2011 FZ8 on its way....mod suggestions?

[Hoover]

Originally Posted by hutru01

Is the stock suspension really that bad?

In a word, no.

Sure it is a little soft at both ends, crank the rear up a couple of clicks and I doubt you will have any issues for regular spirited riding.
I know CW did a feature on it and said it was way too soft, however, these guys are professional riders, riding twisties they ride all day every day on a number of different bikes. It is their job to spot the differences.
I consider myself to be a decent rider and here in Wisconsin, we have some great roads that I know quite well, and although occasionally felt that the suspension could be better, I have never felt that I couldn't push the bike to either its or my limits.
If anything, the tires are the true weak link. Not bad, but certainly not the greatest. I will wear them out before I replace them though. Again, this is not a big sports track bike. Take it for what it is.

[hutru01]

Decided that a LED integrated light is better avenue for the look I want. As far as I know, there are no options for undertail kits for the FZ8 yet. License plate relocation to left axle looks good IMO.

[Hoover]

Originally Posted by hutru01

Decided that a LED integrated light is better avenue for the look I want. As far as I know, there are no options for undertail kits for the FZ8 yet. License plate relocation to left axle looks good IMO.

Doesn't need an undertail kit, it is already filled in. There are plenty of "tail tidy" kits available for it.

[hutru01]

Originally Posted by Hoover

Doesn't need an undertail kit, it is already filled in. There are plenty of "tail tidy" kits available for it.

Yeah, I have seen all the fender eliminator kits. I just like the idea of having just a tail light that has signal lights integrated.

[Frengo]

Originally Posted by hutru01

Is the stock suspension really that bad?

Well, it's a matter of opinion, after all...

One could ride for thousands of miles and feel comfortable. Instead, I can notice the rear shock "squeezing" too much when wide opening the throttle exiting from turns... This always results in turns wider than expected. Furthermore, when riding with pillion and hitting large bumps the rear shock often reaches the lower stroke limit (not very comfortable for your butt!).
The main reason for these problems is the fact that this unit has no adjustments but the spring preload. At least a rebound adjustment should be present, just to balance the unit when loading the spring...
Please notice that I'm just 150 lbs, and my wife is 100: just the average values used by all the bike designers.

[hutru01]

Originally Posted by Frengo

Well, it's a matter of opinion, after all...

One could ride for thousands of miles and feel comfortable. Instead, I can notice the rear shock "squeezing" too much when wide opening the throttle exiting from turns... This always results in turns wider than expected. Furthermore, when riding with pillion and hitting large bumps the rear shock often reaches the lower stroke limit (not very comfortable for your butt!).
The main reason for these problems is the fact that this unit has no adjustments but the spring preload. At least a rebound adjustment should be present, just to balance the unit when loading the spring...
Please notice that I'm just 150 lbs, and my wife is 100: just the average values used by all the bike designers.

Hmm, thats food for thought. I am 200 and my GF is 120. Do you have the spring preload adjusted?

[Frengo]

Originally Posted by hutru01

Hmm, thats food for thought. I am 200 and my GF is 120. Do you have the spring preload adjusted?

Yes, but adjusting the spring preload is just a "static" adjustment, it sets the point where the unit will start to work. No influence on the dynamic performance (that's what really counts)... For that, you should have some hydraulic adjustments and a good overall quality (on a low-quality unit, the adjustments are generally useless, because the related components are too cheap and then inaccurate).

[impostor1981]

I agree with Frengo and will say that again. Rear shock is ok for Sunday ride outs. If you want to have some fun on the bike and push it a little bit it will lack of performance.
Not even that when I went for week trip and the bike was loaded (no passenger) on the humps the shock was either bottoming out is set to hardest or jumping all around the place if set to softer (not softest)

Definitely either spring or all shock needs some upgrade

[hutru01]

Ordered so far.

Givi A287 Windscreen
Integrated Signal LED Tail Light (Smoke)
Rumble Concept Ghost Flush Mount LED Signals (Smoke)
Rumble Concept L.E.D. Flash Controllers Easy Plug Relay
Black Shogun Frame Sliders
Kuryakyn License Plate Helmet Lock with Mount
License Plate Relocation Frame (Vertical on Axle)
(2) Black Universal Motorcycle LED License Plate Light Bolt
Bar End Mirrors

I will be taking that gigantic mudgaurd off the back of the bike and will be tail-less.

[hutru01]

Originally Posted by impostor1981

Rear shock is ok for Sunday ride outs.

I don't have any aspirations for anything more than a Sunday ride out to be honest. I don't plan on tracking it or taking "spirited rides" if you will. I have a healthy fear of riding motorcycles in general and don't particulary care for taking it to its limits. No offense towards others who do, just not my thing.