vifferluv

Hi Scott, I've been able to source large metric grade 8 bolts when needed from Napa. I even call and have gotten somebody knowledgeable about pitch and sizing to confirm they have what I need before I roll. btw- don't forget to set sag while you're thinking about it. This was a good baseline for dialing in my settings: http://www.sportrider.com/bikes/146_suspen...ngs/index4.html Now go get your ride on the road! :cool:

And people think I have *music* on my ipod. I really could listen to that all day.Thanks for taking on this amazing project and showing Honda how to surpass the K1200's as the ultimate sport tourer!

Riding Impressions This is a whole nuther bike. Everything feels more stable: in the turns, over rough road, putting power to the ground. I feel like I'm riding slow because of the difference from stock. I've ridden a buddy's track prepped '01 R1 quite a bit. It has an Ohlins. I would say the 929 rear suspension setup on my VFR is equally confidence inspiring. Of course, now the front suspension's limitations seem even more pronounced. I can only imagine the handling prowess and stopping power of an RC51 fork/brake swap. Hoping to at least go Race Tech springs/valves with F3 cartridge meld. I would suggest this update to anybody not timid of the detailed steps. Even if you don't have access to a welder, you can measure everything and have a local shop weld the spacer in place. Also, I checked the price on the upper mount ($9.89) just in case I needed to fall back to the stocker. Might be a good backup for anybody on the fence: http://www.ronayers.com/browseparts.cfm?se...g=50233-MZ7-000 Now there are no excuses

Rob, thanks for your great write-up! I was inspired by reading it and decided for this season to upgrade to a 929 strut. My parts list: '00 929RR Erion Edition shock ($21 shipped from *bay) 1/2" x 4" galvanized steel plumbing pipe ($3 from Lowes) M10 x 1.50 x 110mm bolt ($2.75 from local supplier) 3 steel washers ($0.48 from Lowes) M10 x 1.50 lock nut ($1.45 for two pack from Lowes) 2 1/4" alternator spacer from '64-'76 V8 Mopar (on hand) Hint: if you can find a M10 x 1.25 x 110mm bolt, you could use the the stock lock nut, which has a metal lock instead of nylon. They were out of stock locally... Pulling the stocker was a snap thanks to jacking up the swing arm! Getting the tack welded bolt off the VFR mount was a b*tch. I used an air saw then the Chevy tool (32oz hammer) with the mount in a vice to encourage the welds to let go. Here's what came out: (sorry the image isn't clearer, using a borrowed camera) After measuring and re-measuring, I cut my spacer pipe to ~37mm (1.455" according to the dial caliper). With the reservoir barely touching the undertail, rear height is up ~12mm. My 3 stack of washers measured 0.241" for a total additional spacing of ~43mm (1.696") from stock. Here is the mount before priming and paint: And here's the alternator spacer inside the pipe. It pressed in easily with the vice: The shock will slip into place with the new spacer/mount already attached (don't torque fully until it is in place). I used these guidelines to preset the shock: http://www.sportrider.com/bikes/146_suspen...ngs/index4.html Hope this helps somebody else looking to do the same update. Tomorrow will be setting the sag and going on a check ride. Wish me luck!