2013 FZ8 Suspension

[Ready4Launch]

FNG here, but not new to forums. I've searched for 2013 suspension mods, and maybe I'm not using the right keywords ... I dunno. Doesn't seem like the search function produced a bunch of results that were relevant.

So! 2013 FZ8 suspension mods ... what's the best suggestion? I've seen some that talk about compatibility with an FZ1 shock, but I don't think that's what I want. I haven't seen a thread where an R1 shock is compatible for the 2013, but I *think* this is do-able on the older FZ8's ... yes? At which point, differences between older FZ8's and the 2013 geometry should be negligible, and thereby, an R1 setup should fit a '13 FZ8, correct? Or, am I wrong here?

I contacted Ohlins, and they say their front cartridge kit, part #FGK218, is drop-in compatible. That's a seemingly more $$$ option than an R1 fork setup.



Can someone give me some guidance here, please? Thanks!

 

[Umyaya]

It all depends on the type of riding you do and your budget.

 

[[]V[]addog]

fz1 shock is a great idea, much improoved and you can get them real cheap. Direct swap. no modding really needed

 

[a-rode]

Does an R1 shock drop in as well?

 

[jmsandy77]

Does an R1 shock drop in as well?

An R1 rear shock will work but you'll need a Satan adapter (that's an adapter made by a forum member who goes by Satan). I don't know how easy or hard they are to come by. Probably the best bang for your buck you can do is get an FZ1 rear shock and then some Race Tech front springs. I posted on the FZ1 site when I was looking for mine and had numerous responses in a couple of days. Ended up finding a damn near new (under 1100 miles on it) shock for $65 shipped to my door. Makes a dramatic improvement. If you want to go with something a bit better a Hyperpro Streetbox is the path to follow. Umyaya has one and from what I've read was very happy with it. You get a lot of bang for the buck for around $700. Hope this helps.

 

[a-rode]

An R1 rear shock will work but you'll need a Satan adapter (that's an adapter made by a forum member who goes by Satan). I don't know how easy or hard they are to come by. Probably the best bang for your buck you can do is get an FZ1 rear shock and then some Race Tech front springs. I posted on the FZ1 site when I was looking for mine and had numerous responses in a couple of days. Ended up finding a damn near new (under 1100 miles on it) shock for $65 shipped to my door. Makes a dramatic improvement. If you want to go with something a bit better a Hyperpro Streetbox is the path to follow. Umyaya has one and from what I've read was very happy with it. You get a lot of bang for the buck for around $700. Hope this helps.

Thanks for the info. I have a line on an R1 shock, so that was a thought. As a big guy on the bike I am all about some improvements.

 

[Umyaya]

Yeah HyperPro is tits. If you have a grand to spend you should go with the addrenaline Ohlins package. Insane. Rear shock... front springs... and adjustable drop ins for 1k.

 

[SilverSlugger00]

Yeah HyperPro is tits. If you have a grand to spend you should go with the addrenaline Ohlins package. Insane. Rear shock... front springs... and adjustable drop ins for 1k.

Only problem is hyper pro kit has a weight limit. I loved the kitds look and stats. but if you are over 200 lbs they didnt desig the kit shock for you.

 

[TorontoAlex]

Pardon my ignance but what is it about the fz8 suspension you guys dont like? And how do the other suspensions make it better?

 

[Umyaya]

They have a weight limit? That seems odd.

 

[Umyaya]

Pardon my ignance but what is it about the fz8 suspension you guys dont like? And how do the other suspensions make it better?

The suspension is pretty soft. So if you decide to get after it or get aggressive you will see. Other suspensions are stiffer... have rebound. Keep you in the corner and not eating all the bumps.

 

[Ready4Launch]

An R1 rear shock will work but you'll need a Satan adapter (that's an adapter made by a forum member who goes by Satan). I don't know how easy or hard they are to come by. Probably the best bang for your buck you can do is get an FZ1 rear shock and then some Race Tech front springs. I posted on the FZ1 site when I was looking for mine and had numerous responses in a couple of days. Ended up finding a damn near new (under 1100 miles on it) shock for $65 shipped to my door. Makes a dramatic improvement. If you want to go with something a bit better a Hyperpro Streetbox is the path to follow. Umyaya has one and from what I've read was very happy with it. You get a lot of bang for the buck for around $700. Hope this helps.

I've known about the Satan adapter for the R1 rear shock, but do R1 forks drop in as well?

 

[Ready4Launch]

Yeah HyperPro is tits. If you have a grand to spend you should go with the addrenaline Ohlins package. Insane. Rear shock... front springs... and adjustable drop ins for 1k.

You mean $1K for the Ohlins fork cartridge package like I listed in the original post, right? Or, do you have a place to recommend that sells both front and rear for a good price? I was quoted like $1,200 for the front cartridge kit, part #FGK218, and the Ohlins YA041 was like $800.

 

[Umyaya]

Nope. 1k for it all. Just a steal. What kind of riding are you doing or plan too?

 

[Umyaya]

Fz1 cartridges drop in but if you change the entire forks gonna have to get like rotors, brakes, etc I believe.

 

[SilverSlugger00]

I have been thinking of a front end swap with a R1 and trying to decide what do with rear. Its a game of options soo many. I've also considered just saving up and going to see a suspension pro to get his input and advice. But all of this is after I do track. Suspension is for people who are pushing the limits or ride rough roads.

 

[Fazer 8]

Pardon my ignance but what is it about the fz8 suspension you guys dont like? And how do the other suspensions make it better?

On my '13 Fazer I find the front end to be adequate - could maybe be a little stiffer - but I find the shock really soft, and underdamped. Probably set up for someone considerably lighter than my ~200 lbs. I had an Elka fully-adjustable (high and low speed compression, rebound, remote preload) on my V-Strom and the difference in ride and control with that compared to the stock shock was like night and day.

 

[Ready4Launch]

I have been thinking of a front end swap with a R1 and trying to decide what do with rear. Its a game of options soo many. I've also considered just saving up and going to see a suspension pro to get his input and advice. But all of this is after I do track. Suspension is for people who are pushing the limits or ride rough roads.

Do you know that the R1 swaps okay?

 

[Ready4Launch]

On my '13 Fazer I find the front end to be adequate - could maybe be a little stiffer - but I find the shock really soft, and underdamped. Probably set up for someone considerably lighter than my ~200 lbs. I had an Elka fully-adjustable (high and low speed compression, rebound, remote preload) on my V-Strom and the difference in ride and control with that compared to the stock shock was like night and day.

Yeah, I agree with you on the rear. Would like the front to be a bit better too. I'm about your weight.

 

[[]V[]addog]

same here, 200lbs. I have my FZ1 shock ready to put on!