ZX7R Shock Restoration - Ep5 | ZX7R Restoration | Tom's Workshop

Welcome back! This is a fun one, taking on the mysterious challenge of refurbishing the rear shock.
Thanks for watching!

[@TheRafeMan]

Seriously great content! Well filmed and the commentary is spot on. No stupid music either. I’m subscribed! I’m really enjoying this build and will go back and watch the FZR series. 👏

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Cheers! It took me a while to find my favourite balance in terms of music, so you may not feel the same about my earlier vids 😂

[@antonios2846]

Always fantastic video... Greetings from a P4 1999 owner from Italy

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Thanks! Appreciate the comment 👍🏻

[@W5579]

Maaaate. It went from interesting to failure to success and then you still (what I was thinking all along) put in a new one. It would have been good to see if all went well rather than a shiny piece of shelve furniture. Loved the episode. Thanks.

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Cheers, yeah I want it to be ready to go on the shelf as I may decide down the line to put it back in, I also might not get on with the YSS one so there’s still hope 😂

[@matmiller5256]

Appreciated the time / effort to upload. When the 7R is done, it's going to look (again) beautiful :)

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Yeah I can’t wait, but also enjoying this much more than other projects as this is probably the first time I’ve stripped it all the way down and set the standard quite high on all parts. Even though so much of it won’t be seen from the outside, I’ll know 😉

[@Juppleberry]

Really enjoying this little series. Makes me think I should of kept my korda krimp pliers. Just incase I wanna do a shock rebuild 😂. Great job

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Haha Cheers, had to google that to work it out, no idea where they came from 😂 one of the many random tools I must have picked up along the way 😂 but just what I needed to pull the bladder out!

[@artisalltoes]

love what you do, just seems like you read from a script after you have recorded the video

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Haha that’s exactly what I’m doing. Budget won’t stretch for Presenter classes 😂

[@rgmax6205]

Really nice job on rebuilding the factory shock, but I think you made the right call on not using it. I’ve had four ZX7s of various years and the factory suspension was not great on any of them, the damping and spring rates were way too stiff. I am enjoying your rebuild series on this bike. Takes me back to when I owned these new.

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Cheers, yeah I agree. I’m a fan of keeping things original, but subtle upgrades on brakes and suspension seem a no brainier for performance and safety.

[@ASDADSEF]

Great job 🐸

[@DesmoResto]

Nice work boss - good skills and nice video!👌👌 Jealous of the sand blaster…😏

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Cheers! Yeah it’s really starting to earn its place now, and was quite reasonable.

[@llwellyn1]

I've been enjoying this restoration project and I'm really looking forward to the next video in this series. Thank you and compliments on the excellent production editing!

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Cheers, I’m really enjoying this one, thanks for watching!

[@575ban]

Nice work Tom. That shock came up lovely. Shame you're not going to use it. Cleaning the shim stack is quite important when servicing suspension. It would have been beneficial to have cleaned the shims when putting it back together but as you're not using it, that's not so important. Good work though. An enjoyable watch 👍

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

That’s good to know, thanks! I did actually wipe them down on the second disassembly but didn’t fully clean them. Knowing what they do, it makes sense to clean them. I want it to be road ready for the future so I may do that before I get it recharged with nitrogen.

[@Otto-AutoPilot]

Nice one.

[@tieniemaree1146]

I sold my P2 in 2009 and miss that bike to this day. Cant find these bikes in South Africa anymore, they have become highly collectable! Always thought the weakest point on the ZX7 was the brakes. Great series of videos, really doesn’t help my fomo 🫣

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

It’s crazy how different the demand/value these bikes hold in different countries, hope you can have one again one day! Haha yeah the brakes need to be kept clean and serviced to work well, haven’t decided yet if I’m going to stick with the 6 pots or switch the to Nissan 4 pots.

[@jamest5149]

If you ever reuse the oem shock or do this type of thing again… use Some aluminium or nickel antiseeze grease will stop the spring perch and lock collar galling on the shock thread. 👍

[@The_Black_Sun91]

I am normally not someone to comment a lot on Videos, I am more the half drooling binge kinda dude. but I really wanted to say thank you for the entertainment I inhale resto content on youtube like I get paid to do and your Videos really scratch the itch, I already binged the Videos about your "pride and joy". Please keep up the amazing Videos.

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Ah I appreciate that, I’m very much the same when watching others, especially when I need the inspiration to get cracking myself 😆

[@The_Black_Sun91]

​@@tomsworkshopprojects Oh yes thats very much a reason why I watch so much especially now that my new and bigger garage/workshop is only two months away. can't wait to have it attached to the place i reside at instead of having to pack the car and go to another place.

[@mattblackledge9068]

Fair play. A lot of channels should take note of this kind of work.

