a compromise.  That said, a few years ago I fitted Hyperpro progressives to a friend's Fazer and they were a definite improvement over the stock set up.

[PaulSmith]

Can anybody else say if that calculator is any good? I put in my figures (street riding, 88Kgs) and it is suggesting 1Kg/mm front and 15Kg/mm rear. Stock springs are  0.8Kg/mm front and 7.6Kg/mm rear, and the strongest rear they do is only 11.6Kg/mm
 

[PieEater]

There are a number of calculators available hence the recommendation to Google for them, I would try two or three to get a feel for what you should be looking at. Also whoever you're looking at to supply the springs should be able to advise. Being of the larger boned variety of rider my decision was pretty much get the stiffest fork springs available.

[sadlonelygit]

Can anybody else say if that calculator is any good? I put in my figures (street riding, 88Kgs) and it is suggesting 1Kg/mm front and 15Kg/mm  rear. Stock springs are  0.8Kg/mm front and 7.6Kg/mm rear, and the strongest rear they do is only 11.6Kg/mm

this is what you're looking for in a rear iirc.
for 88kg you really need 9 or 9.5nm fronts and 475-525 ft/lb shock spring depending on how often you go 2 up

15kg/mm.............only if you're driving a Foden!!!!!!!!!!