N-reg Fireblade, Suspension soft?

[BoltonSte]

My sisters' chap has just got an N-reg 900 blade...I think at least, the RR-W/X/Y type with the holes in the fairing near the bars.

Anyway, I had a sit on as you do and the rear suspension seemed really soft, when she jumped on pillion, the side stand decked out...she eighs begger all.

Looking at the preload and it's one off max, so I was wondering if this is the norm for these or does the shock need a service/replacement? It's a Showa unit btw.

Ste

[Bibio]

it's what 18 years old? yes the suspension will be goosed.

[BoltonSte]

Originally Posted by Bibio

it's what 18 years old? yes the suspension will be goosed.

You see that's my thought on it as well, but my sister had a heart attack when I told her so said I'd check.

As I've no first hand experience of these so didn't know if they were a bit soft from the off or not.

Anyone know of any good places where these can be rebuilt/serviced?

YC?

[jambo]

You've sat on it, you think it's soft. That's not the most scientific diagnosis in the world, so it's worth measuring the sag, and just having a bounce or a gentle ride to see what's up, and make sure any adjusters are set somewhere sensible.

Assuming you want it rebuilt, I've had positive experiences with both
http://www.k-tech.uk.com/
http://www.kais-performance.com/suspension.htm

Who you can phone for a quote.

Jambo

[Bibio]

i told my brother the exact same thing about his P reg duc 750ss with 18,000 miles on the clock and his response was 'no it's not' 'i'm a bike mechanic your not'. i just shook my head and laughed.

Sounds like it needs a service. Not a problem to do, Showas are fine to service. I can do them via post on loose shocks. Drop me a message if you want more info (I am away racing tonight and back monday). The forks would more than benefit from new oil and a clean out too if the oil has never been changed, it will come out like stagnant watery gravy!

Alot of people over look servicing the forks and shock (if its a serviable shock) and it can make a big difference.

[BoltonSte]

Originally Posted by jambo

You've sat on it, you think it's soft. That's not the most scientific diagnosis in the world,

Jambo

I grant you that, but I think:

Originally Posted by BoltonSte

when she jumped on pillion, the side stand decked out...she eighs begger all.

Looking at the preload and it's one off max, so I was wondering if this is the norm for these or does the shock need a service/replacement? It's a Showa unit btw.

Ste

Is a pretty good description (if not scientific) to see if anyone who's had one thinks it sounds like it needs a rebuild/service.

I had 5 mins to take a look and it's something I'd noticed.

Cheers for the links though.

SV650Racer, I'll pass your details on and let her do what she wants....she always does anyway

[yorkie_chris]

Originally Posted by SV650Racer

Sounds like it needs a service. Not a problem to do, Showas are fine to service. I can do them via post on loose shocks. Drop me a message if you want more info (I am away racing tonight and back monday). The forks would more than benefit from new oil and a clean out too if the oil has never been changed, it will come out like stagnant watery gravy!

Alot of people over look servicing the forks and shock (if its a serviable shock) and it can make a big difference.

Are they those ones with the solid reservoir cap or have they got the schraeder valve? I ended up putting a cap and bladder from GSXR into an older showa because there was no way to add gas.