Hey,

My buddy has a 1995 CBR 600 F3. He's got an aftermarket rear shock and reservoir on his bike, and he gave me his stock one. Would I see any performance or handling benefits if I put it into my 1987 CBR 600 F1? Would it be hard to install? Thanks.

 

You know thats a real good question...

I have been looking at newer CBR600 shocks on ebay and wondering the same thing.

I would almost bet that yes it would bolt up, here are 2 links to a F3 and F1 shocks on ebay to compare with..

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Honda...spagenameZWDVW

http://cgi.ebay.com/HONDA-CBR-600-CB...QQcmdZViewItem

For sure the additional nitrogen reservior will help keep the shock cool under ruff riding conditions, as far as rebound and dampening improvements will depend on just how good or bad your stock shock is and the condition of the newer F3 shock.

You really have to look at the condition of the new shock, if it's in good shape then yes you will benifet.

Your stock F1 shock is going on 20 years old now and over the past 20 years suspension companies like Showi, Olins, Fox just to name a few have made big time changes in shocks and forks proformance...

So yes I think if the shocks length are the same and the bolt pattens look to be close or identical and the price is sure right, I would give it a try.

Just make sure you mount the reservoir away from any heat source like the bikes exhaust pipes or muffler and you should be in good shape..

Let me know if it bolts up!

Thanks John

 

Q1. would there be handling benefits?

A. see Q2.

Q2. would it be hard to install?

A. it would not be hard to install as it is a direct bolt in unit. here's the bad news. the F3 shock is almost .5" or 10mm shorter than the oem F1 unit. what does this mean? it means the bike geometry will change or to say another way, the rear will be lower. this will make the steering slow or not as responsive.

can this be corrected? yes. either find a way to make up the lost distance in the rear or lower the front forks through the triples by the same amount you lost in the rear. the bike will need to be put back into "balance" front and back. the downside to lowering the front is that you lose some suspension travel. if you brake really hard, you may find the front fender hitting the bottom of the front fairing.

now, back to Q1. answer is maybe. depends on whether the bike is in "balance" front and back, condition of shock, and your riding ability.