[@joshuawhiddon7546]

Thanks for doing this making me want to finish mine after not touching it for a year or so. Got two bikes as parts to make one we will see how it goes.

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Ah nice, yeah hope you get back to it 🤞

[@pabsocs]

Got my heart beating when you used those clamps on the main spring and got your fingers in there 😂 great content as always though

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Haha, I was going to throw in a disclaimer, to lessen the nerves of people watching, as fortunately there’s barley any real tension on there, it’s more acting as a third hand than really compressing them. But also like the idea of adding a bit of drama to the series, will he come out with all 10 digits? 😂

[@vicpnut1]

Some serious patience shown

[@kenwolfe5697]

Good on you for taking on the shock rebuild and not giving up. It’s not too bad once you’ve done it but a lot of people are nervous to try.

[@a8f235]

It's like disassembling a full car enterior the first time. At first it looks like it's not intended to be taken apart because you don't really see much. Just got to tell yourself that if it's put together it can be taken apart. It doesn't matter how much time something takes the first time either, and with this mindset you quickly will know how much less time it all takes the 2nd, 3rd time etc. The best thing is also to just start acquiring tools, because if you know you have a tool at hand there are no excuses to bail. Tools are half the job, pretty much. Big motivator.

[@AndyHunt182]

Really enjoying this series of videos, completely hooked and always waiting for the next installment!

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Cheers Andy, I’m really enjoying this one, and appreciate the comments 👍🏻

[@timothyjones6476]

Great video Tom. Look forward to each new one!

[@petebird7171]

Coming together really well, great video series, 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@SquidMissile1]

That was an emotional rollercoaster. Also very inspirational, keep up the good work.

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Haha thanks, apologies for the additional drama on this one 😂

[@efficienzadellosforzo]

You provided some very useful information and details, congratulations 👏

[@garyb931]

That's what I call attention to detail Tom. Also innovative ways of overcoming problems of disassembly and reassembly. Really enjoyed this one. Now should I tackle the rear shock on my ZX14R? I think not. Keep up the good work.

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Haha cheers, if it’s even made you think about doing it yourself, I’ve achieved my goal 😂

[@petermosdell580]

Another great video. Some great resto skills there. I have a Hagon shock on the bench looking at me - staring me out, daring me to attack it with tools. I’m inspired to have a go at stripping it now

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Nice, I imagine being a Hagon there’s a lot of bits and guidance available? Compared to factory units at least.

[@smerd1]

Great video, very entertaining and informative, looking forward to the next one 👍👍

[@garyjohnson5069]

Some great work there,have owned and fiddled with my zx since I bought it new in 1998 always interesting to see the bits I haven’t reached. Dont want to be that guy but keep seeing you torque the bolt and not the nut,not good practice

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Cheers, that’s an interesting point, and I can see the logic in it. Don’t worry about being that guy lol, I’m keen to pick up tips wherever I can get them. Good to see you’ve had the bike for so many years 👌🏼

[@jamiehughes1660]

Great job, loving these videos 👍

[@andyb2311]

very cool and therapeutic to watch. i'm rebuilding an 98 srad but to the lengths of this, very enjoyable.

[@joebloggs2228]

another great video cracking work

[@roguenut9]

Tom: * clap hands and cut to YSS shock * Me: 😂

[@LeeTillbury]

Great work mate❤

[@ronbailey8370]

Dude. You are good.

[@cp4512]

Another cracking video 👍

[@MrNiklas1967]

Relly nice work

[@KensWorldRestorations]

Serious kudos to you, brother. For the simple fact of tackling a job like this and for wanting not just to know how all this stuff works, but to understand how and why everything works as a system. I can't tell you how many days, months or years of my life I've spent trying to figure stuff out on my own. Many would say I've wasted my time but the experience has always been worth it in the end. You did a great job and the next time you do something like this, you'll be able to go at it from a completely different approach. Simply making the decision to either tackle it again, or just skip it altogether and buy a new part. Sharing your experience is something we all appreciate. Oh yeah, and if you want to keep your brushed finish on aluminum parts, I've painted a 2k satin clear on them to protect the finish and keep it looking like the metal rather than paint. Cheers!!

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Thanks Ken, really appreciate that! That’s exactly the mentality I have too, there’s always something to learn, and that feels like the better option if it’s free to try! Thanks for the paint tip, I’ve got some Matt clear coat on order, I also want to learn to use a paint gun as rattle cans have their limits 😂

[@mikeylite13]

I totally get why u opted for the new shock and spring, but I'm happy u completed the rebuild on the old unit. When I thought u were just gonna give up on it my OCD started kicking in and my eye started to twitch, lol. Was already planning to come out to where u are and finish it myself. Keep up the good work. Really enjoying this series

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Haha yeah I feel like a bit of a tease for that 😂 I know that’s how I would feel when watching it, so can’t be giving up!

