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The last 150 miles through the mountains on my '99 VTR were painful with an entirely rigid rear shock. I pulled it off today and it says its a Showa MBB-003. Any suggestions on where to find a replacement? (It has 90,000 miles on it so maybe I should spring for a new spring.)
Well if you're on the cheap there are currently 45 of them on Ebay. You can go through them and find the one with the lowest miles, though it's probably not the worst idea to at least have it rebuilt as these things are all 20+ years old now...
No dissing DMr as I have absolutely no idea about them. I am a Cogent fan. Rick and crew have built shocks and forks for my vintage race bikes, street bikes, dual sport and modern race bikes.
If you think that the shock is "Rigid" You might want to take a look at the linkage bearings and races, It's rare that a SH shock "locks up" but, I've seen plenty with frozen linkage. Unfortunately, they seem to need regular servicing due to the heat from the rear exhaust down pipe. I would be worth a look as you're taking off the shock already. DMr does a great re-valve/ re-spring on the stocker.
I have an OEM shock with 10k on it in mint condition. If you're just looking for a replacement, it yours for the price of shipping. The down side to my offer is I'm in Canada and unfortunately, shipping will be a little more.
If you think that the shock is "Rigid" You might want to take a look at the linkage bearings and races, It's rare that a SH shock "locks up" but, I've seen plenty with frozen linkage. Unfortunately, they seem to need regular servicing due to the heat from the rear exhaust down pipe. I would be worth a look as you're taking off the shock already. DMr does a great re-valve/ re-spring on the stocker.
I did check the linkage. It swings easily and the bushing rotates. It was a good suggestion though. Thanks.
I have an OEM shock with 10k on it in mint condition. If you're just looking for a replacement, it yours for the price of shipping. The down side to my offer is I'm in Canada and unfortunately, shipping will be a little more.
I have an OEM shock with 10k on it in mint condition. If you're just looking for a replacement, it yours for the price of shipping. The down side to my offer is I'm in Canada and unfortunately, shipping will be a little more.
Being in Canada is certainly a downside for you Mr. Flash, but how does that affect the rest of us?
If you think that the shock is "Rigid" You might want to take a look at the linkage bearings and races, It's rare that a SH shock "locks up" but, I've seen plenty with frozen linkage. Unfortunately, they seem to need regular servicing due to the heat from the rear exhaust down pipe. I would be worth a look as you're taking off the shock already.
GaryDG: My apologies for the earlier answer. The link arm is fine but the "arm subassembly" is definitely locked. I took out the collar and found the one needle bearing assembly was shredded and the collar was badly scored. Well, that's clearly a problem. Thanks for the advice.
And I know Steve you would give anything to be up here.
Originally Posted by VTR1000F
Being in Canada is certainly a downside for you Mr. Flash, but how does that affect the rest of us?
It's a downside since I don't get to ride with you...well come to think of it, that's a good thing So bottom line, it doesn't affect anyone else but you Steve.
No apology needed. I've come to realize that with these "new fangled" linkage/progressive rear suspensions, every restriction/defect i.e.; bad bearings/bushings, Etc.is multiplied by that same system. I found out the hard way years ago after going back and forth with the shock supplier thinking that I got a faulty shock. With no shock attached the linkage moved "just fine". With the shock connected, I went through 3 different, progressively lighter springs in an attempt to get the sag set correctly before I discovered the bad bearings and races.
Jamie Daugherty at DMr Performance Suspension rebuilt the shock linkage subassembly and the shock itself at a very reasonable cost. I installed them today and suddenly I have a rear suspension. Getting the danged exhaust system and gas tank back on were the hardest parts of the job. I may go back in a wrestle with the left fuel line if I can get a neighbor to hold the tank up for me.
Jack Flash (see post #7 above) also kindly sent me a shock that had low miles on it. Of course, I only need one, so I'll donate that along to anyone in the Forum who needs one.
This shows the shredded needle bearing and scored collar.
So bottom line, it doesn't affect anyone else but you Steve.
