[Mass-n-trash]

Swapped my OEM rear Viking shocks out for Viking VI shocks today. I did not post a photo but the only difference I could see was that the coils are heavier on the VI shocks. Cost is $252 (total for both) w/free shipping from ProCaliber.com - OEM Motorcycle Parts & Motorcycle Gear
Results: The Viking VI shocks gave me the same amount of clearance as I had with the original shocks AND spacers. So the spacers are a pretty good deal, however I have also increased my load capacity as well and I could obviously get even more clearance if I added the spacers to the VI shocks. I also had a blown shock that they refused to warranty...so this was the best way to go.
It's a little hard to go by the before and after clearance measurement because I had a bunch of stuff in the bed...but I had 12 5/8" both ways, and again...the bed was loaded. As far as the ride goes, it's very close to the same....but maybe a touch smoother. It should ride better as the top coils are not touching so there is still some travel/compression left.
In short...these are the shocks that should have come on the original Vikings in the first place! And again, I could add another 2"ish of clearance if I put the spacers on these.

 

[Robleticia]

Sweet! Good deal Mass, good to see this worked out.

 

[bluerebel]

Thanks for the info.

I have the spacers on mine now, I'm going to wait to blow a shock or something before I go and buy two new Viking VI rear shocks.

 

[Sdasenbrock]

So, do you have any specs on the shocks, is it much of an upgrade?
Also, i can't seem to find much in the way of suspension parts for the viking?

 

[Ironhide.au]

There is a new Radflo system going also Exit shocks make a system for the Viking. Cheers


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[Sdasenbrock]

Still wondering about the shocks, where can you find real specs about them?
Where can i find the actual specs of the V6 shocks vs the V3 shocks?

 

[Ben]

Thanks for the info. Nice to know.

 

[Mass-n-trash]

Still wondering about the shocks, where can you find real specs about them?
Where can i find the actual specs of the V6 shocks vs the V3 shocks?

Here ya go...

Viking 3 and Viking 6 spring specs....notice the length and travel are the same.

Rear suspension
Type Double wishbone
Spring/shock absorber type Coil spring/gas-oil damper
V6 (same)
Wheel travel 205 mm (8.1 in)
V6 (same)
Rear shock absorber assembly travel 112.0 mm (4.41 in)
V6 (same)
Spring free length 381.2 mm (15.01 in)
V6 (same)
Installed length 316.2 mm (12.45 in)
V6 (same)

V3 Spring rate K1 36.00 N/mm (3.67 kgf/mm, 205.56 lbf/in)
Viking 6 - K1 60.00 N/mm (6.12kgf/mm, 342.6 lbf/in)

V3 Spring rate K2 115.00 N/mm (11.73 kgf/mm, 656.65 lbf/in)
Viking 6 - K2 100.00 N/mm (10.2 kgf/mm, 571 lbf/in)

V3 Spring stroke K1 0.0—75.0 mm (0.00—2.95 in)
Viking 6 - K1 0.0--66mm (0.00-- 2.60in)

V3 Spring stroke K2 75.0—112.0 mm (2.95—4.41 in)
Viking 6 - K2 66.0–112.0 mm (2.6–4.41 in)

 

[Sdasenbrock]

So what is the K1 vs the K2?

I see the first thing says (V3) 205.56 lbf/in and the (V6) says 342.6 lbf/in, which would lead me to believe that the K1 springs on the viking 6 are stiffer and harder to compress.

But the k2 numbers show that the V3 springs are harder to compress, so what does that mean?

I have a stock 2014 V3, i ride in the dunes with 25.5" by 13" rear paddles and 25.5" by 11" front dunes mow hawks. I am curios if buying the V6 shocks is worth the money being that the shocks i currently have only have 350 miles on them? Im not looking to break the bank, i just want some better dampening so i can go up dunes faster (hit the bottom faster with stiffer springs.)

