(https://i.postimg.cc/TPWRbdpq/20260806-142224.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/5HbddM56)
After dragging the big bellied Wicked Motorsports Hybrid pipes at Deals Gap and talking to several people I decided to do the R6 shock upgrade. The install is supposed to give about 1.5 inches of increase in ride height and a modern shock.
Ebay to the rescue. I ordered and received the conversion bushings from John at Economy Cycle and scored a set of stainless spacers from Josh Long. Spacers not depicted.
(https://i.postimg.cc/s2KyhTrY/20260812-164655.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/VSS3yB5v)
This is my 1st ever mono-shock experience. Disassembly begins. Looks like they built the whole bike around the shock.
Next I will remove the battery and battery box then the pipes and rear wheel. I am told the oil tank will have to be taken loose and the rear inner fender. Chain guard has to come off as well.
Watching with interest; will you be using the R6 spring or the RZ spring (I can't remember if the RZ spring is easily removed)?
I will be using the R6 spring.
(https://i.postimg.cc/QM66GWDG/20260813-145706.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/hJd8Vvhp)
Everything came apart easy. I was hoping to get away without having to mess with the rear wheel as you don't have to pull it to get the factory shock out. But the nitrogen reservoir on the R6 shock won't fit through the hole in the swingarm.
The rear inner fender has to be taken loose and the battery box and chain guard removed. And the pipes. The oil tank will have to be taken loose and moved out of the way so the frame horn can get minor surgery.
(https://i.postimg.cc/D0fL2xPY/20260813-155815.png) (https://postimg.cc/1nTfBcTp)
The only thing saved from the old shock is the steel sleeves in the rubbers that the mount bolts go through.
(https://i.postimg.cc/RZtRpbs3/20260813-161010.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/k2nKBwd9)
The surgical site.
(https://i.postimg.cc/bNG2fBmY/20260814-164914.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/2VD542pg)
A carriage bolt, a fender washer, two impact sockets and a nut and the old bearings and bushings were pressed out of the R6 shock.
(https://i.postimg.cc/7ZV3bKWj/20260815-143549.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/pmmh6JxB)
Installed the bushing kit from John at Economy Cycle. I put a little PB Blaster on them and a piece of wood on each side and pressed them in with my bench vise. Another quality product from Economy Cycle. Thanks John!
(https://i.postimg.cc/xdpFNf43/20260815-143603.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/7C7NpkD5)
Linkage and all associated parts scrubbed and greased. Per my friend Josh Long who just completed this mod on his 421conversion, 2x 1.5 MM spacers are required to take up a bit of space in the bottom of the shock where it hooks to the linkage. He found some automotive AC washers exactly the right size and was kind enough to supply me with a pair. Thanks Josh!
(https://i.postimg.cc/Kj66kG4w/20260815-150357.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/V0FG2cqW)
Ready to install.
Spacers fit perfectly. All pivot bolts coated with lithium grease.
(https://i.postimg.cc/fWCPhTBz/20260817-123938.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/CdZ7G03X)
Today was R6 shock install day. My good friend Frank B came over and we got after it.
(https://i.postimg.cc/fRynP0sk/20260817-111239.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/4mDS7ymT)
We used my die grinder and a carbide burr and about 20 minutes later the frame horn was successfully modified. After we figured out the correct order of assembly the install was straightforward.
(https://i.postimg.cc/rm5yntkB/20260817-150316.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/YGqwj0jR)
We had to trim the chain guard and the inner fender as they struck the reservoir.
On to adjustment. Initially the preload was set to full soft which proved to be way too soft. We ended up at the 6th position from full soft to get 30MM of sag and good feel. There was insufficient room to get the swing needed to change the preload with the hook spanner so a big set of channel locks did the job.
Compression damping was set to 10 clicks back from hard. Initially rebound damping was set to full soft and ended up at 6 clicks towards firm on the test ride after feeling a bit mushy coming out of corners.
Ride height is increased about 1.25 inches. The handling is significantly improved and while quite firm is not harsh.
Thanks to John at Economy Cycle for the bushings, Josh Long for the spacers and set up info.Thanks to M in SC for answers to all the dumb questions I asked and of course to Frank B for taking time to help me with the install.
i dig it. 😎
Just got back from a spirited 40-mile ride through the Shenandoah National Forest and I am quite pleased with the handling. Nothing drags and it feels stable at all lean angles including some pretty good bumps in some of the curves while leaned over. :cool:
still at the same settings you had from the other day? dialed in :gentleman:
I have two RZs, both with (old) Fox remote reservoir twin clickers. I wonder if this R6 job would be more cost-effective and/or have a better performing outcome than having the Fox boingers serviced.
Yep dialed in.
I have no idea. I got this one for $75 shipped with 7500 miles on it.
Stable to 95 MPH. 😎Rake and trail increases are noticeable. No head shaking. Steers quicker.
You guys have the coolest stuff