JamieDaugherty

That is correct. Feel free to email your details and I can make a recommendation for you. Something else to consider is the damping - that is much more important than spring rate - but maybe just leave that for another time :-)

It is difficult to adjust on all single rear shock motorcycles, and the F4 is no different. It is possible to change it if you have the correct spanner tools and a little ambition. If you have the correct spring rate installed you can set the preload before the shock is installed. The correct spring will also mean you do not have to change preload for luggage, passenger, etc. Just ride! I hope this helps.

Hey guys, I wanted to let everyone know about some really big news. It's been in the works for a couple of months now, but two weeks ago we finalized the purchase of Sonic Springs for it's original owner Rich Desmond. Rich is a great guy and we hope to continue to build on the honesty and integrity he used to build the company. Big shoes to fill, that's for sure. For now the ordering of Sonic Springs will be processed through the same website. Not much will change in the near term from a day-to-day perspective. We are keeping the name Sonic Springs so hopefully this transition will be pretty invisible to the average customer. We are hoping this acquisition will help to leverage more offerings for both Sonic and DMr. Not really sure where this journey will take us but we have big plans and high hopes. You guys can feel free to email me directly if you have any questions or suggestions. Thanks for all of your support over the years. We could not have gotten here without you!

Thanks Harold, I'm glad you like it!

Nah, we have tons of seals here at the shop, I was trying to throw in an 'extra' since you were doing the forks and shock at the same time. I don't always do this, sometimes I feel generous I guess! I hope you enjoy your new suspension!

The custom shocks we build are 305mm and include a new upper mount to make up the length difference. The OEM length of the 02+ VFR's is 315mm and the shock+mount nets an equivalent of 317.5mm. We offer other mount configurations to tailor the rear ride height to suit your needs. Just let me know!

Something to consider is all external compression adjustments are a fine tuning device - in fact a *very* fine tuning device. The majority of the change will come from the "rebound" adjuster. I put that in quotes because it changes bot hthe compression and rebound at the same time. This is because it is changing the free bleed between the compression and rebound sides of the cartridge. It is important to note the change you get with the "rebound" adjuster on the compression damping curve is more significant than what you get with the actual compression one. In some cases the compression adjuster itself does little or nothing! The effect of the rebound adjustment is why you should always set that first. It changes the overall feel of the forks.

Well guys, I've had this bike for several years but I'm thinking maybe time for a new home. It's got 10k miles on it but hasn't been ridden since 1986. This is for sure the nicest R I've ever seen in person. Maybe a flaw or two in there but mostly I would say near mint. I thought about riding it some but I don't trust myself enough to risk something happening to one this nice. I also have another parts bike with good engine that I would with it or separately. Anyway, just wondering if there is anyone out there who might be interested in buying either of these It's hard to put a price on them but I'm up for negotiations. Shoot me an email or PM!

Hey guys, a couple of quick points: 1) First and foremost, the spring preload does not alter the way the motorcycle feels. It only adjusts the height of the rear. 2) The spring preload adjustment is located at the bottom of the shock/spring. 3) Reddog, the SS8 fluid is too heavy for the forks. Do not use any of the SS fluids, those are not very good. I would suggest Honda Pro Oils 5w, Spectro 85/150, Motul Factory Line 5w, or Klotz 5w. All are excellent and will help with the front. It won't fix the inherent problems with the springs/valving though. Please drop me an email if you need anything else!

The CBR-XX rear shock is no better than the OEM VFR - the parts on the inside are identical. Sure, the spring rate is a tad higher but chances are still not correct for your weight. If you would like some suggestions for your VFR please feel free to check out my site here: http://www.daughertymotorsports.com/vfr800.html

Out of the box, Ohlins shocks need some work to perform best. They are mass produced just like the OEM Showa units - and suffer because of it. For sure they perform better than the OEM shock, but do not be fooled into thinking you are buying the best - in fact that is far from the truth. If you consider an Ohlins probably best to consider sending it off to get the correct spring rate and valving package installed. FYI!