 

[Mass-n-trash]

In short, the VI shacks are heavier/more robust. I believe they are rated for something like 75lbs ish more per corner. All I can tell you is that I noticed no difference in ride when I put them on.
FYI: the K1-2 is referring to the fact that they are two stage springs. If you look at the coils, the upper part is closer together than the bottom. The top will compress first for ride and then the bottom is your carrying capacity. IMO...both top and bottom are too weak on the V3 coils.

 

[Sdasenbrock]

Thats good to know. Sounds like it might be worth it to upgrade to the V6. Im not looking really for a "better ride", i want to be able to hit the bottom of dunes faster without "slamming" down the shocks and to have a bit more cushion after jumping. Sounds like i might get a little more from the V6. Thanks for all the info man.

 

[Sdasenbrock]

Yeah, seems like they wanted to keep it smooth and easy riding for comfort. But for aggressive riding and working it hard the coils are just not enough. I really feel they dropped the ball, simply adding a few inches of extra travel and coil to the shocks would be enough, or better yet a higher quality shock. Sounds like getting the V6 shocks on my V3 would be worth it if they are a bit more robust than what i have. I know my viking is not a DUNE BUGGY< but it keeps up with a lot of machines, i have paddles and sand tires, and i have a JBS slug kit coming for my wet clutch, wouldn't hurt to have a little more shock.

sean

 

[Sdasenbrock]

So i was looking around, they price for the V6 shocks are not bad. Like 145 for a set of rears and 131 for a set of fronts. Not to bad at all. What year did you buy and such, what model numbers. Are the 2016's stiffer and better than the 2015's? I don't want to spend money on the 2015's if the 2016's are better.

Any more help you can offer would be greatly appreciated? How did you order them, from a dealer or online?

sean

 

[Mass-n-trash]

So i was looking around, they price for the V6 shocks are not bad. Like 145 for a set of rears and 131 for a set of fronts. Not to bad at all. What year did you buy and such, what model numbers. Are the 2016's stiffer and better than the 2015's? I don't want to spend money on the 2015's if the 2016's are better.

Any more help you can offer would be greatly appreciated? How did you order them, from a dealer or online?

sean

I have not heard of anyone putting them on the front...I only have experience with the rear shocks. Procaliber has them for $130ish each including shipping 2015 Yamaha VIKING VI (YXC700DFG) Rear Suspension | Pro Caliber
BTW: Search the Procaliber site for anything else and you will probably find they a very hard to beat! Also, I believe the part number is the same for every year. Ie - V6 shocks are V6 shocks. Ya might double check that though.

PS $145 for a set seems very cheap...I'll bet that is the per shock price?

 

[Sdasenbrock]

Yeah, you are correct. It was for one, it said two in the item list but then when i went to the "shopping cart" it doubled it. The website didn't adjust the price until you said you wanted to check out, so that is a bummer. I was thinking that was realistic pricing but shame on me for thinking a shock for an UTV would be less than 100 bucks.

 

[tn blue Viking]

Hey, Mass,
Isn't that the stock number for the V3 shocks? The ones I ordered are 2PG-F2200-00-00.

 

[Mass-n-trash]

Hey, Mass,
Isn't that the stock number for the V3 shocks? The ones I ordered are 2PG-F2200-00-00.

OOOPS...good catch, I copied and pasted the wrong link.

Should be this:
1 Shock Absorber Assy, Rear
2PG-F2200-00-00
$131.78
http://www.procaliber.com/oemparts/a/yam/53ea6f49f870020a28eb7f84/rear-suspension

 

[tn blue Viking]

That's good, thought I had ordered the wrong ones. Lol.

 

[ibinya]

I did the swap about a month ago and put a high seat in the back to do some dove hunting and i have noticed a HUGE difference

 

[Ironhide.au]

I did the swap about a month ago and put a high seat in the back to do some dove hunting and i have noticed a HUGE difference
View attachment 1837 View attachment 1838 View attachment 1839

Nice work on the seats, looks great. Cheers


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