Purchase and Installation of a Penske Shock

[TheAxeman]

I'm in desperate need of swapping out my stock shock for something of higher grade and wanted to go with a Penske. After checking out many of the threads on here it appears that most people do it themselves but I don't really have enough time or confidence in my wrenching abilities to take this project on. Do I just go to a reputable dealer and tell them what I want? Is an aftermarket shock like that a "normal" item for them to stock or to order? What should something like that cost me, less the shock, to have installed? I thought since I have to have a new ignition and tires installed I might as well have this done right away. Any thoughts?

 

[Fairlaner]

I'm in desperate need of swapping out my stock shock for something of higher grade and wanted to go with a Penske. After checking out many of the threads on here it appears that most people do it themselves but I don't really have enough time or confidence in my wrenching abilities to take this project on. Do I just go to a reputable dealer and tell them what I want? Is an aftermarket shock like that a "normal" item for them to stock or to order? What should something like that cost me, less the shock, to have installed? I thought since I have to have a new ignition and tires installed I might as well have this done right away. Any thoughts?

Chris it is honestly a piece of cake to change the shock, it is even easier on the 06-08 bikes than it was on the 05. Order one from Lee at traxxion and he will give you all the help you could need.

R

 

[Capt. Bob]

Try here Ax Clicky

If you have faith in your Dealer, you could purchase the shock and have them install. It shouldn't take a good wrench more than 2 hrs. probably a lot less.

If they're doing all the other work, you probably can work a deal.

 

[spalkin]

It is definitely easy to change out the rear shock. I just ordered a Hagon, $441. I'm going to do the swing arm and link bearings while I'm at it.

I know you can do this job, and probably better and with much more care than any shop.

 

[v65]

Warchild hinted at a group buy coming up, these have been pretty generous in the past so it will probably pay to wait.

EDIT: Given that we are 400 miles apart this isn't much of an offer, but bring the bike and shock up and I will put it in for you. Then we can do a little tour of the Finger Lakes wine country - I find it best to do the wine after the farkling.

 

[ndivita]

I'm in desperate need of swapping out my stock shock for something of higher grade and wanted to go with a Penske. After checking out many of the threads on here it appears that most people do it themselves but I don't really have enough time or confidence in my wrenching abilities to take this project on. Do I just go to a reputable dealer and tell them what I want? Is an aftermarket shock like that a "normal" item for them to stock or to order? What should something like that cost me, less the shock, to have installed? I thought since I have to have a new ignition and tires installed I might as well have this done right away. Any thoughts?

I did just that. I purchased the new Penske shock and a new spring from Traxxion Dynamics. Lee Spitler there is a class act. He explained the whole deal to me and made recommendations for my 2005 FJR ABS. He coordinated with my local dealer, Reno Yamaha, in KC, MO. They too are a class act, and did a very nice job on the installation. The job may be a piece of cake for some on this forum, but it might as well be brain surgery for me, and I am no doctor. So to the extent you have confidence in your dealer, this is one way to go. I do think the aftermarket Penske shock is an improvement. I will tell you though that I had to have a new one shipped to me under warranty last year because the first one failed. This was not due to any fault on the part of Traxxion or the dealer. Traxxion is a good outfit in my experience. Good luck.

 

[Fubar]

I also highly recommend Traxxion and Lee. He know's his stuff on the suspension of the FJR.

 

[Fencer]

AX

You can do it easily.

I had no clue as to what I was doing and swapped mine in 2 hours. That is set up, take down, screw up, kicked tools, etc, etc, etc. you get the idea.

Go with Lee at traxxion. The have a sale now till the end of OCT 10% off.

Hell, Lee will hold your hand over the phone if you need him to. (I'll do the same for ya :wub: )

I won't take my suspension stuff any other place.

 

[cota95]

I've never done a shock we could give it a try while we swap out your rubber.