Member Contributer jstanwood Posted January 17, 2007 Member Contributer Share Posted January 17, 2007 (edited) Well, this may only help Dutchy, as he's the only other 4th gen owner I can think of that recently ordered a Wilbers shock, but I figured I would post this anyway. This install took me longer than I was expecting, but I sure "learned" a lot. Some tips: -When the service manual says to remove something, remove it. It's tight quarters under there. -Drain the gas tank. I trusted my petcock (hee-hee) to actualy shut off the fuel flow. Well, once I sat the tank on the ground and gas spewed forth, I found out that it doesn't seal so well after 10 years. So, it went up on the work bench, and I took turns draining it into extra fuel containers. (This obviously took some time.) -Lifting the rear wheel to get the weight off the shock mounting bolts lets you insert and remove them freely. -The shock mounting nuts are a pain to break loose with the limited clearance there is for a ratchet. 12-point sockets will work better here. -Removing the rubber thing that covers the front battery heat shield makes removing and installing the heat shield much easier. There are two bolts that hold it to the cylinder head, and two of the infamous plastic things that hold it to the subframe. Pictorial: A direction that didn't work An attempt at having the banjo bolts stick out the front of the shock. I would prefer this for the bolt clearance, but it would have been better to actually rotate the hose so it went left. This will wait until the next teardown. View from above Of course, once I got the hoses routed nicely, the battery heat shield hit the banjo bolt. I was tired of fighting, so I grabbed the tin snips and pliers. In hindsight, I learned I could have used pliers to rotate the hose around the banjo bolt. Then, I would rotate the shock 180 degrees and have the hoses point to the left. I will check for fouling after the first ride. Remote res & preload adjuster mount I ended up routing the hoses separately for clearance so they didn't rub on anything. Remote res and preload view 2 The goal was to have a sturdy mount and still have access for all adjustments. I also still wanted access to the lock. The helmet lock still works, although it's a little tougher to use. Final location Final mounting location with one hose on each side of the footpeg mount. There is still room to get the key into the lock. The ride report will have to wait until the snow and ice clear. So far, the bike actually bounces back up now when I take my weight off it. My wife helped to measure sag, and it was perfect out of the box. I also bought fork springs to match my weight, but I will wait until after a ride or two before installing them. I want to be able to feel the difference by making one change at a time. EDIT: Fixed some spelling and added another tip. The spell checker can't come back soon enough. It does add some extra humo(u)r at times, though. Edited February 3, 2007 by HispanicSlammer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Dutchy Posted January 17, 2007 Member Contributer Share Posted January 17, 2007 Cheers Jon! While you were busy findings ways NOT to mount it, I was mounting tables at the apres ski in Austria! :goofy: :unsure: :unsure: :blink: :beer: :beer: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer jstanwood Posted January 17, 2007 Author Member Contributer Share Posted January 17, 2007 I was mounting tables at the apres ski in Austria! Lucky you! That looks like tasty :goofy: I love when funny stuff happens in translation. I have a very funny/sick mental picture or two. Have you seen American Pie? :lol: They usually frown on mounting of many kinds in public. Another good example was from the Wilbers box. I looked up "Tolles Fahrwerk", and it translated literally to "Mad Chassis". That's not what I was going for with my purchase. I'm hoping for a calmer chassis! There is an "establishment" near the race track here in Indy called the "Classy Chassis". I wonder if it's related? :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer FotoMoto Posted January 17, 2007 Member Contributer Share Posted January 17, 2007 Although it's been quite a few years since I did shock swaps on my old 4th gen, I don't recall seeing any reason to completely remove the fuel tank. I just unbolted the rear mount and propped it up out of the way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer jstanwood Posted January 17, 2007 Author Member Contributer Share Posted January 17, 2007 Although it's been quite a few years since I did shock swaps on my old 4th gen, I don't recall seeing any reason to completely remove the fuel tank. I just unbolted the rear mount and propped it up out of the way. I was more afraid of dropping the tank or hitting it with something while I was wrenching. I could have done the job with it on, but I appreciated the extra room while I did my contortions. Plus, the airbox lid is a good place for tools. :o Did you have any similar deals with the hose orientation? I was afraid to crank on the fittings to rotate them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer FotoMoto Posted January 17, 2007 Member Contributer Share Posted January 17, 2007 Did you have any similar deals with the hose orientation? I was afraid to crank on the fittings to rotate them. No, I was experimenting with the first cbr900 shock install. No hoses there. I do have a wilbers on my vtec. I run it to the left and hang it on the pass. peg just like yours but with the hoses behind it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beck Posted January 17, 2007 Share Posted January 17, 2007 I think I'm a bit too late for the Wilbers group discount, but how much did that full boat looking shock for your 4th gen cost you, delivered. I came acrss some money lately and I'm trying to decide whether to join in on the Wilbers or go for a Penske or Ohlins for my 4th gen, instead. Beck 95 VFR Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Dutchy Posted January 17, 2007 Member Contributer Share Posted January 17, 2007 I love when funny stuff happens in translation. I have a very funny/sick mental picture or two. Have you seen American Pie? :lol: They usually frown on mounting of many kinds in public. One of the advantages of being dutch is the abilily to claim ignorance when it comes to words having a slightly different meaning.... but euh englis iz not me mother tongue... :goofy: Another good example was from the Wilbers box. I looked up "Tolles Fahrwerk", and it translated literally to "Mad Chassis". That's not what I was going for with my purchase. I'm hoping for a calmer chassis! Toll can also mean Super, whereas Tollwut is rabies..... This is what the top op my shock looks like Will have to look at my bike to see why this bolt cannot face rearwards. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Brown81 Posted January 17, 2007 Member Contributer Share Posted January 17, 2007 :thumbsup: Can't wait for the ride report!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer jstanwood Posted January 17, 2007 Author Member Contributer Share Posted January 17, 2007 I think I'm a bit too late for the Wilbers group discount, but how much did that full boat looking shock for your 4th gen cost you, delivered. I came acrss some money lately and I'm trying to decide whether to join in on the Wilbers or go for a Penske or Ohlins for my 4th gen, instead.Beck 95 VFR Well, Ohlins already helped you decide not to get one of theirs. They stopped making them at least a year ago. Depending on the options you want, Penske may not be good either. What are you looking for? (twin or triple clicker, remote preload, ride height adjustment, etc?) I did progressive fork springs, the 641 (triple clicker), and remote preload, and the total was a whopping $1034, shipped. :o (I'm still sore.) I love when funny stuff happens in translation. I have a very funny/sick mental picture or two. Have you seen American Pie? :lol: They usually frown on mounting of many kinds in public. One of the advantages of being dutch is the abilily to claim ignorance when it comes to words having a slightly different meaning.... but euh englis iz not me mother tongue... :goofy: That's what makes learning other languages so much fun! It's best to be with friends to help you learn the double meanings. :D Another good example was from the Wilbers box. I looked up "Tolles Fahrwerk", and it translated literally to "Mad Chassis". That's not what I was going for with my purchase. I'm hoping for a calmer chassis! Toll can also mean Super, whereas Tollwut is rabies..... My box reads <snip> Maybe they sent me yours, and yours to me! Mine is all German! (I know from their web site it was meant to be translated as "Brilliant Suspension", but Mad Chassis is more humo(u)rous. Wilbers box Racy--I mean Racing Suspension This is what the top op my shock looks like<snip> Will have to look at my bike to see why this bolt cannot face rearwards. That is the exact orientation as mine. If you mount it with the hose toward the front, the hose will interfere with the exhaust. If you mount it to the back (180 degree rotation), it will likely hit the heat shield for the battery box. So, if I had to do it again, I would use pliers to make the hose go left it were going out the front. Don't forget to cover the shock in something to protect it while you stuff it in there. I used plastic food wrapping, so the only damage was to my knuckles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Dutchy Posted January 25, 2007 Member Contributer Share Posted January 25, 2007 My plan is to saw of the footpeg hanger bit (retaining the grip and seat lock) and affix the adjuster in front of the grip (to place the bike on its centre stand). I've located 2 left hangers for a 4th gen (94-97) via the net here in the Netherlands What should I pay for one? $10? Shall I buy both, chop both and ship one to you? