Replacement shocks for 2003 ABS

[Wemi]

I have a 2003 GenI and the shock on it is gone. I have read somewhere that the far superior shock of the 2013 GenIII does fit. In looking up the parts on the OEM fiches I find the parts pictures to be the same for those years, yet the part numbers are different for very year FJR. The 2013 shock kit is also several 100 dollars cheaper than the old 2003 part.

Anybody have any input, experience or has made that swap?

 

[pista]

A Gen 3 shock is the preferred OEM replacement for all previous generations of the FJR if you need/want the upgraded spring rate the Gen 3's have..

(The spring rate has been increased along with correct internal valving and is a direct swap.)

 

[escapefjrtist]

What pista ^^^^ says. OEM '13 shock seems to be a decent budget replacement.

--G

 

[Canadian FJR]

"I have a 2003 GenI and the shock on it is gone. I have read somewhere that the far superior shock of the 2013 GenIII does fit. In looking up the parts on the OEM fiches I find the parts pictures to be the same for those years, yet the part numbers are different for very year FJR. The 2013 shock kit is also several 100 dollars cheaper than the old 2003 part."

Interesting, first I heard of this. If you proceed with this change over please provide updates.

Canadian FJR

 

[Big Sky]

I put two low-miles '07 take-off shocks on my '03 (75K) and am now running an '07 shock on my '05 (55K). The Gen II shock had a stiffer spring, I've been told, and it seems so. Also been told the Gen III has the heavier spring and better valving. For the record, the first '07 shock that went on my '03 was sacked and puking oil at about 30K (on the shock). An FJR is a wicked handler when there is no damping out back! In my experience, an FJR stocker is good for 30-40K and benefits from replacement thereafter. Others have had better experiences but I ride two-up and loaded mostly. These would also benefit from more variable spring pre-load settings rather than merely "hard" and "soft."

I was also wondering where the OP got an '03 with ABS?

 

[RadioHowie]

I was also wondering where the OP got an '03 with ABS?

In someplace other than North America.

The 2003 "World" FJR is the 2004 North American model.

 

[Wemi]

I put two low-miles '07 take-off shocks on my '03 (75K) and am now running an '07 shock on my '05 (55K). The Gen II shock had a stiffer spring, I've been told, and it seems so. Also been told the Gen III has the heavier spring and better valving. For the record, the first '07 shock that went on my '03 was sacked and puking oil at about 30K (on the shock). An FJR is a wicked handler when there is no damping out back! In my experience, an FJR stocker is good for 30-40K and benefits from replacement thereafter. Others have had better experiences but I ride two-up and loaded mostly. These would also benefit from more variable spring pre-load settings rather than merely "hard" and "soft."
I was also wondering where the OP got an '03 with ABS?

The 03 ABS is in Germany. It is a German model, since the ABS came out there in 2003. I have it garaged there with my brother in law who keeps it licensed, inspected (every two years) and otherwise maintained. I use it when I go to Europe for my travels, as bike rental there is prohibitive. Cheaper to own...

 

[Ignacio]

I was also wondering where the OP got an '03 with ABS?

It was much harder to be a worldly FJR citizen before 2005 1/2. Since PDP was dropped, rogue French de-tuned engines less common, and model year schemes harmonized between North America and the rest of the world...it's bee much easier to speak FJEspeRanto.