It isn't surprising to me that you found these results. With stock suspension (read: poor suspension) the Michelin tires seem to shine. If everything is setup properly something that isn't a stiff carcass like the Pilots would actually serve you better. The stiff construction of the Pilots also makes them a decent choice for the track where you can drive enough heat into them to soften them up. Tires are definitely one of the most important factors when it comes to suspension. It is the part that touches the road after all!

I think I might have found something that will help you: in the third picture of your original post I can see the rebound valve piston is installed backwards! That will definitely screw things up for sure. I would suggest getting that fixed and go back with the stacks I originally sent and I think you will be just fine. Give that a shot and let me know what you find out.

I do not have kits for the 86-87 models yet. Those will be more involved because the forks are not cartridge style originally, but the idea is the same. The VFR1200 uses KYB forks and I do not have a kit for those yet. For now the 1200's are DMr install only.

I just wanted to let you guys know that I've recently released a fork cartridge upgrade kit. These are available for all years VFR750 and VFR800. I've been working hard on these for the past couple of years and they are finally ready. One of the biggest goal for this kit was that it something the owner can install themselves. This eliminates the need to send the forks to me for the upgrade. I will still be offering the standard fork spring and revalve services and will also be installing these cartridge kits as well. Pricing is $550-575 depending on model and year. Please send me an email at jamie@daughertymotorsports.com if you are interested in ordering. International orders are welcome. Features: All new DMr BD Series compression valving All new DMr BD Series rebound valving Includes springs and spacers for a direct fit New damping rods and adjustable caps Adds external damping adjustment on models not equipped from the factory Valving setup and spring rate configured specifically for each rider and application Utilizes OEM cartridge tubes, no need to pay for what you don't need All valving parts are preassembled Includes detailed instructions for easy installation Made in the USA!

Actually, not nyloc but rather metal tang locking nuts (that's why you can reuse them). Agreed that you should not use any thread locking adhesive.

I've not seen a 2014 800 in person yet. Hopefully the forks are Showa units as the KYB's aren't as good (the VFR12 guys know what I mean). That would explain the problem, but judging by the parts fiche I think they are Showa. If so upgrades would be a lot easier too. Pretty sad to think about how much a new bike costs and that you would want/need to turn right around and modify the suspension. However, that's most likely the only solution. Adding adjustability is one of the items I hope to offer for that model soon.

+1 (of course!) Just ot clarify: the stock VFR800 and CBR929 shock springs are 15.3kg/mm which are good for a 12lb rider. All riders will need a new spring. The internal valving is essentially the same as the VFR (identical piston, just slightly different shim stacks) so the 929 shock also needs a revalve. What you are getting with the 929 is external compression adjustment and a remote reservoir. It is the spring and valving that generate the performance. I hope this helps!

There are many things on modern-era motorcycles that are packed closely together. As long as it is not pushing against the swingarm (which they don't) you are fine. Enjoy!

Something to keep in mind is the shock generates its own heat - external sources of heat off the engine usually do not affect it. Heat from the exhaust is not an issue.

AHHHHHHH! No I didn't! Everything I install is my own valving, I don't like to help out my competition! As for an upgraded rebound, that only really helps the very aggressive or track riders. New shim stacks on the stock rebound valves is plenty for most riders. The trick is getting the correct shim stack setup, but that's where experience comes into play.

As mentioned above, I think the springs you are considering are a little soft. I'd probably go with 1.0's and 1200 respectively. You are a little out in the weeds with your proposed front end valving. Either with my valving parts or RT you will NOT want to use 10w fluid. Probably best not to source info online but rather have someone who understands suspension work with you. I'm often amazed at how much bad info there is on the topic of suspension, and how rare it is to find something that is even close to correct. Working with an experienced person will always be your best bet.

That looks great!