[@paulwilkinson6608]

Great video. I don't see a reason why you don't give that shock a go on the bike. A back to back comparison maybe.

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Yeah that’s a good idea, it’s not too much work to swap out down the road. I’m going to get it charged with nitrogen so it’s ready to go in if I need to.

[@HalfdeadRider]

I could have used this video a year or so ago, the shock is mostly the same as my ZX9r shock. I couldn't find any decent enough vids to fully refurb mine, but stripped it and painted the main body and had the spring powder coated Cadbury purple to match the violet on my 9r, as I also done with paint on my calipers. I actually bought another shock to do that, and still have my original in pieces in my makeshift workshop (spare bedroom), I might try and do a more full refurb and swap them back now I have this to help. Where did you get the yellow bump stop from? would be nice to replace that too, thanks for the other info in the video 😎👍

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Ah yeah I know what you mean, I’ve found very few videos on it myself, only similar models or generic shock videos to a) understand what all the bits are and b) the Do’s and Don’ts 😆 I got the bump stop from Brook Suspension 👍🏻

[@HalfdeadRider]

@@tomsworkshopprojects 😎👍

[@bear_moto6749]

Anyone else laugh at the "Proper plunging" remark?

[@brokenbiker09]

With the forks are you considering upgrading by adding Race Tech valve kits? They do make a difference, even on a road bike. Enjoying your videos, I always wanted a ZXR about that era.

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

I hadn’t thought about it, but I’ll definitely look into the cost. If it’s not bank breaking, it might be a good upgrade 👍🏻

[@bryansuperduke1290r]

To protect bare ally use clear lacquer

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Cheers, I’ve got some matte clear coming, as I don’t like the shiny look the gloss stuff gives. But I’ll probably do that for some future bits 👍🏻

[@-DHR4870]

👍

[@jamiepallant9100]

Really enjoying this series, some quality work along with great filming and explanations. Can see the RRC influence! I hope you do a stand alone video of the zinc plating, I have a few questions already, like, where do you dispose of the old chemicals, and is there a way to calculate surface area of threaded parts? Cheers.

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Cheers! Yeah I’ll definitely do one down the line, sharing what I’ve picked up etc. I haven’t had to dispose of any yet, but I’ll look up my local councils suggestions for it, I’m trying to go heavy on the spray downs between dips, as that helps prevent contamination between tanks. The plating solution needs an additive of a “brightener” chemical every now and then but otherwise should only need topping up with deionised water to counter evaporation. I can imagine there’s a clever mathematical equation to work out the surface area, but I’ve had good luck raising it slowly until I see small bubbles forming on the parts, and then back it off slightly. The troubleshooting guide in the instructions is helpful to as there are clear symptoms of too little or too much which you can tell quite early on during plating.

[@JackTheLad10]

Hi Tom, nice work on the restoration of the old shocker, I recently took the old one off my current project and its beyond fixing due to rot and looking for a replacement stumbled upon your video, you wouldn't happen to know the part number for the YSS replacement shock would you? TIA

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Cheers mate, sure it's the YSS MZ456, I got it from Brook Suspension in the UK. Good luck with yours!

[@richb5248]

Really loving this series Tom. I just hope my like & comment gives you more exposure and greater views/ subscribers. Is it true you/KZbinrs get paid more if the ads are watched instead of skipping them?

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Cheers! I’m honestly not too sure, I’ve only just hit the threshold to get a share of the revenue so not sure how it works. Very grateful even if it’s a few £ a month as it can keep me in stock on WD40 etc 😂

[@jaesaren]

LOVE IT! You are my inspiration for starting out with restoring an sr250 and also a thunderace! Have one question, could you refer me to what products that brown cover paper is on your bench as well the blue paper for soaking up oil and spill? Looking to ad thoose to my setup at the workbench as well!

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Cheers! Good luck with them, I had a go on a thunderace and felt very similar to my FZR, should be good fun! The brown paper is just packaging paper off Amazon, tends to come in different size rolls, I made up the little dispenser to match that size roll. The blue paper (often called Blue Roll) is a common cleaning item but there a crap cheap ones so try not to skimp. Mine are from B&Q and it was £20 for 6 rolls.

[@jaesaren]

Awesome, thanks for the reply!@@tomsworkshopprojects

[@denisrichardson916]

Tom when is Ep 6 coming out need my ZX7R fix and keep up the fantastic work

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Haha, hopefully not too long, still waiting on some parts for the wheels and forks, but will be quite quick once they arrive 🤞

[@denisrichardson916]

Tom where are the parts I'll go and pick them up ive got serious withdrawal 😅

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

@@denisrichardson916 😝 they’re delayed, BUT I’ve pushed ahead and have two videos for the engine work coming up. Should have the first up this weekend 👍🏻

[@patrickhostler5939]

Fabulous job!!! Can I ask what rust treatment you used, it looks like it does a good job

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Cheers, i use DEOX-C which is the powder you dilute, and I’ve also used Evaporust, which seemed to work well, especially in the ultrasonic cleaner.

