Overhaul Blackbird rear suspension?

[Shake]

Hi All,

I am new to this website - just joined.
I own a 97 Bird, bought second-hand 3 years ago. It's just corssed 80,000KM.
The rear suspension is now a little soft, and my mechanic says that the vibration I get at higher speeds (>140km/h) and some rear view mirror shake as well, means the rear suspension needs changing.
Can anyone help me with some advice - can the suspension (original Honda) be serviced/overhauled? If not, is it better to fit after-market stuff that's fully adjustable, or get the same original stuff (Showa I think).

Thanks.

 

[Fireblade92]

Hi, and welcome

Might not be the suspension - check the wheels are balanced properly as weights sometimes come off and throw things out of balance.

With respect to the suspension:

- OEM stuff works OK and you can pick up a good second hand shock very cheaply on ebay.

- Jaws can provide (and fit) a re-worked and vastly improved rear shock at a reasonable price. I believe these have been fiddled with by a local race company John knows and have different internals, oil and springs to improve the overall handling of the bike.

- Aftermarket stuff works very well but is obviously the most expensive option. If you are buying new expect to pay about ?800 for a Ohlins unit. Expensive but soooo worth it if you can stretch the budget.

Don?t forget to fit the 6mm spacer when you change the rear shock as this sharpens up the steering and makes the bike turn much better. A stack of washers works just as well as the ?25 aluminium jack-up plate.

 

[silverfox.xx]

John, aka Jaws motorcycles... could send one of his super reworked shocks. Dont think he'll be able to fit it unless you pay the air fare.

Agree with FB92, check rear for balance... as with a bike the tail wags the dog.

Unless your rear shock has been replaced, its about shagged.

 

[Jaws]

I am willing to BET the front springs have collapsed..
With the bike held upright there should be 95 to 100mm gap from the top of the front fender to the underside of the nose cone..

 

[Shake]

Hi All,


appreciate the input.

Will get the balancing checked; don't think it's the front springs - clearance looks OK, and I had the front shocks serviced, oil changed etc not too long ago.

Called a local mechanic here who says he can service the rear shock. So I'll check that out as well. If that does not work out, may search on ebay - need to get second-hand; no budget for new ohlins. There's also an after market brand here called YSS, made under licence in Thailand that looks pretty decent - fully adjustable etc.

Fireblade 92 - could you tell me more about the spacer - is this for the standard shock?

Thanks again all!

 

[Shake]

Hi,

looks like I've got to change the shock - can't be serviced.
How do I contact 'Jaws' and get a price on the re-worked shock? Is this a reworked Showa, or ohlins or......

Also, If I end up looking for ohlins (prob second hand on ebay), do I need to get one that's specifically for Blackbirds, or do any others also fit - same question applies to front forks and / or springs.

Thanks again guys - pardon my ignorance.

Shake

 

[Duck n Dive]

Contact JAWS via:


http://www.jaws-motorcycles.co.uk/




I believe he can do/get whatever you want ... however ... "best value" seems to be a re-worked original (showa) ..... so it is "sort of servicable" after all.


Think you'll find he'll either re-work your original or exchange one already done for yours .. pus some cash of course :-0)


I'm sure if you talk to him and discuss your riding habits he can even ensure the replacement is "tuned" to your specific needs if you want :bow:

:yo:

 

[Geoff James]

Just got myself a Penske 8983 shock from Cogent Dynamics (http://www.motocd.com/) with remote damping and set up for my weight for about 2/3 the price of them in NZ including delivery. It's fully adjustable for ride height too so bye bye 6mm spacer. I'm picking that it will show how crap the standard front end is once I've installed it so Jaws will probably be getting a call about a front end kit!

 

[Dublackbird]

Front And Rear Suspension Upgrade

Hi Folks.Just joined the site today :-0) I'm the proud owner of a 2000 BB, Was just wondering if I could ask for some advice regarding the suspension of my Bird,I have been looking at after market rear suspension such as Ohlins, White power etc etc, but before I go down this road I would appreciate any advice you could offer, :-0) :-0) :-0) PLEASE.

 

[ericonblackbird]

Hi Folks.Just joined the site today :-0) I'm the proud owner of a 2000 BB, Was just wondering if I could ask for some advice regarding the suspension of my Bird,I have been looking at after market rear suspension such as Ohlins, White power etc etc, but before I go down this road I would appreciate any advice you could offer, :-0) :-0) :-0) PLEASE.

Added my opinion to your thread :-0)

 

[joescot18]

I am also interested in suspension , my 2006 20k miles BB is what I would describe as solid , it does not move much on the forks or on the rear suspension ..

Is there anything i should adjust or look for to see if I should put this in for a service , any good garages near Luton for this ??

Joe

 

[andyBeaker]

I am also interested in suspension , my 2006 20k miles BB is what I would describe as solid , it does not move much on the forks or on the rear suspension ..

Is there anything i should adjust or look for to see if I should put this in for a service , any good garages near Luton for this ??

Joe

Yup, JAWS in Thetford. A new front and rear end will cost you way below ?300, worth every penny.

 

[joescot18]

sounds good ,, 300 will save my old body breaking from the potholes ..

Joe

 

[ZEZ11]

BB gonna buy

Hi everyone back after a few years. Thinking of buying 2002 Blackbird got 53000 on clock?? any probs i should look for

 

[scruffygit]

Shake,

If you do go with the Jaw option (highly recommended), when you send your shock to him DO NOT put a high value on the package. Limit it to the equivalent of ?30 or less other wise the robbing bastids at customs will want another ?87 for the privilege of it being worked on in the UK.

And, if you don't pay, expecting it to be returned to you in accordance with the contract you made with your Post Office (because it cannot be delivered) then customs hang on to it to ake sure you do pay.

Now remind me, why do I live in NZ now?

 

[scruffygit]

Shake,

If you do go with the Jaw option (highly recommended), when you send your shock to him DO NOT put a high value on the package. Limit it to the equivalent of ?30 or less other wise the robbing bastids at customs will want another ?87 for the privilege of it being worked on in the UK.

And, if you don't pay, expecting it to be returned to you in accordance with the contract you made with your Post Office (because it cannot be delivered) then customs hang on to it to ake sure you do pay.

Now remind me, why do I live in NZ now?

Doh!

Just noticed the original date on this thread

c7u8