VF 1000 F2 Bol D'or Rear Shock repair

In the Shed
1

Hello to everyone,

Today I’m thinking in repairing the original rear shock absorber, after 20 o 30 years on the shelf. When it lost oil, my mechanic wasn’t able to dismount and repair, so I swapped by a NOS “original” unit from an auction site.

Well the new “original” shock resulted to be shorter than original one, but could not change it as the seller refused to return. Not a terrible problem, it worked fine, simply required more effort to lift the bike on the central stand.

I have the shop manual with all procedures to repair any part of the bike, including the rear shock, but the sad part is that today, I can’t find the oil seal. Nor I can’t find info about it, dimensions, materials, lips shape, and so on…

I found a company that sells thousands seal models, “globaloring” or something similar, but they don’t have manufacturers or model references, only diameters, height, material, lips and so on.

Does any of you have such dimensions info, or know how to get them?

I do not want to dismount it, afraid from damaging the existing one and getting unable to keep it mounted to preserve the shock complete until I have the replacement part.

I know there are new shocks, as YSS, even better than original, but I’d like to preserve the bike as original as possible, as far as possible.

Thanks in advance and congratularions for the forum, your bikes, and your expertise repairing those jewels.

Ricardo
Best regards from Spain

2

Welcome Ricardo,unfortunately the seal for the rear suspension is no longer available,the closest I can find to the original spec is a twin lip seal 65x80x10.That is 0.5mm narrower than the Honda item.

The fact the suspension is jammed would suggest the guide(part no.52472MC7003)has broken up.If you can’t find one of these,Malcom at anacondaltd.co.nz has a couple on the shelf and he ships worldwide.

The aftermarket suspension units by the likes of YSS and Hagon are at the bottom end of the price range for replacements but will transform the bike.

Best regards Bif

3

Agree with Bif…the OEM shocks break up internally over a long time and causes the hydraulics to basically lock up…I’ve tried many times over the years to repair them…to no avail, parts are just not available for them.

The OEM shocks were poor at best even when new…a YSS or Hagon is a perfect replacement for these old bikes, as Bif mentions, it will transform the bike. Jamie Daugherty also has a very good replacement shock he produces himself for the VF’s. https://daughertymotorsports.com/

I fitted a YSS shock and also fitted some YSS fork valve emulators and springs…the bike is so much more planted than it is on the original suspension.

Smithy.

4

Hello and thanks for the info.
My shock just started to bounce at every bump, so when noticed, asked and was told to replace (With the not so “original” new shock.)

I’ll try to dismount and look for a seal that could match, is more a game for me than an urgent problem. could live with current shock, althoug as now I can’t lift the bike in most occasions.

In the event it gets impossible mission, I’ll consider the YSS replacement, but not until definitely I fail with that absud game.

Many thanks for your help, I’ll keep you informed if I make any advance on that trip.

Kindest regards

5

If you’re so keen to keep the shock looking oem maybe you or an engineering shop could modify to adapt the stock spring shroud and bellows to fit over the aftermarket shock.

6

Hi Ricardo.
Just put up a post on what I have done to fix my shock problem.
I haven’t tried on the road as bike under resto so will be awail

7

Hello kiwihonda004,

You’re quite brave
I’m terribly afraid of touching anything related to engines.

Maybe 40-40 something years ago I had a Moto Guzzi 1000 SP (Second hand) that sometimes rattled (picaba bielas, in spanish) at low speed.
I decided to correct the problem and with a little help of a friend (car mechanic) I dismounted the engine, replaced all required parts for cilinders and crank with new original spares, and went surprised when the engine started again after mounting it. Great…

But got more than surprised when the engine did the same rattling noise at low speeds.

So I decided to never again touch anything appart from changing spark plugs, some lamp and add water (and petrol) if required.

Concerrning rear Shock, I’d like to preseerve the bike as original as possible, not to clever on my side. but never feel that original shock had a problem (for my dumb perception)

I have found an original, new old stock, oil ring, (Maybe the las one in the universe?) that may arrive in a couple weeks, so will try to rebuild original shock and replace the current “Short” bumper, simply to preserve as original as possible.

I love the bike, but I’m not an expert and can’t feel the sensations you can feel.

I’ll try to post process and results, most of you do not need that and are able to do better than I, but maybe someone may be curious.

Kindest regards from suuny (and terribly hot now) Spain.
Ricardo

1 Like
8

Hi Ricardo.
We all have talents in different fields.
I just puddle along as best I can
Always asking questions and take in advice and decifer
Stick to what you know,you will get there.
Keep up the good Honda name.

Peter.