2015 R1 Shock Install on RZ350

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shilo123
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Re: 2015 R1 Shock Install on RZ350

#31 Post by shilo123 » Tue Oct 17, 2017 12:26 pm

What size bushing did you use for your 2015 r1 shock I just bought one and need to get the bushing


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2wheeldrift
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Re: 2015 R1 Shock Install on RZ350

#32 Post by 2wheeldrift » Tue Oct 17, 2017 9:01 pm

Shilo,

I ordered the R6 bushings from Economy Cycle. Installed the lower bushing for now and will probably install the top ones. I drilled out the stock R1 bushing but it is thin. There are similar bronze bushings at Ace Hardware. Right now I am waiting on Race Tech to see if they can re-valve this shock for the RZ. Ed

shilo123
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Re: 2015 R1 Shock Install on RZ350

#33 Post by shilo123 » Wed Oct 18, 2017 1:23 am

2wheeldrift wrote:Shilo,

I ordered the R6 bushings from Economy Cycle. Installed the lower bushing for now and will probably install the top ones. I drilled out the stock R1 bushing but it is thin. There are similar bronze bushings at Ace Hardware. Right now I am waiting on Race Tech to see if they can re-valve this shock for the RZ. Ed


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shilo123
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Re: 2015 R1 Shock Install on RZ350

#34 Post by shilo123 » Wed Oct 18, 2017 1:25 am

I ordered the bushings from mc master and I got them the same day they rock $8.50


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Smoker
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Re: 2015 R1 Shock Install on RZ350

#35 Post by Smoker » Fri Oct 27, 2017 1:50 pm

shilo123 wrote:I ordered the bushings from mc master and I got them the same day they rock $8.50
Agreed. Usually get my parts within 2 days from MC.

Only downside is shipping is usually about $15 minimum.

What part numbers did you use?

350YPVS
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Re: 2015 R1 Shock Install on RZ350

#36 Post by 350YPVS » Tue Nov 07, 2017 10:13 am

Does anyone know if this set-up will work with a VJ23 swingarm? I'm concerned with the reservoir tank hitting the swingarm given there is much more bulk around the axle bolt with the VJ23 than with the stock swingarm.

RuZty
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Re: 2015 R1 Shock Install on RZ350

#37 Post by RuZty » Tue Nov 07, 2017 9:29 pm

I had an R6 shock on my 350 and recently installed an RGV swingarm with a Penske shock. There is no way the R6 shock could have been used as the reservoir was nearly touching the swingarm. The reservoir position on this one looks similar enough that I would doubt it could be used, a remote reservoir shock like the RGV used is better for that application.

Darrell
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Re: 2015 R1 Shock Install on RZ350

#38 Post by Darrell » Sat Jul 07, 2018 3:11 pm

I know this is a two-year old thread, but I'm very curious how the shock conversion turned out. Did you finish the restoration? Happy with the shock?

Did anyone else do this conversion, and if so, how did it go?
89 Canadian Spec RD-350
2013 BMW R1200RT
2007 Harley XL1200C Sportster
2008 Ducati 1098R
2015 Gas Gas 300 Trials bike
1972 Turbo-Charged 240Z
Zastava Black Arrow .50 BMG

hondaror
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Re: 2015 R1 Shock Install on RZ350

#39 Post by hondaror » Sun Jul 08, 2018 12:10 pm

I've been running on one for a year and a half on my street bike. I'm 220lbs and an ex racer. I really like the set-up. You're a little higher in the ass end, which changes the rake and trail a bit, (more aggressive). The bike feels suspended, unlike the steel bar that the stock shock feels like.

