Suspension improvements - 2 UP

[bababang]

Just rode 200 miles today with my daughter. This is the 2nd time I've ridin 2 up on my 2010 FJR, its apparent to me now that riding 2 up is going to be more frequent. I don't feel the suspension was horrible but I can tell its not as good as it could be. I'm posting this to find out what other have modified their FJR's to provide better suspension, specifically for 2 up riding.

I'm a big guy and between my daughter and I, we are adding 400 lbs. to the FJR. I would like to set up some camping trips so another 50 lbs could be added to the top case and side cases. Looking for details such as type of suspension, cost, contact info, and anything other that may help with the best 2 up setup.

 

[Intech]

I would recommend an after market shock like a Penske or an Ohlins with a spring that is rated for that kind of weight. My 07 was loaded most of the time and the stock suspension was pretty much shot at about 30K.

 

[BobCo]

I installed a Penske 8983 back in January. It seems as if it works fine for 2 up with about the same weight as your needs. It's fairly easy to adjust the "preload" (ride height) for the correct sag depending on whether solo or two up. I would check Penske's site or Traxxion or KFG Racing (there have been some delays in delivery with them according to some members). I also changed out the fork springs. It's pretty expensive to do all this. For what I did it was just south of $1000, but I bought the equipment from a Black Friday sale. In my estimation, it was worth doing.

 

[El Cajone]

I have the Penske 8983 shock too and it serves very well for riding two up. My wife and I weigh about 375 together

not including our riding gear. You might want to look more closely at riding 2 up and camping though; it's pretty hard to fit

all the gear you need to ride and camp into the side and top cases.

 

[escapefjrtist]

Penske 8983 with a big spring! Don't be afraid to experiment as extra springs can be picked up for $75ish via on-line vendors. For two-up with luggage, I'm running a 6" X 950#, I'm considering trying a 7" X 950# spring.

If you can, wait until KFG has their Black Friday sale this year and save 25% on your purchase.

--G

 

[RaYzerman19]

I would recommend aftermarket, with remote adjustable preload for those times when you are one-up or two-up. If you haven't got upgraded fork springs, that is also recommended. If budget is a big concern, you could try a GenIII shock as it is much improved over your GenII shock.

 

[bababang]

Thanks to all the responses. So far everybody has talked Penske, are there other options that should be considered. I'm not sure the gen III shock would be enough for this much weight. Thoughts?

 

[pista]

I was in the same boat before I ordered an aftermarket shock.

Penske and Ohlins are by far the most popular choices. I also considered Nitro. But in the end I went with Hyperpro.

The initial price was a factor as well as the coupon for the getting the first rebuild at no cost.

They build to spec just like the other brands and the shock has an overall quality look and feel to it.

With the remote preload adjuster I can easily change when riding 2 up.

I'm happy with that choice.

 

[Kneedragger55]

I can't comment on suspension specific to the FJR, but I have run Penske on other bikes before and they make quality components. As far as cost, suspension is expensive regardless the type, bike, rider, etc. Revalve the stock stuff, expensive (unless you do it), buy new stuff, expensive, do the rear and the front, cheaper but not worth it. Any bike I've ever modified the suspension on has been around $1000 for the basics (new springs, revalving, aftermarket shock, etc). Start wanting the fancy stuff and you'll double that in a breath or two.

 

[rfeuerriegel]

Just put in a Hyperpro setup. Under $1000 US, a bit more up here in Canada (exchange rate, arggh ! ). This included the hydraulic preload adjuster. Between the 2 of us, biked loaded up we are 400 lbs and the bike handles really well compared to stock, nice and poised. The preload adjuster is recommended, easy & quick to adjust back for solo riding.

I purchased this from EPM in Jersey, took about 3 weeks to get out here to British Columbia.

 

[redneckj]

Penske 8983 with a big spring! Don't be afraid to experiment as extra springs can be picked up for $75ish via on-line vendors. For two-up with luggage, I'm running a 6" X 950#, I'm considering trying a 7" X 950# spring.
If you can, wait until KFG has their Black Friday sale this year and save 25% on your purchase.

--G

Spend the money and get a good quality rear shock. You bike's handling with a new custom shock will handle soooo much better for 2 up riding. Even by picking up a used low mile Gen 3 complete rear shock assembly it will help your bikes handling greatly. Good luck