hey everyone, ive brought this up in a previous thread a while back, but kinda forgot about it
anyway, i get this 'bumpy' feeling from the rear of my 98 f3, doesnt matter what speed, and doesnt always do it.
Im pretty sure its the shock, and i just went out, compressed the rear quickly, and it sort of hesitates when it comes back up. ive adjusted the suspension the best that i can for my weight/knowledge.
i guess what im trying to get at here is are these signs of a bad shock? or is it something else that im completely missing? tires were properly mounted and balanced, and have the correct air pressure.
if it is the shock would i be better off getting it rebuilt or getting a replacement? if replacing it is better then should i get a used f3 shock or one from an f4-f4i?
if im not mistaken the f4-f4i will raise the bike some? any issues that will result from that?
thanks.

 

i had a shock go out on my f3. i replaced it with a shock from ebay. its quick, easy, and cheap.



and i did use an f4 shock. im a 6' guy and i was on my tippy toes at every stop. that didn't bother me, but when i finally parted the bike out - i had realized that changing the orientation of the swingarm THAT much made the chain eat the guide and actually gouge a grove INTO the swingarm - so i would not advise that.


there are charts out that that compare travel and length of shocks, so maybe you could find one that wouldn't be quite as long as the f4/f4i one

 

could i just send it to a shop and get it rebuilt? dont really wanna buy an already used one just for it to have the same problem.

 

i'm in the process of figuring all this out myself and right from the start ohlins is running a sale with theses guys who run this site and i'm pretty sure the sell rebuild kits and their probably kits that can be taylored to your weight and height.. not only do i think that would be a tad more cost effective and you'll get more out of it but the design of the suspension will stay the same just upgraded...you should drop them a line, i'm sure they would be eager to help you, plus check their website out. i learned alot over the last week hitting their site and and a few others "traxxion dynamics".
i guess you have to figure no matter what the miles are, after twenty years of just sitting stout, there comes a time when such things have to be addressed if you want to keep a precisioned machine "precisioned" lol..
anyway this is actually something i'm really interested in following.. are you planning on a small winter project, or are you going to have someone else do it for you??
jay

 

ill have to take a look at that.
but im not sure if im going to do it myself or have a shop do it, ill have to do some research and see what it takes to do it,but ive already contacted a shop, that i know does quality work, and i was quoted $90 for a rebuild.

 

yup, thats cheap enough.. i would probably go that route, if you havnt already..
the mechanics around here get eighty an hour, theres no way i could afford them taking care of my stuff,but i get to know bike all that much more..
jay

 

just figured id do a little update, had the shock sent in a couple weeks ago, just got an email from the shop saying its done, will have it back in the next few days, but i wont be able to install it for a couple weeks because my bike is in my parents garage, and im 3.5 hours away at school
but i ended up having it rebuild and revalved.

 

Nice, good for you... now as far as dialing it in yourself for your weight and Stuff!!! go on utube and type in "on the throttle"... theres alot of good info.. and lots of education.. its really good for those ever so slight adjustments.. i never would have figured mine out with without it..
oh and just in case you were quirous.. i just bought new front shocks and put them in... and i have my leaking pair set aside for a winter project i think ill tackle myself with revalving and new springs.. i'll probably just add it to my "winter" build in the next couple of months..
good luck man..
jay

 

yesterday i was finally able to install the rebuilt shock. It made a Huge difference on how the bike handles, it feels so much lighter and it is much more nimble!
But unfortunately i wont be able to fully enjoy it until spring

 

Would you mind sharing who rebuilt it for you? My local guy is more a fan of Ohlins, Penske, etc., which I appreciate, but don't necessarily have the budget for.