[@patrickhostler5939]

@@tomsworkshopprojects thank you. Really looking forward to the next episode

[@MatthiasMaas-kq7wx]

Hello Tom. Do you heard about CMSNL. Huge Partsdealer in NL. He have listed a rear shock for your Kawasaki. Greetings Matthias from Germany

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Hi Matthias, yes I’ve used them a lot over the years for hard to find parts. Good to know they have a new one, though I’d always wanted to try refurbishing one so felt like it was worth a go 👍🏻

[@MatthiasMaas-kq7wx]

@@tomsworkshopprojects Hi Mate. It is never a fault not to try to overhaul a Part. I made from 3 Switches 1 perfekt for my 98 FireBlade. Its hard to find a new one and when it costs a many worthless Euros. I love your Vids and comments :-) Crack on.

[@brumed]

Hello, how are you? Why did you choose the YSS rear shock (I guess it is from Thailand)? I have a 1996 ZX7R, and are making lots of modifications. For the rear shock, I am thinking about Bitubo (good, and not só expensive). The YSS is about same price. What do you think? I really appreciate your videos.

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Cheers! I weighed up the options I could see, Nitron, Hagon and YSS, I think if I was a heavy track rider, or racing, I’d probably go with nitron or Hagon, but the better price of the YSS Z series, with a great deal of good reviews felt like a suitable choice for me. I’ve not heard of Bitubo though, looks to be a similar offering to YSS?

[@brumed]

@@tomsworkshopprojects Bitubo is an italian manufacturer. About same price YSS, but I can not tell you about which one is better. I am now checking Hagon (Nitron is very expensive). The YSS rear shock has which adjusts?

[@535832]

Hi Enjoying your channel, would you tell me what size compressor you have to run your equipment

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Hey, cheers 👍🏻 I have a 50L compressor with a V-Twin motor that gives about 13CFM. So far I’m quite happy with it, though I do have to take breaks when sandblasting every now and then to let it build up some pressure.

[@535832]

@@tomsworkshopprojects thanks for the quick reply tom .

[@christopherpalmer4243]

Did the missus ever lend a hand?

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Haha I think with the exception of helping me lift the engine onto the bench, she’s stayed pretty far away from the whole thing 😂

[@kauko40]

Just out of curiosity, why didn't you use RaceTech gold valve on this built ?

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

I did see that on their site, but I don’t really understand suspension tuning enough to make changes to the valving. I imagine they give a better damping range?

[@kauko40]

@@tomsworkshopprojects The nice thing about RaceTech is that they'll give you a shimming matrix based on the info you're giving them. We've had good success with them. Actually we're now racing our ZX7rr with a 2003 - 04 ZX6r shock built with RaceTech internals and it really seems to be working.

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

@@kauko40 Ah that sounds decent, yeah I’d love to get to know more about it. I imagine once I’ve got a few more track days under my belt I’ll start looking for the tweaks to improve things.

[@alanrobins]

Hi Tom That was an excellent video Very proud of you

[@rollintwincam]

First!

[@fredmotor4908]

Hi Peut tu mettre un lien pour le lève moto , Thank

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

I don’t have a link but search “Abba Skylift”

[@erasergtr1]

Hello, nice job) Wanted to ask did u pressurized oem shock? Cause I haven't seen u to put gas in it or I've missed something?

[@HalfdeadRider]

If you can find the PSI, take it to Kwik Fit or another tyre place, they usually have nitrogen for tyres.

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

No I didn’t, it’s a good point and I forgot to mention in the video, but I’m going to take it in to get recharged when I get the wheels balanced, (as they’ve been powder coated)

[@MrPADDYOT]

Very disappointed with this video Tom. I think you’ve really let yourself down. “Balls”, “Nuts”, “Shaft”, “Greased”, “After some pumping” all mentioned in the vid and not one double entendre used!! You really must try harder next time.

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Haha 😂 I think the way I greased the swingarm pivot sleeve in the 3rd video covers me for a few clean ones lol I’ll make sure there’s some in the next one 😂

[@matthewharmer1656]

Sorry I won't be watching any more and unsubscribing, because carpenters use claw hammers......

[@jamest5149]

If you ever reuse the oem shock or do this type of thing again… use Some aluminium or nickel antiseeze grease will stop the spring perch and lock collar galling on the shock thread. 👍

[@tomsworkshopprojects]

Great tip, cheers! I haven’t set the preload yet so I’ll do that 👍🏻