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer gll429 Posted January 26, 2007 Member Contributer Share Posted January 26, 2007 I think I'm a bit too late for the Wilbers group discount, but how much did that full boat looking shock for your 4th gen cost you, delivered. I came acrss some money lately and I'm trying to decide whether to join in on the Wilbers or go for a Penske or Ohlins for my 4th gen, instead.Beck 95 VFR i just found a fox twin clicker.. very cool.. ride height ,adj preload and rebound adj.. look on ebay.. there is one now on a cbr900rr i think for 350 "buy it now". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer jstanwood Posted January 26, 2007 Author Member Contributer Share Posted January 26, 2007 My plan is to saw of the footpeg hanger bit (retaining the grip and seat lock) and affix the adjuster in front of the grip (to place the bike on its centre stand).I've located 2 left hangers for a 4th gen (94-97) via the net here in the Netherlands What should I pay for one? $10? Shall I buy both, chop both and ship one to you? Thanks for the offer! :goofy: Buy one and chop it, then post pics. I think $10 is a steal, and it's no big loss if it doesn't work well. If it works great and looks good, I'm sure I can find another hanger over here for less than the cost of shipping. Winter is making me patient, but it is supposed to get to 38f/3c today, so I may be a nut and test ride it. Even with the current setup, I can still put the bike on the center stand by using the front of the hanger. It was months before I realized there was actually a "grip". The reservoir is on there so well, that I can still use it as a lift point. My other thought was to make a bracket that bolts through the hole in the left hanger, but that would require fabrication skills and machine tools I don't have. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Dutchy Posted January 26, 2007 Member Contributer Share Posted January 26, 2007 Well, she is fighting it... "No I donot want you to do that" "No I donot want you to fondle me" "No I donot want that" Sounds familiar? There's a break in the weather (no more freezing temperatures) so why not ride her in the open to a nice warm hotel garage? So I can dress her up nicely with all the new goodies? "no I donot want that" You've guessed it, battery flat as a dodo..... The jumper cable beaks (from my Volvo) to too large to grip properly on this dinky Yashuahahahahaha.. phuck! Och well, gives me someting to do tomorrow morning Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer jstanwood Posted January 26, 2007 Author Member Contributer Share Posted January 26, 2007 (edited) You've guessed it, battery flat as a dodo..... Thanks for reminding me to switch the battery tender cable from the scooter to the VFR. <_< Here, the thermometer says GO! However, the wind chill says NO! Actually, I just checked your weather, and it's not much different than here. I am just a wimp! EDIT: Well, I did it! It was good. <_< Edited January 26, 2007 by jstanwood Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Dutchy Posted January 28, 2007 Member Contributer Share Posted January 28, 2007 Strike off #2 of my winter project list, fitting a new rear shock. (ok, I still have to attach the external adjustor) Forgot my camera, so I used my brother's and it simply refused to focus properly under the bike. So yous will have to wait till tomorrow night for those "upskirt" photos. It looks like Wilbers donot place the banjo bolt in the same place/hose orientation on each shock because mine has no interference whatsoever... With the banjo bolt facing towards the back, the hose points towards the left (where the SSA/chain is). Wilbers advises NOT to place it on the side where the chain is (in case it snaps?), but on the other side is my -hot- high mount exhaust... Nekkid! My fuel petcock is 100% tight :thumbsup: Turn in the adjuster of the 4th geb shock as much as possible to give it as much clearance as possible when fiddlign the shock out Anyone interested in a 4th Gen shock? :P Always wear protection when sliding it in! To be continued Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer jstanwood Posted January 29, 2007 Author Member Contributer Share Posted January 29, 2007 Strike off #2 of my winter project list, fitting a new rear shock. (ok, I still have to attach the external adjustor)It looks like Wilbers donot place the banjo bolt in the same place/hose orientation on each shock because mine has no interference whatsoever... With the banjo bolt facing towards the back, the hose points towards the left (where the SSA/chain is). Wilbers advises NOT to place it on the side where the chain is (in case it snaps?), but on the other side is my -hot- high mount exhaust... Your hose hangs out the same way mine does! :goofy: On a more serious note, you will see what I mean when you try to put the front of the battery box back in. It will hit the banjo bolt until you"modify" it. Mounting the external adjuster in a good place is the difficult part. Enjoy! View from above Of course, once I got the hoses routed nicely, the battery heat shield hit the banjo bolt. I was tired of fighting, so I grabbed the