new penske rear shock

[Vermonta]

I bought a penske 8983 rear shock from GPSuspension and installed it the other day. The overall job was really simple. The one I bought has a remote resevoir and it was a bit of a squeeze getting the hose and resevoir up through the frame but that was really the toughest part. Took me a few tries to get the bracket in the right position and one call to the suspension guys who by the way were right there when I needed them and then I was home free. Didn't get much of a chance to ride it the first day but now that I have a little time on it what a difference it made. Well worth the money for sure. Now I'll save my pennies and fix the front end. :yahoo:

 

[Wanderer]

Good to hear. I replaced my springs on both ends with stiffer Hyperpro springs and it made a huge difference. I can imagine it's even better with new valving.

I still can't believe how badly Yamaha failed with the suspension on this bike compared to how top notch everything else is.

 

[Vermonta]

I agree, fix the suspension and put in a six speed and the bike would be perfect.

 

[blueman]

Just Curious how many miles did you have on your bike before you replaced the stock shock?

 

[Aasland]

Just Curious how many miles did you have on your bike before you replaced the stock shock?

FJR1300: 38k - new Ohlins has 21k now

VFR800: 43k - new Penske has 78k now, still going

SV650: 21k - less than 200 on new Ohlins so far.

 

[Wanderer]

...put in a six speed ...

:lol: Here we go again!

 

[RsvlFeej]

Just Curious how many miles did you have on your bike before you replaced the stock shock?

Killed 3 OEM shocks before I went Penske on my '05. First died at about 6K (warranty), second at about 30K, 3rd at about 53K. In riding gear, I weigh a bit over 250#. From what I've read, if you weigh more than about 225, expect 20 - 25K out of the OEM shock.

 

[Tanhands]

Just Curious how many miles did you have on your bike before you replaced the stock shock?

Killed 3 OEM shocks before I went Penske on my '05. First died at about 6K (warranty), second at about 30K, 3rd at about 53K. In riding gear, I weigh a bit over 250#. From what I've read, if you weigh more than about 225, expect 20 - 25K out of the OEM shock.

Great, My Fat but will only get 15K using this math.

 

[Bostonfan2]

Just had a Penske 8983 installed in my o5 after 36,000 miles of two up.

I should have done this a few years ago! what a difference, the bike is once

again a thrill to ride ...

 

[Sticky Throttle]

Just had a Penske 8983 installed in my o5 after 36,000 miles of two up.I should have done this a few years ago! what a difference, the bike is once

again a thrill to ride ...

Any work done to the front end? Or is it still stock?

Who has installed a Penske and had the front end re-worked by GP Suspension in Oregon? Good experience? Recommendations?

 

[griffithds]

Just had a Penske 8983 installed in my o5 after 36,000 miles of two up.I should have done this a few years ago! what a difference, the bike is once

again a thrill to ride ...

Any work done to the front end? Or is it still stock?

Who has installed a Penske and had the front end re-worked by GP Suspension in Oregon? Good experience? Recommendations?

I just returned yesterday from GP. I had both the front and rear (Ohlins), installed. Great couple of guys! They even walked me thru the entire rebuild proces explaining the differences b/t stock and GP parts. Major improvement in how the bike stays planted during twisties/high speed slab rides. Well worth the money. My suspension was set up originally using the firm settings HaulinAshe has recommended. His sittings were a big improvment over factory settings and the GP front Penske/Ohlins rear kicks it all up a notch. Would do it again in a heart beat.

 

[bigtallguy]

How much does one of these shocks set you back?

 

[RsvlFeej]

Who has installed a Penske and had the front end re-worked by GP Suspension in Oregon? Good experience? Recommendations?

I had Penske 8983 and whole new front done a couple years ago. Very good experience w/ GPSuspension.

I was really freaked about spending that kind of money on a bike I thought was already on rails, but made a HUGE improvement in handling and road feel.

 

[Bostonfan2]

"Any work done to the front end? Or is it still stock?"

Replaced front springs, GP suspension is where i purchased the shock and springs.

very professional and helpful, running pr2 tires as well, the bike feels so much better

in every aspect of handling, the wife even noticed a huge difference......... :clapping:

 

[Vermonta]

I have 35k on the bike and I stand on it pretty regular,buy standing I mean I have a pretty heavy throttle hand and I've never been able to get over the wheelie thrill since my days in the dirt. I did not take the old shock and sping apart yet to see just how bad it was but I can feel a hugh difference in the the new one from the old one. I haven't done anything to the front end yet except for the haulinash setup. That will be my next big expense. The Penske set me back $851. complete. It's quite a few beads and a few beaver skins but well worth it IMHO. :clapping: :yahoo: