Viper S improved ride: KYB, Ohlin, or M10?

C

caldwell54

New member
Joined
Sep 10, 2004
Messages
15
Age
63
Location
Grand Blanc, MI
I have a 2004 Viper S with 500 miles on it. The front Ohlins
are great, but the rear shocks suck ! The ride is very harsh for
small bumps, but it handles big bumps fine. I have loosened up
the main rear shock spring tension all the way with no improvement.
I saw on the other yamaha site that I should try tightening up
the front rear shock.. will try that soon.

It looks like my options for drastically improved ride are:

1) 2 New rear KYBs valved softer (cannot rebuild my steel bodied
OEM shocks.. that sucks!) for about $350

2) 2 New rear Ohlins shocks for $800-900 - sweet but $$

3) Or new M10 with either KYB or Ohlin shocks for around $1200-$1500

I am leaning toward the $350 solution with new KYBs. Can anyone
give me some advice on what they have successfully experienced ?

Thanks !
Dean
 

i thought with thge compression dampingg on the viper s all would be great, is the damper on the softest setting?
 
It is on the next to softest setting. I did not have the wrench with me
last time out. I will set it to softest next time out but do not expect
much with only one notch to go.
 
I would try the Rear Ohlins only and leave the center shock stock. I put the Ohlins in my 2002 Viper and it rides alot better. The adjustable compression dampening is great and you only have to spend about $450.
 
the price on the M10 seems cheap, you sure you can get it for only that much? Brand new?
 
You dont need an M10 or any of that other stuff. Send your shocks to Tony Spicola (716) 337-7411. I had him revalve the rear shocks in my 02 Viper and was completely amazed at the results. Call him and talk to him. He spent two weeks straight with a pair of Vipers to get them right. Tell him Charlie sent ya. Call me if you want to talk about it. 231-854-9145.
 
I don't think the Viper S's rear shock are rebuildable or revalvable .. they are not the aluminum bodied KYB's like alot of the Viper's have.
 
my 03 was bad also, but i put more tension in the rear shock (about 3/8 inch) and moved the fra to the bottom and that improved the ride. I am about 260 so that's what my problem was.
 
Hey Caldwell email me at jackoncj@verizon.net. I got a guy who can cure your problems. My 02 was the worst riding POS until I let this guy re-valve the rear shocks. Every time I ride it I am amazed at the differece.
 
valving the kyb's works good, use maxima 3 wt. oil, and I think I have the stack info if you want it. You can get those shocks to ride better than the ohlins if you do it right. They are awsome shocks they are just way off on the calibration.
 
Thanks for the advice. The stock 2004 Viper S rear
shocks are not re-buildable. Yamaha had to save a few
bucks somewhere after putting the great Ohlins
on the Front !

I have not been able to get back on the trail to try
some of the adjustments. Hope to get out next weekend.

Thanks
 
You must log in or register to reply here.


Back
Top