great,

fox twin clicker it is then!

I'm happy to have this as a project / track bike. I would like to get into racing at some point but there is some journey to go before then.

I am going to spend some time trying to dial in the suspension tomorrow and find a replacement shock.

thanks for all your help !

 

i have found a lot of f3 shocks for sale on ebay and all very cheap. I am thinking of spending the £50 on an f3 whilst i wait for a fox or similar to come up (i cant find any atm). The bike really is bad to ride as it is.

Can i just check before buying one; does the f3 effect the geometry at all or is it just the f4?.

thanks again !

 

That's a pretty good plan, and the Fox Twin-Clicker is a great shock, but like I said, keep your eyes out for Penske, and other reputable brands - just make doubly sure that what's for sale is the correct model for the F2, and for the love of all things holy, DO NOT pass up an Ohlins, if you get a chance to score one for a reasonable price!!

On the geometry issue, a '95-'96 F3 shock will not affect geometry at all, and will bolt right up, but I'm not certain about the shock from a '97-'98 F3, as the part numbers for the shock itself, and all the linkage, are different than what's used previously.

It would seem to stand to reason, that any F3 shocks would work, as the frame and swingarm is the same for the F2/F3, but it may be that you could use the newer F3 shock, but would have to also pick up the corresponding dogbone and arm assembly as well - it would be safer/simpler to just pick up a '94 F2 or '95-'96 F3 shock, since they are the same, unless someone could chime in, who knows for sure of the newer F3 shock's compatibility... it's likely that any of them will work, I am just not certain.

 

thats great thanks for your help, ebay is littered with shocks from 94,95 & 96 all with 14 day warranty so at least I can get it on and double check it for problems. I need to put something on so I can start clocking up the miles :-).

I'll keep looking around for nice cool shocks. Thanks for your help.

 

another quick update, i tried to adjust the rebound damping with the adjuster on the reservoir and I could hear a hiss as gas escaped. I tried holding the nut the other side but the same with but no movement either.
I'm not sure if these can be re-gassed but im sure its the same as the cost of an f3 from ebay.

 

FWIW, the seat position is so upright on the F2 that even raising the rear of the bike up, you can almost sit upright like a cruiser. If even that 1" or so bothers you, this may be the last bike you ever buy, because they only get worse. I have an RC51 and that thing was made for racing. the difference in riding position is night and day.

Anyway, gt yourself a newer shock and also do some service to your front forks. new oil and correct springs for your weight. I think the OE ones may be correct for about a 190lb rider, but they likely have weakened from years of service. if you really want to hit the track with the bike, spend the $100 for new springs.

 

Mike, this may surprise you, but the OEM F2 springs are actually rated for a 140 to 150 lb. rider, they are really soft! And of course, the OEM springs have a progressive spring rate, where most stiffer aftermarket springs are of a linear spring rate... I'm sure you know that Mike, but that was just food for thought for Jamie.

 

140lb !!! thats about the weight of my left leg !! :-).

Its not so much the position more the very soft front pitching the bike way too forward. I used to have a RR and could do 8 hours on that.

I'm going to be having a play with the suspension this weekend and looking out for some alternative springs etc..

ill report back with either news of a pogo or happy man blasting around the south east of england :-).

 

quick update,

spent some time setting everything so it has the correct amount of sag and at least rebounds level at the same speed and so much better :-).