Vulcan S Shock Absorber

8839 Views 89 Replies 23 Participants Last post by Six Shooter, 2 d ago

TraderVic

Discussion Starter · May 27, 2022

Thought you guys might like this. I found this pit bike shock on Amazon and decided to take a chance on it. It fits my 2017 and definitely works better than stock, though I don't have much time on it and haven't played around with the air pressure or spring preload.I had to drill out the top bushing, but otherwise it bolts right up. I got it for just over forty bucks and it's decent. No damping adjustments, but fully rebuild-able. Check it out.

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ZuluS

· #2 · May 28, 2022

Hi! Please indicate your weight and how the behavior of the motorbike has changed. Thank you.

362554

· #3 · May 28, 2022

What did you use to drill out the top bushing? (What size drill bit?) And did it change the suspension travel or ride height? If it works better than the stock shock, it's a massive bargain.

TraderVic

Discussion Starter · #4 · May 31, 2022

Okay, I finally got a chance to put some miles on it. I'm 200 lbs.. The ride is firm and controlled. Did not jar my back once in about 20 miles. That would not happen with the stocker. Both compression and rebound damping is heavier. Air pressure and spring preload are still just as it came out of the box and I'm actually not inclined to change it. That says something right there, as I usually have to mess with everything in an attempt to achieve perfection.

I believe the top bolt is 12mm. I just pulled the drill out of the box that fit the top bushing of the stock shock. The shock is slightly longer than stock. I didn't measure the travel, but I would bet it's longer than stock. I only used about half the travel in my 20 mile ride. The only thing that may be an issue for some is that the mounting eyes are not as wide as the stock shock. This doesn't matter on the top mount, but on the bottom you have to just snug up the lock nut or you will squish the linkage yoke. You could use some washers to take up the space if it is a concern and you feel the need to crank on the bolt. They would go on the INSIDE of the shock as the natural position is all the way to the right side. Yes, it is a massive bargain. If anyone else buys one, please report back. I'd be very interested to hear other opinions. TIA

BTW, I mounted it with the Schrader valve pointing up. I tried it the other way and the valve hits the frame slightly at full extension.

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JerryKVS

· #5 · May 31, 2022

Can you post actual dimensions of the stock shock? Not that I can't do it myself but would keep me from having to remove my shock to do so. This would help me find an exact match to a similar shock as you used. The forum would greatly appreciate it.

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TraderVic

Discussion Starter · #6 · May 31, 2022

JerryKVS said:
Can you post actual dimensions of the stock shock? Not that I can't do it myself but would keep me from having to remove my shock to do so. This would help me find an exact match to a similar shock as you used. The forum would greatly appreciate it.

I will, but it might not be for a while- I'm at my summer house and the shock is at the other house.

Which dimensions would you like?

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JerryKVS

· #7 · May 31, 2022

TraderVic said:
I will, but it might not be for a while- I'm at my summer house and the shock is at the other house.

Which dimensions would you like?

No problem, I'm in no big hurry.
The center of eye to eye measurement. Bushing hole diameters and actual width of each end.

362554

· #8 · 12 mo ago

The bushing holes are both 10mm as delivered. I also had to drill out the top bushing to fit the 12mm bolt on my KVS. Other than that, it is a direct replacement fit. I had very little trouble installing it. Jacked up the rear end, unbolted the stock shock and installed the new one. I had to remove it and turn it so the schrader valve was pointing up instead of down after noticing it hit the upper shock mount on full extension. Otherwise, very simple install. I am now waiting for the rain to stop so I can try it out before my 3,500 mile 10 day trip next month.

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JerryKVS

· #9 · 12 mo ago

gzsound said:
The bushing holes are both 10mm as delivered. I also had to drill out the top bushing to fit the 12mm bolt on my KVS. Other than that, it is a direct replacement fit. I had very little trouble installing it. Jacked up the rear end, unbolted the stock shock and installed the new one. I had to remove it and turn it so the schrader valve was pointing up instead of down after noticing it hit the upper shock mount on full extension. Otherwise, very simple install. I am now waiting for the rain to stop so I can try it out before my 3,500 mile 10 day trip next month.