tin snips and pliers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Dutchy Posted January 29, 2007 Member Contributer Share Posted January 29, 2007 Well, that was a fruitfull and enjoyable day! Strike off #3 of my winter project list: fitted the CF hugger. But first the "upskirt" picture.... The heat shield *just* touches the the banjo bolt; unless ENZED tells me I will crash burn and die again, I will leave it "as is" No shit, Sherlock!!! on fitting the remote.... The extra footpeg hanger came in, but I need to figure out how to transfer the lock AND find someone with a big enough saw..... So that option is on hold.... I ended up fitting it about three times, ok-ish now. I know Wilbers says not to mount it over the chain, but I donot want it near my exhaust. The next exhaust will be even higher mount... Look! CF hugger in the background! Other side: (Do I smell chicken? :P ) While the tank is off, I'll be slotting in new sparks. Question on the air filter: Cannot remember when it was last changed (this is the first time I'm doing the work myself, thanks to VFRD :thumbsup: ) So how does this look to yous? Vacuum cleaner and fit again? Saw a baskin shark of the coast of Skye this summer. It's mouth was much much bigger but looked a bit like this: :P The forks are off, drained, pumped and will stay upside down overnight OEM vs Wilbers The OEM spacer is a hollow tube, weighing all but 51 grams, withstanding the spring forces SNAFU on the rear brake pads... :goofy: I *cannot* undo the screw that is in front of the bolt that holds the pads.... Will drive to the dealer once all is done and have a capuchino while they do it.... Right! Time to pour myself a single malt and soak myself in the bath tub. (Sorry ladies, no pictures! :huh: ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Dutchy Posted January 30, 2007 Member Contributer Share Posted January 30, 2007 Strike off #4 and #5 #4 new front fork springs hardest part is not removing/fitting the forks and sliding the new springs in, hardest is to get 170mm of airpocket just right. Started with 375ml of fresh oil to start but then it is pour in pour out and again... As a measuring stick I used special quality Japanese bamboo, from a botanist near the Honda factory :P Since "real beauty" sits inside (yeah right...) there nothing much to show... #5 new rear brake pads. The dust seal nut that gave me grief yesterday got a much bigger screwdriver rammed up its !@#$ and that did the trick :thumbsup: Pad wear has been somewhat uneven and about time to change... So.. what's left: Spark plugs; Denso issued a new part# for the 4th gen. I didnot go for the irridium twice as expensives. Coolant Air filter? Not sure, see previous post Re-Torque every bolt Paint the exhaust headers... to remove the entire system I need to remove the centre stand (according to the manual) so I'll just remove the front headers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Brown81 Posted January 30, 2007 Member Contributer Share Posted January 30, 2007 Wow, that looks like my ex-girlfriends' mouth! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Dutchy Posted January 30, 2007 Member Contributer Share Posted January 30, 2007 Wow, that looks like my ex-girlfriends' mouth! Tell me her name is not Linda!!! :P Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest RVFR2 Posted February 3, 2007 Share Posted February 3, 2007 Wow, good job there, Mmm not sure this is of any help after the fact, but here's where I put my remote after a bit of fiddling. I made my own mounting hang onto goodie to fit where I thought it should be without causing a lot of grief. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Brown81 Posted February 3, 2007 Member Contributer Share Posted February 3, 2007 Wow, that looks like my ex-girlfriends' mouth! :beer: Tell me her name is not Linda!!! :P LOL! No, but my mothers name is Linda, and she, too, has a big mouth!! :goofy: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Dutchy Posted February 3, 2007 Member Contributer Share Posted February 3, 2007 Looking good :thumbsup: Am I seeing correctly that you used rivets? (we call them popnagels; pop nails...) Where did you rivet them onto? The subframe by drilling holes into the frame? I've relocated mine to the same position as jstanwood for now. The hose on the Wilbers may be just a tad too short too fit in the space behind the grab bar if I remember correctly. But will see tomorrow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest PeC Posted February 6, 2007 Share Posted February 6, 2007 Hi! I've already own wilbers progressive springs for my RC46. It's much better, then the factory. The new stuff is the wilbers shock: kicsi.jpg But i have no idea how to use this littel stuff. It's sure for mounting the preload adjuster, but how? bolt.jpg The biggest problem is that i've got user manual in german. But i don't speak german. Can somebody scan his english manual? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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