Somebody PLEASE talk me out of this.....

trepetti

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So I am sitting here, nursing my surgical shoulder repair, and I am thinking about the Spring, where I will reassemble my beloved 05 FZ6, and I got this idea that I need to upgrade my rear suspension. I installed R6 front forks 2 years ago and they made an incredible difference in the performance of the bike. Now I think i need to give the rear some love. I have my eye on an Ohlins rear shock, and I am all set to pull the trigger. But for $600, I need to make sure the ROI is there.

I know there are some members who have done the upgrade (I am talking to YOU Gary and motojoe), so please tell me that it doesn't make a big difference!

Seriously, anyone who wants to weigh in on this or an alternate rear upgrade, please let me know.
 

Gary in NJ

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I think the difference it makes is proportional to how worn the OEM shock on your bike is, or how poorly it’s sprung for your weight.

In my case, the spring rate was correct and the shock only had 17,000 miles. Even so, the ride quality is greatly improved and the motion is well damped. $600 is a lot of money to spend on a bike that’s only worth $3,000, but it probably kept me from spending a lot of money on a new bike (KTM 790 to be exact).

I think the Ohlins shock would complement the R6 forks well and put the bike into balance.

All three of my current bikes have undergone complete suspension overhauls in the last few years...and I don’t miss the money.
 

fz6bk

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Gary nailed it. If the stock spring rate is sub-ideal or the shock is no longer damping well (likely), there will be more benefit. That aside, the harder you ride the bike, the greater your roi, but if you intend to keep the bike, suspension is the best change you can make. I have R6 forks with penske valving and a penske double clicker in the rear. The difference between reputable brands is small. In the rear, the correct spring rate and better/adjustable damping will improve stability mid corner (no wallowing) and smoothly transition "weight" to the rear under throttle. The risk: depending on your weight and riding style, you may find that you want different springs/better valving in the front as well.
 
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trepetti

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Ever considered getting a different bike other than another FZ6.? What is your dream bike?

Numerous times I have asked myself what my next bike would be, trying to single out what attributes I wanted to improve on. I love my FZ6, and all that keeps coming up is a better FZ6.
 

Gary in NJ

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The FZ6 has few short comings, namely:

- Budget suspension components
- Poor wind management
- An uncomfortable saddle

Once all of these are addressed, it's a great bike. Lightweight, powerful, smooth, comfortable, affordable, reliable...

What else is missing? Short of rider assistance aids (ABS, TC, Anti-Wheelie...) which some of us might not want, that's the question I can't seem to answer.
 

TownsendsFJR1300

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I had an 04 Goldwing, 04 FJR and an 05 KLR 250 (my beater) when I bought my FZ in 2009
This was to replace the KLR (had to replace the left lower main crank roller bearing every 32,000 miles).

Once I did the proper repairs to the FZ, did some mod's, I fell in love with the bike.

Now, I can afford most any motorcycle(s) I'd like, but enjoy this bike the most of
all I've owned.

I sold EVERYTHING else (didn't have to) and kept this FZ as it filled my needs. It doesn't go thru tires like the FJR or wing and short of my yearly oil change (chain and clutch cable maintenance too),
it's un-breakable

I don't want ABS, all the electronic gizmo crap to break down the road, etc and I really dislike the looks of the newer bikes (funky headlight's, fairing's, etc).

The only other bike I would consider would be an FZ1 (not made anymore) if it was available in blue (same style fairing, etc) as ours..

The one drawback is should you "tip over" (0 MPG) and hit the fairing, the mainstay, etc, get bent/damaged (lots of $ in parts). I have recently installed TOG's and hope with those to help..

Just my 2 cts, think hard before getting rid of it.

.
 

agf

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Yeah I have to agree Scott, I have umm'ed and aahh'ed about a shift to another set of wheels. I love riding the XSR 900 - its performance and ergs suit me to a tee but hen I get back on mine and think.... do I need the acceleration, do I need to option up a new bike, do I need the outlay of $$$$.

Maybe not unless I end up with a swag of more cash to play with .....the FZ6 is an awesome machine that does everything and does it well. I can use my $$ for some other life choices!
What a bike!
 

gnyce

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I love riding the XSR 900 - its performance and ergs suit me to a tee but hen I get back on mine and think.... do I need the acceleration, do I need to option up a new bike, do I need the outlay of $$$$.
The XSR900 is one of the bikes that I would consider - but maybe not even in lieu of the FZ6, but in addition to (or a mid/late-2000's Triumph Speed Triple). While the FZ6 is definitely a swiss-army knife, I have it set up more for longer over the road travels (side cases, monokey, bar risers, seat) as opposed to naked/sport-bike. Even so, it is happy to get down into a curve. The downsides that it has are indeed correctable and the upsides far outweigh.
 

Hellgate

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The Ohlins is a nice shock a definitely improves the bike. I had one on my '07. The issue, as all have pointed out, is the overall value of the bike. If you love the bike and plan to keep it several more years it's worth it. Otherwise, a newer/better bike is the way to go.

For me I went from the FZ6 to a Buell 1125R, to an FZ1, to a '12 Tuono V4 - which I still have. On all the bikes, except for the Buell I changed out the suspension. All the changes were good, but it left me wanting more. Finally with the Tuono I installed Ohlins forks and shock, to replace the Sachs set up and haven't looked back. It's more compliant, more comfortable, and offers much more sporting capability. Really the best of all world's.

Good luck with your decision.
 

trepetti

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Well, I finally placed the order Monday. I was so excited....... until this arrived today

Hey Tom,

Thanks for the order!
Unfortunately, the Ohlins shock you ordered is out of stock and currently does not have an ETA for when it will be restocked.
I am very sorry for any inconvenience this may cause you!
Please let me know if you can wait for this to come back in stock.


Told the dealer to hold the order open. I am trying to contact Ohlins USA to make sure the shock is not discontinued.

Starting to think it's me. Not long ago I jumped on the web to setup a 'Spencer' mod for my seat, only to find out he retired!
 

trepetti

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Thanks Gary. I gave them a ring and they are checking.

I might need to find another source. Do you leave the bike outside at night ? :)
 
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