I need to upgrade my suspension

[2006FJR]

I am going to be reading all of the old treads here in this forum but I wanted you t understand my needs. I need to be able to haul around 1200 pounds with a loaded up bike and 2 people with gas. I have been doing this on the stock suspension but I am finding the bike it too low for bumps and scraps the peg in very basic tighter turns. I need some heavy duty shocks that can handle me, my partner and all of our gear. Most of the time when I read the posts people are looking for the ability to corner better. Yes, I would like to be able to easily change my set up and do that too but my main concern is being able to safely move me, my wife and all of our gear safely down the road.

Would you mind pointing me in the right direction so I can do some reading. Thanks.

 

[bergs]

GMD Computrack, Penske, Ohlins, Traxxion Dynamics

 

[Randy]

I don't know that you're gonna be able to switch back and forth. What you might be able to do is not necessarily get the bike set up for the full load, but, meet halfway. An aftermarket shock with a heavier spring and heavier fork springs and you'll be good to go.

Call Mike Fitzgerald at Thermosman Suspension - 770-500-6445. He is one of the suspension specialists that works with the top factory teams at every AMA race event, so, don't call on race weeks (such as this).

 

[GA CYCLE RIDER]

look at the penski or the ohlins. or contact the guys at www.traxxiondynamics.com. I am running a wilbers rear shock from a previous group buy deal. However the distribution/ sales/service situation has changed since my purchase.

you should be looking at something with remote preload adjustment for quick change of the spring pre-load based on your riding configuration.

You will get some other options right here on the forum if you hang on a few minutes.

regardless what you choose, with very little time, effort or mechanical skill, you can change out the shock yourself.

 

[HaulinAshe]

All good suggestions above. I also believe you will NOT be able to do both well with one shock, unless someone makes one with air-dampened adjustable preload to fit the FJR. Consult the pros.

I can offer you one strong recommendation...

Buy a spare wheel and plan on using a different tire for the fully-loaded rides. 1,100 pounds is a lot to ask of a Z-rated performance tire. I suspect you should look at something more suited for a fat HOG and keep it mounted on the spare wheel.

 

[SkooterG]

How did you get to 1200 lbs?

 

[TriggerT]

I can only assume he is talking about the weight of the bike with all fluids topped off, the weight of the 2 passengers, and then the weight of all their gear. I have to admit that if my wife and I were to go on a long trip, we would be close to that weight as well.

 

[PapaUtah]

Our Friends at GP Suspension :yahoo: :yahoo:

Click above. GP did my bike. Absolutely love it. Changed it from an OK bike to an awesome bike.

 

[NightShine]

Our Friends at GP Suspension :yahoo: :yahoo:
Click above. GP did my bike. Absolutely love it. Changed it from an OK bike to an awesome bike.

Ditto!er, Gunny!

ah, +1

whatever...

 

[Aasland]

Our Friends at GP Suspension :yahoo: :yahoo:
Click above. GP did my bike. Absolutely love it. Changed it from an OK bike to an awesome bike.

oster_stupid:

They did my VFR a couple years ago, and will get to do my FJR this winter.

 

[2006FJR]

How did you get to 1200 lbs?

My wife and I together are 500 and the bike is 600 and the gear is about 100? 10 hours in the saddle today and just pulled into Coos Bay! I need a beer. What a fricken beautiful drive down the Oregon Coast today!

 

[redtail]

My wife and I together are 500 and the bike is 600 and the gear is about 100? 10 hours in the saddle today and just pulled into Coos Bay! I need a beer. What a fricken beautiful drive down the Oregon Coast today!

My nephew and I just came through Coos Bay last saturday, saw a lot of FJR's on our trip! Made it back to Los Angeles, late tuesday night. If you're going on down the coast, don't miss the "Newton B. Drury Parkway" through the redwoods! It's a little ways past Crescent City. If you pull into the Prairie Creek Visitor Center there's a quick walk behind the store that makes it really easy to get up close and personal with some huge trees!

 

[Grumpy]

How did you get to 1200 lbs?

My wife and I together are 500 and the bike is 600 and the gear is about 100? 10 hours in the saddle today and just pulled into Coos Bay! I need a beer. What a fricken beautiful drive down the Oregon Coast today!

Since you have an '06, it seems to me that all you need is an after market rear shock, with an easy preload adjustment, plus an Ashe tune-up to the front and you ought to be ready to go.

jim

 

[Aasland]

ust pulled into Coos Bay! I need a beer. What a fricken beautiful drive down the Oregon Coast today!

Enjoy the rest of the coast - the prettiest part of the Oregon coast is from Cali up to Port Orford (and don't forget to stop at the Crazy Norwegian's!)

 

[PapaUtah]

Your 219 miles from Oregon City. Stop by at GP on your trip and they will fix you right up.

 

[airboss]

Your 219 miles from Oregon City. Stop by at GP on your trip and they will fix you right up.

emailed, then spoke with them on the phone, I'm impressed so far. I'll be stopping by their shop after CFO, I'll let ya know.

 

[UKDave]

The problem with the stock shock is the spring. Hyperpro (are they available in the US?) do a stronger spring which is a cheap fix. The proper fix is an aftermarket shock but, aside from the cost, watch that the shock will REALLY fit your model. Shocks with exotic external reservoirs go straight on early non ABS models, require cutting away the ABS mounting plate up to 05 and don't look like they will fit at all on 06 onwards (unless the manufacturer has made a special design for the FJR). Key is to check that the shock proposed will DEFINITELY fit your bike. If a suspension specialist is doing the job, then all the above problems are down to them - definitely the best route.