So I dived in to test out china’s shocks.. Aliexpress killed their same offerings with freight costs similar to the shock, but temu had free freight for the same item- so $130 (nzd) delivered! it was a bit of a risk - but I thought I could put it on my XV750 if it was too lite..
I faffed around a bit looking for scrap metal the right size for the bottom, but ended up having to weld 2 bits of angle iron together and it’s working..
so the results so far are fab! there’s plenty of damping and preload left and it’s performing well! (i’d set it too hard for a kick off thinking the worst)
Anyway I’ve now bought another one for my spare VF1 and will do a better job of the bottom stem
Whereas I can’t make a comparison to any well regarded performance shocks - I can recommend it as a cheapass option that works
As the shock bottom eye threads into the shock body, it wouldn’t be too difficult to make up a longer leg to suit the VF. If you bought a long bolt or threaded stud the same diameter and pitch thread you could weld on the same type of bottom mount as the VF? This would have the advantage of no possible twist, and you could even incorporate a crude length/ preload adjuster if it was threaded internally?
good idea speedy- I’ve bought a 100mm long 16mm ss bolt and a die the same (odd) pitch thread 4 the shock end- so i’ll thread the shank end of that after cutting the head off and have 2 nuts on the bottom bracket for length adjustment.
I bought 2 more of these shocks now and 1 'll go in the spare vf 4 my plate-swap adventure project (time again) and 1 4 my xv750 / 1100 semi-cafe racer.. all gd fun
and sorry 4 the late reply.. I was hoping to post a pic of it all done.. but still haven’t had time yet, so thought I’d clock in..
Glad you’re going to give it a go, and interested to see how it works out for you, and if the cheap shock is ok?
The old air shocks were never the best, and most of them are pretty feeble now.
I picked up another bike which had an 800 VFR shock adapted to it. It was done with the box type bracket, but when I get time I’ll adapt the air shock bottom mount to an adjustable threaded section.
I really like your idea of trying a budget solution.
Keep us informed
yes it’s still ok-- fab even! sticks 2 the road nicely and firm spring-wise.. almost bought a vfr800 shock- but was s/h and the same price, with the same length/adapt issues + no guarentees.
costs soon ramp up on these old bikes as u know, with everything needing renewing- so it’s cheap all the way 4 me- ha! I could put silly $$$ in, but just don’t want to.
I’ll update 2 the bolt with pics when I get there. it’s on the back-burner 4 now though since it’s fab with that crappy bracket I made
Great to hear the bargain Temu fix has worked for you Trev. Funny thing is, I’ve known a few people who have spent big bucks on Wilbers, Elka, and other big name shocks who have never changed factory setup and probably not be able to tell the difference from your Temu shock!
Well done mate. You’re spot on about these old bikes soaking up the dollars.I’ve just started the early stage of a mongrel R build. Determined to use up lots of bits from my hoard, and build it as cheaply as possible Motor is RE with RG heads, RG imported US frame, F2 type rads and oil cooler mounted low, CBR 1000 F wheels forks and brakes.
The 17 inch wheels will let me fit some better rubber.
Purists will hate it, so i’m thinking of painting the wheels gold just to annoy them more.
