Captain 80s

What did you use to verify the length of the Bitubo as delivered?

Your swingarm hits something and stops. Unless you find something that can be manipulated to allow the swingarm to extend further, that is what you get. That is the max shock length, regardless of what number that is. But it sure sounds like it was less than 330 before too. Maybe you were able to force shims in and compress the shock a little with it on the center stand, like you did with the length adjustment on the Bitubo. You didn't mention what type of shims and how they were installed.

Measuring eye to eye exactly ideally requires a height gage. With a set of good calipers, what does your shim stack actually measure at? It could be that you were really around 328-329 the whole time. One of your install pictures, the lower bolt looks pretty damn close to going thru.

With the shock out let the swingarm hit whatever it is it wants to hit and try and chase the sound (or feel). Maybe the exhaust from 99 to 00 has a change that the swingarm wants to hit earlier, but isn't an issue with a stock length shock.

They are different part numbers, but that could be something like dampening changes. The linkage parts are the same. What does your stock shock actually measure at? I thought you did that already. I just can't think of anything else being different to not allow the same swingarm travel between the two. Unless there is something different and they changed the shock length as well. Honda does like to change a bunch of little shit on seemingly similar models though. Seen it many times.

That's what I would do. Straight to a true old school radiator shop.

If they are coming apart, you might consider installing some Race Tech Cartridge Emulators. They work really good. But they might not be compatible with your Progressive Springs. The ID of those springs is too small to engage the Emulator correctly.

Perhaps give it some more time. 86-87 VFR radiators used to be very rare on ebay, but I've noticed more coming up in the last year or two that look decent and aren't crazy expensive. I've also kinda wanted to try one these out, but with no real high hopes. I don't know why this one is so cheap. They usually always go for around $180. new VFR Radiator

Yes sir. Bolt on. Let me check my "Parts Department". I might have an odd ball that's not part of a set that you can have for actual shipping if you want. But that one is a decent deal with free shipping. I would be shipping from Washington State.

Example: ebay VF500F front disc

Like you, that never makes sense to me. But, rear calipers are often overlooked and nasty. They drag and destroy discs. And that rear caliper is the older design and very prone to seizing on the collar and not floating.

To increase your search area, the VF500F Interceptor discs are the same size and thickness, just without holes. The 500 front rotors are a little lighter design than the 500 rear. We put a front one on my buddy's 87 VFR, his was toast. "But it doesn't have holes." "It's in perfect condition and I'm giving it to you for free." "Oh. Yeah, I like it."

Lovin' it! Awesome. Don't know if anything ever materialized on those inner panels.

Don't think I have ever seen welded on radiator protectors like that before. Pretty sure you can see a radiator repair from before these were welded on? Anyway, that's pretty cool. And with a replaceable skid pad? And looks like the crankcase cover has a plate welded up to it too. Did that on both sides of my CBR600F2 race bike.

Look forward to hearing the report on that shock.

Well, something is different on that bike preventing the swingarm from extending like your other one, and other VFRs it sounds like. So you are probably at about 328 after taking all available slack, with a couple mm more preload on the shock.

I'm glad you got it in! Looks like a nice shock, that's for sure. If the swingarm wouldn't move any more to allow you to install the shock at 330mm, I'm not sure how you were able to put 3mm back into the length after installing it. Are you sure your weren't just compressing the shock 3mm?

I'm interested. Never know when I might need to know some trick or quirk.

Has the exhaust been touched down before (and shifted) and is preventing the suspension form extending more?

Gotcha. Weird then.

From what I can find, stock length is 317mm? 330 is a pretty good jump in length on a rising rate linkage. I'm not totally surprised that it might be (just barely) out of the range that would still fit.

Hmmm. Every bike can be a little different. Maybe try taking one turn out of the ride height. That is the lower shock eyelet, right? And the swingarm won't extend any further? Then the shock is too long at it's current ride height setting for that particular bike. What am I missing?

Also, is the shock ride height adjustable? Did you check the overall length compared to stock?

Maybe taking the top shock mount bolt out will give you the movement to assemble the linkage, and then the shock might be able to be manipulated to get the upper mount bolt back in.

Cool. Pictures are needed.