When I bought my bike and told the mechanic, who was working on the bike before the sale, that I planned to use the bike for track days; he suggested that I would definitely want to swap out the rear shock and get heavier springs for the forks. I weigh about 210. With all my gear on, I suppose I'm closer to 230. The mechanic said that the shocks on the F3 were designed with a 150 lb rider in mind and would be much too soft on the track with someone my size riding the bike.

Riding the bike on the street, I feel like it is quite stiff. I would not characterize the ride as harsh; but it bigger bumps can be quite jarring. My question is: How would I know if my rear shock (22k miles on the bike) has given up the ghost? Are there some handling quirks that I should be looking for? Compared to my 1990 1000F, this bike handles like a dream. I would not mind putting out the money for an after-market shock like a Penske (mechanic's recommendation), but I don't want to spend money that I don't need to spend. I am pretty fast I suppose; but I'm certainly not a racer. I'm not looking to shave tenths off of lap times, I just want to make sure that the bike is up to the task it is being ask to perform.

I read the thread on suspention set-up; but I think my question at this point is more along the lines of detecting if the suspention parts are worn out and need to be replaced rather than how to set up properly functioning suspention components. Thanks in advance for any input into this matter.

 

I think I read some where stock shock springs are too springy. They're set up to handle a wide range of weights so to speak, including passengers. I have a stock 94 F2 shock the was rebuilt by Lindeman Engineering that seems to work fine for track days. It only had about 1500 miles on it when I had it rebuilt/revalved. I'm sure its not as good as aftermarket but its hard to justify a brand new $1000 shock for a $1000 bike. Also I weigh 210 plus gear. If I'm wrong some one please correct me, I wont be offended.

 

Thanks for the reply. I'm sure that an after market shock is going to be "better" than stock. You hit the nail on the head when you mentioned "justify" the cost. I'm pretty sure the stock equipment will be ok for now. Like I said, I'm no racer, just a track day guy who hates getting speeding tickets. Maybe I'll see how it works stock and then decide if I need to make an investment. Thanks.

 

you could always get an f4i or 600rr shock
not sure about the f4i, but there is one year of the rr where its shock will bolt right on to the f3. i think its 2006 or 2007
would be something to look in to

 

I installed the Rach Tech Gold valve and the shock is a whole new world. In my opinion, it works better than the 600RR shock because you can adjust the shim stack for you and not the average Joe. I also say this because I have an 05 600 RR and F3 suspension is a better ride than the RR. I got to say, the shock was in severe need of servicing. There was no gas in the reserve and the oil was NASTY. The Gold Valves are in the area of $150 themselves and you'll need a few more parts. In addition to the Gold Valves, you will need a seal set, a end cap with schrader valve, new o-rings (not available through Honda), and new a new shaft bushing to finish the job. I had the tools around for the project, so I didn't need a shop to service the shock. Being how you're in the area of 230 lbs, you will also need a stiffer spring.
I would also recommend doing the forks so that your suspension can be tuned front ot back for you. I also say this because I am sure the OEM springs are not stiff enough. When I installed the rebound and compression gold valves in my F3 forks, the springs were not stiff enough and I weigh in at 160 lbs (wet).

 

THanks for the tip on Race Tech. I just got a call from my local shop and they have my steel lines. Hurrah! I went to the web site for Race Teck. Sounds like it might be a bit ambitious for me to take the whole shock apart; but I will call them and ask many questions. First, though, I need to look into replacing my brake lines with brand new steel ones.

From the sounds of things, I am going to have to do some suspention work and sooner would probably be better than later. The information from your posts was right on the money. THanks.