It should be noted that my forks are stock F2 units. The bike is an '84 with an F2 swingarm and wheels. The bodywork and tank are all AirTECH fibreglass, so it is not stock by any means. I sit lower, closer to the frame rails, which changes the handling immensely in itself. The bars are clip-ons, 2/3rds up from the lower triple clamp. The bike feels really good, and I'm running stock sizes of tires, pipes and K&N pods.&
Rory
2 1984 RZ350s
1985 RZ350
9 1986-1990 RZ350s
2000 ST2
2005 749
2005 749 with 999 engine

Darrell
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Re: 2015 R1 Shock Install on RZ350

#40 Post by Darrell » Sun Jul 08, 2018 12:40 pm

Thanks! I think I might give this a try. One of my neighbors is a wizard with a welder and even owns a few machine tools. I might be able to get the shock modified for a six pack.
89 Canadian Spec RD-350
2013 BMW R1200RT
2007 Harley XL1200C Sportster
2008 Ducati 1098R
2015 Gas Gas 300 Trials bike
1972 Turbo-Charged 240Z
Zastava Black Arrow .50 BMG

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Questo vecchio rz
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Re: 2015 R1 Shock Install on RZ350

#41 Post by Questo vecchio rz » Sun Jul 08, 2018 1:27 pm

QUESTION, Curious if you've done this? :smt006 as the thread is regarding a 2015 adjustable height R1 shock .

Are you running a The newer R-1 or the R-6?, And if so what did you do to bring it into line w stock RZ geometry? Such as:
1.)Cutting and welding shock eylet.
2.) Possibly heat treating.
3.) Correct spring rate.
4.) Correct the mentioned shock travel.
5.) Did Race Tech ever bring out springs.

This post was started 2 1/2 years ago, but then there were never any updates or feedback. For me there still too many variables, and the cost escelates close to the cost of a basic direct replacement.

Shock: $100.00-$150.00
Machine shop: cutting welding $75.00 hr here.
Race Tech spring: $125.00
Bushing kit R-6 (swap) $ ?
Misc: ?

That being said, This particular shock showed some promise, due to the ride height,common,rebound, preload but I still feel that the shock is designed mathematically for a 440 lb bike, which us approx 100lbs heavier than a RZ, and 150 lbs lighter than my RZ. I'm not sure if the 2015 + R1 has that much adjustability available, and another concern I have is the fact that it's ride height adjustable, but as it already exceeds the designated correct length, thus becines too tall, so the adjustability becomes a mute point, only able to raise it even more. Just seems like too many variables, still a few hundred dollars and precious time I just don't have . I'm also concerned about the eyelet not being heat treated.

Hey to each their own, If it works for people great! And nice to see an attempt from the original members here to tinker and provide info for other owners.i just can't understand why some people pay $1500.00 for paint, $700.00 for exuahst pipes, 2,k on motor rebuilds etc. then skimp on the single most important feature of a performance bike ...the suspension? I've been around performance riding my fair share, and know that just small adjustments in the suspension designed for my bikes and my weight can drastically alter the bike, for better or worse! Especially on the RZ...with much more ride height I fear my steering stablizer will get a workout..lol :smt005
Now take in to account a shock designed for a bike 100lbs heavier with internal valving to match plus a external spring. I don't know about you guys..but close enough I just can't do on a performance intended bike. LOL...this coming from a dude who wants a "hard tail" Harley...lol( I have to have my spring rates set up pretty much exactly to my weight) on all my bikes If I don't, it affects everything negatively for me it's critical for getting my bikes to handle. ? Again that's just me. likkey the RZ is a rather lightweight machine, I used to be a lightweight rider 160 lbs back in the day,
So small changes were really noticable even on my FZR 1000 , but the RZ way much more so, now im at 190. My GSXR iis so track focused I get tank slapping tendencies over even small pavement irregularities on the street. It's WAY too stiff for normal speeds in the street.its frankly brutal. But this RZ/will really not be anything like a stock bike, it's essentially a totally new machine
Would enjoy reading about any more practical progress on this though it's interesting reading, would like to see one tested as it's intended.
Keep up your fun :smt023
Last edited by Questo vecchio rz on Sun Jul 08, 2018 2:59 pm, edited 3 times in total.
Banshee (Baja) race bike,+ 2 A Arms,L.E.Ds, Toomey, +4 stroker IMS tank, run flats.
96 GSXR SRAD, Future Yoshimura rep.
85 custom Tri-Z
RZ/YZR bike(project)
86 VFR750 RC24 Merkel replica (project)
Royal Enfield Bullet 500

Darrell
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Re: 2015 R1 Shock Install on RZ350

#42 Post by Darrell » Sun Jul 08, 2018 2:38 pm

Good points.

