Penske rear shock from 848/1098 in monster 696?

[malamikigo]

This shock is available local to me. 

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/bnc/mcy/3858959757.html

Wondering on fitment into a 696?  I've read elsewhere that the 696 and 848 (stock) have the same length shock but I realize there are other factors at play here like springrate, piston, etc.

Thoughts?

[Dirty Duc]

That's a smoking deal.  The Penske's are user-rebuildable, and are reportedly great for on the phone support.  If you aren't up to rebuilding it, you can send it to them and they will rebuild it for a nominal fee...  That looks like the 8987 to me.

The only thing you might have to source is a place to fill it with nitrogen.

See if the seller has the manual and original dyno sheet that go with it.

[malamikigo]

Just got an email back from the guy.  No manual nor dyno sheet (what does a dyno sheet on a shock show?).  The model is in fact the 8987 Triple. 

Can you talk a bit more about what aspect of it would need to be rebuilt for use on the 696?  I don't know a lot about this.  Really appreciate the input! 

[Dirty Duc]

umm... that's a $1200 (USD) shock.

What you can do is call up Penske... (their number is available from their website) and I hear they are quite accomodating.  If rebuilding yourself, they will send you an appropriate shimstack and (possibly) spring.  My 8983 came with a dyno sheet... I'm sure if I was smarter I'd understand it.  They build them to spec, and send you all the info you could ever need about a shock.

The manual isn't really a big deal.  It would just show what use the shock was built for, and most of the info is available from their website.  They seem to be pretty smart folks (though hard to get shocks from them during race weekends...)  I love mine.  It's set up for 2-up... and a fast 2-up... adjustable ride height... and I only sprung for the double adjustable.

[malamikigo]

Wow, I didn't realize it was that valuable.  I think I'll pick it up just on price alone and worry about making it workable for the 696 in due time.

[BK_856er]

It can get expensive to reconfigure a Penske for a different model, depending on the differences (total length, stroke, spring rate, valving, reservoir location, etc.).  Could be a good deal, but it might be cheaper to buy a new one at the end of the day.  Lack of manual and dyno sheet is not an issue.  I have an 8987 on both my bikes.  Nice shock for sure.

BK

[malamikigo]

It can get expensive to reconfigure a Penske for a different model, depending on the differences (total length, stroke, spring rate, valving, reservoir location, etc.).  Could be a good deal, but it might be cheaper to buy a new one at the end of the day.  Lack of manual and dyno sheet is not an issue.  I have an 8987 on both my bikes.  Nice shock for sure.

BK

Are you able to get an idea of what "expensive" could be, in terms of rebuilding it?  I mean, if I can pick it up for $350, and even if i spend another $350 rebuilding it, at $700 it's still in the range of entry-level aftermarket shocks, but I'd have a high-end for the same money.  Is that unrealistic, or could it get even more expensive than that?

[BK_856er]

Are you able to get an idea of what "expensive" could be, in terms of rebuilding it?  I mean, if I can pick it up for $350, and even if i spend another $350 rebuilding it, at $700 it's still in the range of entry-level aftermarket shocks, but I'd have a high-end for the same money.  Is that unrealistic, or could it get even more expensive than that?

Penske could better answer those questions.  Usually the guys that answer the phone are the ones that will do the work.  Standard maintenance rebuild is more or less fixed cost, re-working for a different bike will very likely be more.

BK

[malamikigo]

Good point, thanks.  I will give them a call tomorrow.