Hi Has anyone put a 2012/13 rear shock on an earlier bike? Any benefit or best to go aftermarket route! As got the chance to get a second hand 2012 unit cheap
Its a good upgrade, very expensive new. Only think you need is a 2012 hugger as the new shock longer Its a twin tube unit, much like the Ohlins TTX ones but not quite as trick
Yes, a few have on here, they bolt straight on and can be picked up on Fleabay for less than £200 mostly as a lot of Track Day Blades etc swap em out for an Ohlins rear.
Fitted a brand new 2012 shock on my 2011 blade - no real issues unless you have a Honda hugger which will need some mods (cutting a hole) basically. Either that or buy one for the 2012 (expensive). Regarding shock performance - for the road it's better than you will need. The ride is much more comfortable not so many kicks in the arse. The rear is well planted and does not bounce around on rough bends. Honda say the shock goes from compression to rebound without so much lag and as a result tracks the road better. I contacted K-Tech about some fork mods and in the conversation I asked what they could do for the 2012 shock - the tech said 'have you got a problem with that shock?' he went on to add what a really good shock it is. For the track - not my thing but I can't see it can being too bad for the odd track day.
Me, TheFirebloke, RedMacgregor to name a few - sure others have also done it Way better upgrade than a new can in my opinion
With a new shock there is a noticable improvement in how well the bike rides, corners, handles etc I don't think changing a can for £200 - £300 will have a similar noticable impact
just order a brand spanker..... of ebay, should help me , was saving for a can but think this will be money better spent
