CBR F4i shock on NC700X - Need some install advice

[Rockt]

I realize this has been discussed at length. I've read all the rear suspension threads. However there isn't anything current and I'm in the middle of an install.

Got a new-to-me NC700X recently and I'm loving it, except for the suspension. Ordered Gold Valves for the front and bought a $50 CBR F4i shock for the back. The shock seems to be in good shape and since I'm 135 lbs., it seems like a cheap upgrade without needing to swap springs. However, I might be running into an issue mounting the remote reservoir.

When Just Plain Bill did this mod in 2013 he mounted the reservoir to the frame rail above the rear brake master cylinder and brake fluid reservoir. But I have the Honda bag mounts and can't mount mine the same way, (Bill's was tucked in more, leaving the hose more relaxed).

Here is how I've temporarily mounted mine, (complete with space-age mounting system):



It doesn't interfere with my leg, however to get it in that position, I had to remove the master cyl. and brake fluid res. and tuck the hose under them. Now I'm worried about the hose being contacted by the swingarm:



There's about 2" between the remote res. hose and swingarm, an inch and change between the r.r. hose and the brake line/abs wire. It should be OK - according to Just Plain Bill, the CBR shock travel (stroke) is 1.4" and the r.r. hose is in line with the shock, so the distance of up and down swingarm movement at that spot is limited. Still, the brake line/abs wire will contact the r.r. hose at some point. At the very least I'll put a protective sleeve (probably fuel line) around the r.r. hose.

The only other "issue" is a fairly sharp bend of the hose at the connection to the compression adjustment on the reservoir. Again, I think it's OK, it's rubber, but...:



For what it's worth, on top of being a light weight, I don't ride very hard/fast any more and limit my "off-roading" to gravel roads. But there are always bumps in the road, especially our winter beaten ones.

Please let me know your thoughts.

 

[NC Mick]

Just a thought, and ignore it if I'm wrong. Can you turn the top of the shock 180% and have the remote res on the other side of the bike where there's less
plumbing and wiring?

 

[Rockt]

Hey Mick, thanks for your input. 66 people have viewed this thread and you're the only one who's responded. I was starting to get lonely
I actually originally thought I'd mount it on the other side but... then I saw the chain! Would be a great way to saw through the hose.

I've put it all back together and (semi)permanently mounted the reservoir:



The hose is closer to the brake line/ABS wire than I'd like but hopefully it's OK (I used fuel line to keep the metal fitting from doing damage if it contacts the brake line):



All I can do is take it for a decent ride and check it all frequently to see if there's any damaging contact. We'll see. Unfortunately, I'm going away at the end of next week and may not get a chance to ride it 'til I get back. My Gold Valves will be here then and I'll likely install them and then figure it all out. If this shock doesn't work I'll have to go with the Aprilia RSV4 shock.

 

[Rockt]

For reference, here is Just Plain Bill's bike with the CBR F4i shock:

I don't think he has a whole lot more clearance and he reported that it was fine.

He didn't have the saddlebag mount to deal with:

I set the preload to #2 (2nd softest) of 7 positions. I was on my own so I don't know the actual sag but it felt like it gave an inch or so. The stock shock barely moved with my (light) weight on it.

Again, I'll figure it all out. It's entirely possible the F4i shock I bought is worn out and I have to go through this whole process again. I hope not but it's relatively easy and it was only $50.

 

[NC Mick]

Looking at the hose from the shock to the remote res, a hose specialist could make a longer line to give you more mounting options.
Hope it goes well for you.

 

[Rockt]

Yeah, I would like the hose to be longer. The only problem with replacing it is that the shock and reservoir are gas charged and would have to be recharged after changing the hose.
If I'm pleased with the result when I get to test ride it, I may go to the effort of removing the shock and getting a longer hose for it and then get the shock recharged.

 

[trjerm]

My Penske ( on the black NC700X ) had a way longer hose , so I hung it on the other side and just cable tied it to make sure it stayed away from the chain.
my Cogent shock on the red NC700X doesn't have a hose so wasn't an issue
Let us know how it works after your test rides

 

[Rockt]

Hoping it works out. The only problem is I'm leaving this week and will be away about 3 weeks, so the test ride is a way aways. I'll likely install the Gold Valves when I get back and then sort everything out. Pretty excited about it all because the bike is really good otherwise. With properly sorted suspension it should be great.

 

[Rockt]

Make that properly sorted suspension and ergo's. Just got a set of lightly used 2" ROX risers to bring the bars a little closer. The jury is still out on the seat. The longest I've ridden the bike so far is 2 hours. Not the best seat I've ever sat on but not the worst. I'm too skinny so every seat seems to cause some discomfort after awhile. I stand up frequently.

 

[Rockt]

Finally got to test ride the bike with the new shock and it's better but it's hard to tell if it's great. The front suspension, to me, is pretty bad at any kind of of speed, so it's harder to tell about the back. But I think the initial hit on sharp edge bumps, manhole covers, etc. was still a bit harder than I'd like and I think rebound was a tad too quick. I adjusted both when I got home but I couldn't ride it again and can't today either. Maybe tomorrow. The reservoir hose did contact the brake line (I put a dab of grease on the res. line) but it appears to be very light contact. I'll continue to monitor it. I also need a friend to help with sag but I think I'll wait 'til I get the Gold Valves installed.

Which leaves with a brief rant: I read through all the posts here on GV's and our helpful moderator, 670 had mentioned the lighter silver springs, (mine came with gold and blue, with blue recommended by Race Tech for me). Since I'm 135# and after a plush ride over outright performance, I think the silver's would better for me. So I called RT and an icy cold woman could barely give me the time of day. She charged me $6.99 for each little spring and said it would be $35 shipping to Canada. That, friends, would be just under $70 CDN for springs that one could argue should have been included with the kit. Long story short, she finally angrily said she put them in an envelope and mail them USPS but "there are no guarantees I'd get them". Great. Hopefully I'll get them soon and get my bike sorted. And before you think I must have pissed her off, I was nice from the get-go and maintained my cool and thanked her. I keep thinking this could have gone better if I got someone less angry when I claled.