I've noticed the suspension on my '90 cane is really soft, and my guess is that it's simple the aging suspension. I wanted to replace the rear shock, bit didn't want to break the bank in the process.

There's lots of used OEM shocks on ebay for little to no money (less than $20) and it seems that even a gently used 600RR back spring would be a vast improvement over my 20 year old f1 spring... How difficult would it be to swap the two? Is there another recent OEM spring that would be easier to swap?

 

Also interested in this...

If you are looking to rebuild the front forks you can get new springs from racetech.com

 

I've been looking at pictures, at it doesn't look like the newer springs will work with the older linkage, but I'm not sure if the new linkage will work with the swingarm... hmmm...

 

yeah, it isn't looking promising. The linkage seems to mount completely differently

Any ideas on an inexpensive way to stiffen up my ride?

 

Did anything get figured out here. My cane blew the rear shock and I'm looking for a better replacement that isn't 20 years old too!

 

I bought a F2 shock, but never installed it. I redid the entire front suspension, and in my case that made such a difference I didn't bother with the back. You really have to rip the bike apart to get the shock out, and I didn't have some if the necessary tools.

If I recall right it, it is possible to swap in the f2 shock... I swear there's a thread on it somewhere. Try searching around the forum and on Google a bit before diving into it.

My recollection is that it substantially raises the bike, but there were plenty that came with lowering links pre installed on ebay, which I had hoped would mitigate the raising effect. I'd send you the shock, but I got rid of everything when I sold my bike because I was moving out of Hawaii. only cost like $40.

Anyway, I'd suggest looking into that as a possible alternative to just getting another used f1 shock. I know for sure that the f3 and f4 shocks aren't compatible without some serious machine work.

Also, I recall seeing that there are still a couple companies that make aftermarket shocks for the f1. Considering that the f2 isn't that much newer than the f1, if you really want quality this is the better route. Be prepared to pay significantly more money of course!

 

Thanks for the info, yeah it seems and F2 linkage would work with some modifications. I ended up getting an F1 shock on ebay for $20 shipped. So I guess it will have to suffice for now! I really don't want to put the 400+ into a new shock since it's really only a commuter bike, not a race bike, that's what my other sportbike is for. Thanks again for the info.