Cbr F4i Rear Shock Installed On '99

Discussion in 'Mechanics Garage' started by druggrepp, Mar 6, 2008.

  1. druggrepp

    druggrepp New Member

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    Hey,
    My '99 rear shock was worn with 26k on it so, I read about putting the f4i shock on it.
    I also am a big texas boy and weigh 250lb, so I wanted a better shock.
    I bought a new f4i shock off ebay and followed the other website instruction BUT, problems arose because: first the f4i shcok is also made for 150 lb riders and it is 1/2" inch shorter than vfr shock. I tried puting a spacer at the top brkt but there wasnt enough threads left to securely lock the top nut down.
    So I cut the original brkt bolt down to 1/2 inch high and welded another longer bolt to it. Cost $5 to do all this. That allowed me to add 1" of spacer to the top brkt and raise the rear of bike where it needed to be. And it allows a big texas boy to not squash the suspension when touring.
    If I was going to do it again i would opt for a stouter shock.
    Although having the nitrogen remote cartridge makes it ride better than the bwm i sold to get this.
     
  2. turtlecreek

    turtlecreek New Member

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    is the 5th gen shock longer than 6th gen? i put f4i on my 6th gen and it was .5" LONGER??? spring rate was too low as you said, but i was having it rebuilt anyways, so put a stiffer spring on it...works excellent
     
  3. JamieDaugherty

    JamieDaugherty New Member

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    Yes, the CBR shock is sprung for a light rider and an even lighter bike as well. That spring would be ok for a 140lb rider on the VFR. My suggestion would be to get a new spring pronto - it's dangerous riding it like that. You'll want something around a 17.0kg/mm spring for your weight, maybe a tad higher.

    Here are the shock lengths:
    CBR600F4 = 305mm
    5th Gen VFR = 325mm
    6th Gen VFR = 315mm
     
  4. leandroflaherty

    leandroflaherty New Member

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    where to get?

    anybody know a place to get replacement springs for the rear shock? (f4i)

    Thanks :)
    -LCF
     
  5. JamieDaugherty

    JamieDaugherty New Member

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    Sure man, I can help you out with that. Keep in mind that it takes special equipment to change the spring on a rear shock. It's sort of a "don't try this at home" kind of thing. I get good pricing on springs which I like to pass along, the total including installation would be $90 plus return shipping.

    Shoot me a PM if you are interested.
     
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