But I found a 2015 shock with 600 miles on it (so the seller says) on eBay for $75, including shipping.
I have a friend who will cut and weld the eyelet for nothing, so say whatever a six-pack costs for that.
The bushing kit is $10.
I'm heavier, perhaps than the average RZ rider at 190 buck nekkid, so the weight difference is mitigated a bit.

So for $100 I can put this shock on my RZ and see what I think.

I agree with you that suspension is THE most important modification an owner can make for serious race track performance. But for a sunny Sunday rider (I ride in all weather, but the RD is a sunny Sunday bike) the R1 shock might be a big improvement over the 30 year old stock unit on the bike. And if not, well, and old dog will have learned something.

I put progressive suspension springs in my forks soon after getting the bike, and just ordered the preload adjusters from Economy Cycle. At nearly 62, my racing days are long past, so this RD is just a fun hobby.
89 Canadian Spec RD-350
2013 BMW R1200RT
2007 Harley XL1200C Sportster
2008 Ducati 1098R
2015 Gas Gas 300 Trials bike
1972 Turbo-Charged 240Z
Zastava Black Arrow .50 BMG

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Questo vecchio rz
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Re: 2015 R1 Shock Install on RZ350

#43 Post by Questo vecchio rz » Sun Jul 08, 2018 3:10 pm

No I hear you...I wish I had more time to tinker on things, as your having fun!
I do often wonder at my OCD regarding trying to get things perfect... frankly it is pointless for me to do do, and its a HUGE time waster..years gone on various projects, I do realize I could have been enjoying some if these if I wasn't so stubborn...lol, that's why I bought the GSXR, it needs nothing..so I can just get in a fix.
I'm not a racer, no desire, never gave a crap about competetion, albeit dragracing was a guilty pleasure...lol usually competing vs others on a motorcycle? I could care less...i just like riding vs the machine and my own limits! So I just like trackdays, and a desire to replicate the bikes I always yearned for when I was young...lol

Could you share any fun info on your 240Z? One if my all time favorite s along with the venerable Datdun 510!
Do you have a diesel crank stroker w turbo? Had one w triple Webber's when I was 20...So sweet...wish I never gave that car up...duh!

Don't we all have regrets...but we can say )we did it, didn't dream it ) !!!
Banshee (Baja) race bike,+ 2 A Arms,L.E.Ds, Toomey, +4 stroker IMS tank, run flats.
96 GSXR SRAD, Future Yoshimura rep.
85 custom Tri-Z
RZ/YZR bike(project)
86 VFR750 RC24 Merkel replica (project)
Royal Enfield Bullet 500

Darrell
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Re: 2015 R1 Shock Install on RZ350

#44 Post by Darrell » Sun Jul 08, 2018 5:16 pm

The Z-car is a hoot! Turbocharged with a Holley 4-barrel. I just painted it last summer and put in new carpets. I've owned it for about 40 years, did the suspension way back when. I no longer drive it hard, it's too old, like me. I've thought of taking the turbo off an finding the stock set up again. I'll post a pic one of these days.
89 Canadian Spec RD-350
2013 BMW R1200RT
2007 Harley XL1200C Sportster
2008 Ducati 1098R
2015 Gas Gas 300 Trials bike
1972 Turbo-Charged 240Z
Zastava Black Arrow .50 BMG

RuZty
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Re: 2015 R1 Shock Install on RZ350

#45 Post by RuZty » Sun Jul 08, 2018 11:45 pm

Honestly, unless you are on your toes touching the ground as it is I would try the shock as is with the adjuster screwed all the way in, or maybe cut it to get more depth before you weld it. On the R6 shock I put on mine the back tire just touched the ground on the center stand and it handled just fine.

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