Thanks.

TraderVic

Discussion Starter · #10 · 12 mo ago

TraderVic said:
I will, but it might not be for a while- I'm at my summer house and the shock is at the other house.

Which dimensions would you like?

JerryKVS said:
No problem, I'm in no big hurry.
The center of eye to eye measurement. Bushing hole diameters and actual width of each end.

Finally got back there for a bit.

Stock Shock

eye to eye- 322-323mm. best I could do with tape measure

top bushing width- 300mm. eye- 12mm measured with calipers

bottom bushing width- 302mm. eye- 10mm

spring wire diameter- 12mm

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TraderVic

Discussion Starter · #11 · 12 mo ago

Surprised there's not more interest in this, given that the stock shock performance is pretty crappy.

JerryKVS

· #12 · 12 mo ago

TraderVic said:
Surprised there's not more interest in this, given that the stock shock performance is pretty crappy.

I'll be looking into . Stock isn't too bad for me but I know it could be better.

YomikeyNZ

· #13 · 12 mo ago

Hi, is there any update on how well this shock is performing? I live in New Zealand and ride most days and drop my wife off at work most days. A Nitron or similar shock is going to set me back $1200 - $1400.

TraderVic

Discussion Starter · #14 · 12 mo ago

YomikeyNZ said:
Hi, is there any update on how well this shock is performing? I live in New Zealand and ride most days and drop my wife off at work most days. A Nitron or similar shock is going to set me back $1200 - $1400.

Handling is better. Ride is better- more controlled, less harsh. It's working well enough that I still haven't changed any adjustments. Can't go wrong for less than 50 bucks.

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IR1776

· #15 · 12 mo ago

This is great! Thanks.

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JerryKVS

· #16 · 12 mo ago

TraderVic said:
Handling is better. Ride is better- more controlled, less harsh. It's working well enough that I still haven't changed any adjustments. Can't go wrong for less than 50 bucks.

I have the shock on my Amazon wish list. I was hoping to find one with the right size bushings. I see the bushings are removable so I might be able to find the right size bushing to replace it. If not, I'll end up drilling like you did.

Blues Vagabond

· #17 · 11 mo ago

TraderVic said:
Handling is better. Ride is better- more controlled, less harsh. It's working well enough that I still haven't changed any adjustments. Can't go wrong for less than 50 bucks.

Hi. Is it possible to post some pictures of the shock on the bike? I'm really interested I'm making the swap. And you are right about the price. Thanks!

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TraderVic

Discussion Starter · #18 · 11 mo ago

3

Blues Vagabond said:
Hi. Is it possible to post some pictures of the shock on the bike? I'm really interested I'm making the swap. And you are right about the price. Thanks!

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362554

· #19 · 11 mo ago

It finally stopped raining here in Orygun long enough for me to get 100 miles on the new shock. Pretty dramatic difference in the ride. The stock shock needed to be set on the second stop to provide a smooth ride and every time I hit a dip or speed bump, the bike hit me in the back when the shock bottomed. I bought the Amazon shock and a 12 mm drill bit ($6.00) and drilled out the top bushing and mounted the new shock with the schrader valve pointing up.

Prior to the install, with the stock shock, I was getting hit in the back every time I hit a dip in the road. I had the stock shock set on the second notch for comfort and if I adjusted in more spring, the ride got harsh. All that changed with the new shock.

Using the stock settings, the ride is more firm but not jarring. I couldn't make the shock bottom out even though I rode over speed bumps and tried to find as many dips in the road as possible. Much more controllable ride and still quite comfortable.

I am going on a 3,500 mile ten day tour in a couple of weeks and will report back how the shock holds up with the bike fully loaded with bags and extra luggage. More to come.

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Rmor85

· #20 · 11 mo ago

I'll admit, I'm a bit ignorant when it comes to suspension. What exactly makes this better than the stock shock? I'm not a fan of the suspension. My last bike was an
adventure bike, so I had little hope in having a satisfactory suspension

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