Hi chaps, I've read the comments on the forums regards updating the 08-11 rear shock to the 2012- rear shock. Can any of you guys confirm wether the 2014 shock is any different to the 2012 shock? I bought a 2014 rear shock, brought the bike to Honda Belfast (stealership) and according to them the 2014 shock doesnt fit my 2010 fireblade (ABS). But they will of course sell me a new 08-11 shock for nearly £1000. Bike has 11k miles, and the original rear shock completely buggered, 0 damping leaving me riding the fastest pogo stick ever made. TIA for any guidance.
Take the bike elsewhere. That shock will fit no problem Alternatively you can try fitting it yourself. Try and get a pair of axle stands and prop the bike up under the foot pegs.
I had a 2012 shock (same as 14) fitted to my 2011 the other week. The garage said they had to undo the swingarm to get it in which I was surprised to hear. I don't think they needed to do that but I think it's just a bit of a squeeze to get in. Also you will need to change the rear hugger (or modify it) if you are using the standard OEM honda one as the reservoir is longer on the 12 onwards balance free shock.
Use two axle stands or an Abba stand with swingarm removal kit, takes about an hour to do as you'll need to remove the slip on! That dealer is taking the "piss" as how come ohlins replacements fit from 08-16/17 models
Thanks for the comments guys. Confirms what i previously believed. IE geometry on the blade was the same in 08 as it was in 2014, so any shock from that date range WILL fit ANY bike from the same date range. A little to hard for Honda Belfast to compute, as they tried telling me the sub frame changed, then when i rebuffed that, they told me the swing arm changed, and when i rebuffed that, and asked them had they taken off the hugger, they said yes. But when i got the bike back it was clear the (corrosion/rust/weathering)seal on the screws/washers holding the hugger on hadnt been broken in some time. Seriously dissapointed. One assumed £55 p/hr was money enough. Here is what they said on my report. "Attempted to fit rear shock provided by customer. Shock was for the wrong year of fireblade and would not fit into the swing arm. Original shock refitted as per customer request." Anyway.. Thank you 1000rr and more importantly you guys for saving me the grand total of £954.52 + VAT + fitting costs. I'm dropping my bike to an independant mechanic on friday to get the work done ( Cannot f'in wait to get her back ) I've no axle stands or i'd prolly of had a wee go changing the shock myself. I had considered concrete blocks or summit to jack it up, but thats just a recipe for a youtube hit. "how not to jack up a Honda Fireblade"
Changed mine in 20 minutes, then spent another 20 mins cleaning the linkages and bearings whilst at it ... its really simple.
Quick update. All sorted, 2014 shock fitted, no issues reported, and it's quite frankly fantastic. No seriously... I really didnt believe it when i read other posts stating how good an upgrade it is for the 08-11 blade. Night and day really, so much so the front end now seems uncoupled from the very settled rear end. I suppose i'll end up lookin out for a set of showa BPF in the not to distant.... Cheers for the input chaps.
I'm glad it all worked out with the rear shock. I have a 2012 WP shock with 2012 OEM Std fender on an 2008 blade. Fitment was made easy courtesy of my abba stand. Great bit of kit btw. For the front forks you could consider having your forks revalved. Again big improvement over standard and I'll wager as good as a set of bpf's. I had mine done by MCT but there are plenty of good suspension specialists out there. I paid around £500 which included a piston kit, new springs and good oil. Not sure how much a pair of bpf's are but you should take into consideration that they won't be new and would probably benefit from a service? It will all depend on budget at the end of the day. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the benefit of your recent upgrade.
