Description
It’s no secret that Yamaha spent the bulk of their R&D budget on that stonking 847cc triple. Unfortunately, that meant pennies needed to be pinched somewhere. That somewhere is in the suspension. Like the forks, the shock spring is inadequate for riders over 170 lbs in gear. There is no compression adjustment, and the rebound damping is lacking, even at full stiff. Stoltec Moto teamed with Penske to develop shock solutions befitting of an otherwise amazing motorcycle.
This is Penske’s most popular motorcycle shock. Double adjustment gives separate adjustment of both low speed compression and rebound damping, so you gain the ability to control squat and bump compliance to suit your riding style. Increased low speed compression damping (helps) keep the front end planted under hard acceleration while the high speed compression has been specifically tuned for road riding. Increased rebound damping means the days of getting bucked out of your seat are a thing of the past!
Features:
- Remote reservoir
- 25 clicks of low speed compression adjustment
- ~30 clicks of rebound adjustment
- Spring preload adjustment
- Ride height adjustment
- Torrington thrust bearing to limit spring binding under compression and ease preload adjustment
- Custom sprung and valved per rider weight and riding style
- Upgradeable to 8987 ‘Triple Clicker’
- Fully rebuildable
- Includes our Penske Remote Reservoir Mount Bracket
- 100% designed and manufactured in USA
Each Penske shock is custom built for the customer and application. Typical build times run in the <4 week window. Please plan accordingly!
Contact us for assistance in selecting a spring rate.
Stuart –
If you’ve ridden a bike with decent suspension, you’ll realize that the stock FZ-09 suspension is terrible. The magazines were too mild in their critique of the suspension. On one particular freeway transition ramp, my FZ-09 would move a foot wide when it hit an expansion joint through the turn; it was worse than my ’76 XS650 suspension. No more.
I trusted to Nick as far as the spring rate, and after installing the new “twin clicker”, I could not be happier. I also firmed up the grossly soft fork springs (also. courtesy of Nick), and firmed up the damping with thicker oil. The rear suspension is firm, but compliant at the same time. No errant behavior through bumpy turns anymore; the bike holds my line through turns and is no longer upset by bumps. The bike also rides much better around town and on the freeway- it’s a win-win all around. It was not cheap, but if you want the FZ-09 to perform well, it is a must in my opinion.
By the way, I’m not a real heavyweight, weighing in at 185#. I’ve also been riding sporty bikes for 40 years, and the FZ-09 deserves better suspension to go with that phenomenal engine.
A word about Nick. Exceptional customer service in every transaction and communication! He knows his sturf and is an all around nice guy. Thanks Nick!!
Tyler Evans (verified owner) –
This completely changed how the bike handles. I never realized just how bad the stock shock was until I installed this. It’s amazing and Nick was really helpful in helping me choose my springrate.
Preston (verified owner) –
For all the you people that are more than 200 pounds this should be your first expensive mod, not exhaust. I realized pretty quickly the stock suspension was lacking and after a quick search I figured out stoltec was the way to go. This is not just a shock off the shelf, it is custom built shock to his specs. The rear shock is now great in the turns and still comfortable for day to day commuting. Thanks again to nick at stoltec!
Nick Stolten –
Thanks for the feedback, Preston! Glad the bike is finally working for you now that’s set up for your needs. Ride safe and let us know if you need anything else down the road.
Gary Eckman (verified owner) –
This shock is a great upgrade to the MT-09. The stock rear was always wallowing and squatting on corner exit. the Penske eliminated this plus provides a very comfortable ride quality, firm but plush. Nick is very good at helping you with what you need for your riding style and weight. The shock, fork valve kit and springs have transformed this bike into a real forever ride! Thanks Nick!
Shawn Lemon (verified owner) –
I’ve put about 500 hard miles on the shock. (8983) Love it!
When I first got it I was a little underwhelmed. It was a bit harsh but I figured it was just a stiffer shock and I needed to match the front to the back as much as possible. While true, I needed more preload up front, my chain tension was too tight. I’ve been adjusting according to the manual then found all these people saying it’s too tight and you need 40-45 mm of slack. I loosened it up and boom, very nice. Made a massive difference. Bit concerned about damage that might have been done from the tight chain but what’s done is done.
I’m going so much faster, not that it was the point on the street, I just have that much confidence. Wheelies are so much better and more predictable. It feels really really good. Now all I think about while riding is the fork. I keep things as smooth as I can so they don’t dive too much.
I can’t wait to do the front end.
Thanks, Nick!
Nick Stolten –
We’re ecstatic you’re happy with the upgrade! Setup is a major piece of the puzzle, so good on you for taking the time to get it right. And yes, for some reason Yamaha went WAAAAY too tight on the chain spec. It was obviously wrong for the rear suspension design of the bike.
Ride safe!