Rear shock advice

[modog]

It's been a long while since I've been on so.........
I'm looking for some advice. Here's the scenario

I have an 02 750. Rear shock is stock. I've been doing more trackdays this year and will continue. The suspension is set up for me but with over 40k mi on the bike and I'm an agressive track rider the bike can't take it. It's moving way too much when I get on the power. Do you think a stiffer spring is the way to go or maybe a 1000 used rear shock. (I hear they are much stiffer). I'm in the 180lb range

Thanks in advance.

[sportbike solutions]

At a minimum, I'd suggest you have your shock serviced... fresh fluid, full inspection, seals if needed, & nitrogen charged. With that many miles it's way past due.

Your best bet (aside from replacing the shock completely with a Penske/Ohlins/Elka) would be to also have the shock revalved. Doing so while servicing the shock would make the most sense economically.

You could also benefit from a somewhat heavier spring in the rear. Not alot, though.

I would strongly suggest the above, rather than finding a used 1K shock. All that's going to get you is another shock in need of service with a slightly heavier spring. You'd get MUCH better performance reworking the one you've got.

One thing that's really crucial to making this year bike handle is bumping up the shock length. And aftermarket shock w/ ride height adjustment is your best bet. 2nd best is to shim under the stock shock upper mount as much as you can... which works out to around 5-7mm or so.

[modog]

Thanks. I should have mentioned that I just had my front forks done. New fluid. The tech checked out the rear and said it was still good. (Street wise of course) Track is a different matter. He also said that the 02 rear shock doesn't take nitrogen. Is that correct? Also how do you revalve a rear shock? Isn't it just a large spring?

If I shim under the stock shock for the max of 5-7mm do you think it would make a very noticeable difference on the track?

Sorry for my ignorance on some of these questions? Better to ask than to pretend I know.

[sportbike solutions]

Originally Posted by modog

Thanks. I should have mentioned that I just had my front forks done. New fluid. The tech checked out the rear and said it was still good. (Street wise of course) Track is a different matter. He also said that the 02 rear shock doesn't take nitrogen. Is that correct? Also how do you revalve a rear shock? Isn't it just a large spring?

First off, there's no way the tech could have determined anything about the condition of your stock shock, except that maybe it's not leaking fluid, without disassemblying it. You can't just look at it and say 'its fine'. After 40K miles, the fluid is crap, the shaft bushing is likely worn, and the seals may or may not need replacing. Anyone who knows suspension would tell you 40K miles is definitely overdue for service. Then again... not many people know suspension. This guy is one of them.

Anyone that would say that shock doesn't take nitrogen DOES NOT need to be working on your bike! Seriously... don't ever let him touch it again. Don't even let him look at it. Yes... it takes nitrogen.

As far as valving goes... the spring controls load bearing. The valving (which for learning purposes is an orificed piston that moves through fluid, thus creating damping force) is internal. Revalving - for simplicities sake - adds 'control', and can greatly improve rideability & traction.

Originally Posted by modog

If I shim under the stock shock for the max of 5-7mm do you think it would make a very noticeable difference on the track?

Yes - don't think... know. HUGE difference.

Originally Posted by modog

Sorry for my ignorance on some of these questions? Better to ask than to pretend I know.

You're not ignorant. You're asking questions to learn. That's smart.

Your tech is the one who's ignorant!!!!

[modog]

I really appreciate all the help. I will look into adding some shim if possible in addition to getting the rear shock revalved. It's too bad you're not located out here in Cali.

[sportbike solutions]

The majority of our suspension work is shipped to us from outside AZ What you'd pay in shipping would likely be offset by what you wouldn't have to pay in in sales tax. All you have to do is remove & reinstall the shock.

There are also PLENTY of great suspension outfits in your state as well. Probably more there than anywhere else.

Just make sure that whoever you choose actually specializes in suspension. Every once in a while you'll find a 'general' mechanic who knows what he's doing, but more often than not - they don't.

If you ever have any questions - don't hesitate.