Although my shock is now 17 years old and I've no idea if it's ever been serviced I'm looking into the idea of getting an aftermarket shock but I'm struggling to see any benefits to it as the stock spring suits my weight just fine and I have full adjustability with the stock shock.

Are there any benefits to splashing out on an aftermarket shock or just get my stock one serviced?

Shocks don't pop up often for the f3's and what I have seen 2nd hand is going for reasonable prices. Obviously these will need servicing too and setting up for my weight n that.

So I guess what I'm asking is do the aftermarket shocks like maxton/ohlins/k-tech offer anything more than what my stock one does, if so then what?

 

Unless you are pushing that bike near the limit on the track, honda shocks are fine. If you like your springs, great. You can get them rebuilt with new emulators etc..., oil change and new seals.

 

your best bet is to simply get your oem shock rebuilt/revalved/resprung for your weight.
as corrupt said, unless your running the bike to its full potential on a track, an aftermarket shock wont have any benefit.

 

Being my only mode of transport iv decided I can't send my shock away for servicing, and was lucky enough to pick up a hagon shock for really good price.

Ideally I'd like to get it serviced before I put it on but I'm itching to try it out.

I was wondering, does anyone have any experience with hagon, are they good? Will I notice any difference?

Also would it be worth a re valve and new spring even though my weight fits within the springs rating.

 

My mechanic has told me numerous times to stick with the oem shocks set up for your height/weight, he has more experience with f3's than anyone in town and we have many shops here in Daytona Beach. He raced them for 10+ years. Are we talking front or rear suspension? I see rear shocks for the f3 all the time on eBay. In fact I saw one the other day for 12.99 + 8.99 shipping in good condition. All in all I hope your situation works out for you. I feel you on the daily driver thing, it really sucks. I ruined a paint job that cost me 180$ in paint/clear by not letting it cure (being in a pinch to assemble and ride it to work). Good luck.

 

i know hagons are really good for vintage hondas(cb750,550, etc) but i dont know much about them for slightly newer bikes. if the spring rate and valving is close enough to your weight then dont bother having that redone, but having a servicing(clean/rebuild) would be beneficial

 

Do the f3 models have different size shocks across the years?

Because this shock described as fitting a 97 F3 does no fit my 97??.. Wasn't really annoying as it's only a 10min job to get a shock of these bikes. Either way the guy was really helpful and I'm sending it back.

I'm thinking now to go along the route of picking up a cheap oem shock and getting it serviced and valved, seems like a brilliant suggestion. Thanks

 

all f3's should have the same shock. the only difference between 95-96 and 97-98 was the tail/seat.
but rebuilt OEM is about the best bang for your buck you can get shock wise.