[flatrack]

Hey, any recommendations for rear shock upgrade?
Be nice to add an inch of travel! Thnks, flatrack.

 

[OpenRoad]

I know the yard built SCR950 by Jeff Palhegyi Designs uses Fox RC1 Podium 14-inch performance rear shocks. So you could try looking at those to begin with.

 

[flatrack]

I will check it out. Thanks!

 

[OpenRoad]

There's always Ohlins performance shock absorbers, but those things are never cheap.

 

[Rokrover]

The YSS Sports Line G-series look good. Compression and rebound damping as well as spring preload are adjustable to suit your weight and riding style. I have no personal experience with these but several SR400 owners give them great reviews. The following model is for the SR400 but I’m sure a bit of searching will get you to the appropriate SCR950 application based on max/min travel and eye diameter. I would advise against a shock longer than stock as this will tension the drive belt more during compression.

Here is the link to Web!ke and the YSS shocks (currently on sale?)
https://japan.webike.net/products/20253787.html?utm_campaign=GX_20160805

 

[flatrack]

Yes, i was thinking about the drive belt tension. Thats what i need to figure out. I will have to check how much room there is to move the rear wheel forward. Hoping to find a shock that's close to stock length but offers more travel (if there is such a thing). Thanks for all the advice!

 

[Rokrover]

My Sportster desperately needed better shocks as it might as well have been a hardtail stock. To review clearances I removed both original shocks with the rear end jacked up and measured eye-to-eye mount distances with a very large sliding caliper over the range of allowable travel. Too short and you start hitting frame/fender with swing arm/tire, and too long and the axle may hit the muffler.

The drive belt is at maximum tension when the rear axle, swing arm pivot and drive sprocket centers all line up. I never bothered checking what lengths will and won’t work on the SCR950 as I’m happy enough with the stock shocks. Remember it’s not all about maximum travel as too much may cause wobble under G forces in turns without the right dampening. Let us know what you find out. Cheers,

 

[TheScrambled]

There still isn't all that many options out there for shocks with the SCR950's exact fitment. Would universal shocks like the Nitron Shock NTR R3 fit the SCR?

 

[flatrack]

My Sportster desperately needed better shocks as it might as well have been a hardtail stock. To review clearances I removed both original shocks with the rear end jacked up and measured eye-to-eye mount distances with a very large sliding caliper over the range of allowable travel. Too short and you start hitting frame/fender with swing arm/tire, and too long and the axle may hit the muffler.

The drive belt is at maximum tension when the rear axle, swing arm pivot and drive sprocket centers all line up. I never bothered checking what lengths will and won’t work on the SCR950 as I’m happy enough with the stock shocks. Remember it’s not all about maximum travel as too much may cause wobble under G forces in turns without the right dampening. Let us know what you find out. Cheers,

Thanks for the info! That is a very solid procedure! I always forget to consider the bike's stability. The Yamaha engineers definately thought everything through when they designed it. The last thing I want to do is compromise the bike's handling. I mean it is very good "as is". Always wanting more lol.

 

[flatrack]

There still isn't all that many options out there for shocks with the SCR950's exact fitment. Would universal shocks like the Nitron Shock NTR R3 fit the SCR?

Thank you. I'm not familiar with Nitron but will look them up!

 

[YamiGuy]

probably a good thing there aren't that many options since sometimes I find people jump to aftermarket parts too soon

some people i know that held out often are happy they do till much later

 

[flatrack]

Yes, always good to do your research... I have heard positive reports on Hagon shocks. They are relatively inexpensive compared to the big names and an improvement over the SCR's stock ones.

 

[ChopperCharles]

I'd actually like longer shocks as well, to give more ground clearance and quicken the steering a bit. This will be my first belt drive motorcycle ever. What problems are there with the longer shocks and the belt that I wouldn't have with a chain drive? Thanks!

Charles.

 

[ChopperCharles]

Well, I solved the shock issue. Instead of going for more travel I went for more ride height. I got a set of 12.25” shocks with only a half inch more shock travel than stock. I did a bunch of measurements and found the proper deflection so the belt is not over tensioned (see my thread on this for how). Had to clearance the rear brake line guide bracket’s base plate as it interferes with the stock muffler bracket at full swing arm extension. Dropped tubes in the trees by 1/4” to give a total rise of .25” front and 1.75” rear. This raises the rear 1.5” over the front. It quickens the steering nicely, and DRASTICALLY increased cornering clearance.

I used FORSA (Emgo) shocks made for a sportster. I just made new metal bushing spacers for the 14mm Yamaha shock mounts.

Charles.

 

[Crocketus]

So I've slapped metal a few times on potholes this week. I see a few posts here about replacement shocks, but is there any adjustment for heavier riders. I'm about 300 with my gear on.