Big Man Little Bike Shock Recommendations
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Junior Member
Squid
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 16
From: Northeast PA
Big Man Little Bike Shock Recommendations
Hey guys, total newb to the site here and new to VTR ownership, (i pick up my first '98 on Tuesday). I've owned an old cbr600 for awhile now and it had so many quirks I didnt know if it was me or the bike making me hang on for dear life half the time. Finally stepping up to a real platform more tailored to me... Or at least im hoping it is. I'm 6'1" and 340lbs. thats a big load for anything short of a vtx1800 but ive ridden sport bikes for years without meeting terra firma once. My question is what recommendations do you guys have for a better rear shock set up that may be better equipped to handle my... "petite" frame? Any ideas will help as I have huge plans for this bike and look forward to sharing her with you guys as it goes. Thanks in advance for all the help! BTW- you can thank yourselves for gaining another VTR in the ranks, I was researching them as a possiblity and once i found this site and read all your comments I was sold. Thanks again! 
Administrator
World Champion
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 105,287
From: Fulton, MO
I'm in the same boat as you, except the waterline on my boat is a bit shallower at 225#! 
Your best bet is to get a Wilbers, Penske, or Ohlins sprung for your weight. They're not cheap but if you want proper suspension setup then it's just one of those things you'll have to accept, like paying more for clothes, etc.
Your best bet is to get a Wilbers, Penske, or Ohlins sprung for your weight. They're not cheap but if you want proper suspension setup then it's just one of those things you'll have to accept, like paying more for clothes, etc.
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SuperBike
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,091
From: Lithia, FL
Penske
I'm in the same boat as you, except the waterline on my boat is a bit shallower at 225#! Your best bet is to get a Wilbers, Penske, or Ohlins sprung for your weight. They're not cheap but if you want proper suspension setup then it's just one of those things you'll have to accept, like paying more for clothes, etc.
Your best bet is to get a Wilbers, Penske, or Ohlins sprung for your weight. They're not cheap but if you want proper suspension setup then it's just one of those things you'll have to accept, like paying more for clothes, etc.
+1 on what Greg said...he's forgotten more about these bikes than most folks will ever know
and so far the least expensive rear shock I've found is a Penske...once I get mine installed I'll be glad to give you my impressions!
RC
JAMES
Superstock
Superstock
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 274
From: Toledo, OHIO
im 6'5" and 205.. but my dad is 6'2" and about 290, his gut is too big for the low bars, and the suspension is getting close (i think the wieght limit is arround 400)... you will probably be ok if your riding solo all the time... but if you do swap out i would go w/ ohlins..
Senior Member
Back Marker
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 198
From: Atlanta GA
I'm 6'0 275 I have a penske rear shock set up for racing, because of the levrage ratio of the hawks you may end up haveing to go with custom springs for the hawk I'm using a 1500 spring which is about as big as they come off the rack. the bike really can use all the adjustability. but if your going the cheap route a new spring on the stock shock will at least keep you from bottoming out the shock. you'll need new front springs as well and those will definatly need to be custom. racetech only go's up to 1.0 and I know for my weight I need 1.05. you can call my suspention guy he can get u custom springs for a good price. http://www.ororcycle.com let him know gamba sent you and he will give you all your options from $$$$$$$ to buget work to get the best bang for the buck.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Squid
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 16
From: Northeast PA
Thanks for the ideas
Thanks for all the ideas, i have started looking into the penske set up so any info on how that feels under you will be greatly appreciated. maybe i should just do the healthy thing and lose some weight for the sake of my superhawk..... 
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SuperBike
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,091
From: Lithia, FL
http://www.orbea-usa.com/fly.aspx
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 499
From: Kansas City
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SuperBike
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,091
From: Lithia, FL
true dat!...looking at starting a training program for ASAP for a Century Race in the Ga mountains called Six Gap Century on 09-28-08, but having a hard time getting motivated after suffering so much doing the 175 mile Race Across FL last month
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