the only thing i can adjust on my 12 year old rear shock is the preload. when i try to find aftermarket shocks online there is none, or i can't find any.
i read people have converted to a 600rr swing arm and put in a 1000rr shock upside down. that takes a longer chain and i don't want to change the geometry.
does anyone know where i can start looking for shocks? i need a stiffer spring so getting a replacement OEM shock seems moot.
anyone know if any 600rr or 1000rr is compatible and won't throw the bike off, my awesome parts guy found some ohlins via parts unlimited probably but the cheapest is around 1,500, maybe less, this was a while ago.

 

your best bet would be to get your shock re-valved and re-sprung to your weight, then you wouldnt have to worry about geometry or anything being screwed up.
ive had some shock work done by this guy. Daugherty Motorsports - Motorcycle Suspension Performance and Modification
he does a ton of custom work and basically can get you any shock you want. or you could just pick his brain and see which route would be the best to take.

 

Why can't you adjust compression or rebound on your stock shock?

 

they do absolutely nothing, they were pretty stuck and rust was coming out of the compression screw. i've spent a bit of time trying to feel the difference and can't.
the compression was all the way hard and when i changed it to soft the shock started squeaking like a suction noise and felt no difference.
everything is kinda rusty but i doubt that has anything to do with it, the rebound was an eighth turn out from full hard too. i can try running full soft to clear things out.

 

well, im able to get some adjustment out of it, but it feels real sticky. i had to go to the tail of the bike and push down there instead of the seat.
what i really need is some weight on it i suppose to actually check it properly, but it doesnt feel right to me, even after riding so i want to replace it.

 

Im sure its the original shock fluid, which at this point is more like water then oil. Get your stocker rebuilt with racetech valves and new fluid, it will be a world of difference. Hell even just changing the fluid will make a massive difference from what your telling me.

 

def. go for a rebuild. new oem shocks are way pricey and a used one off ebay is no guarantee.
check shops in your area and see if they could do it and how much it would be.
the guy that i mentioned above charges 90 for just a rebuild, 190 for rebuild + revalve, and around 300 for rebuild + revalve + correct spring for your weight.

 

yeah, thanks sjona i was definitely going to email that guy, i read he may have some shocks but not sure if any f4i ones, so i may have to ebay a decent looking one.
another option i was thinking was getting a nice shock that is sprung close enough for a 08+ 1000rr since that is what i want next.
according to wikipedia which is a coincidence for me since i just looked the 08+ 1000rr's weigh 439-441 while the f4i is 440. so the spring would be right
just dunno about the travel or the holes lining up or any of that good stuff

 

Spring rates are not for the bike they are for the bike+rider, so the oem weight of a bike doesn't mean anything. Again, using a 1000RR shock will do absolutley nothing compared to a stock f4i shock with fresh fluid in it. Also, the stock rear spring is the correct rate for a 160lbs rider. If your within 30lbs of that then there isen't really any need to change it out. Im not sure why your so dead set on changing the shock for another stock one. If your going to change it then at least upgrade and get a penske or ohlins. Otherwise get some aftermarket valves in the stock f4i shock and enjoy the massive difference it can make.