YSS Shock Write-Up - The Cheap Option

[InsaneDawe 33]

The YSS MZ456-310TRL-39

TL;DR: YSS makes a quality shock for a “Grey Market” price in between iffy retrofits like the 18+ MT or 600rr shocks and paying for a properly set up guaranteed quality piece like the Ohlins/K-Tech $500-$600

 

It’s a 46mm shock, 16mm shaft, ~312-14mm in length, Adjustable length, Preload & Rebound, Nitrogen Filled. Single Preload Collar with set screw. Replaceable spring, probably rebuildable. Spring I received was 56-120 like K-Tech unlike the Ohlins which is 115.

 

 

The packaging is very basic. There is Taiwanese everywhere but has everything translated in english. And it’s properly translated showing they care. Bumpstop has YSS molded into it showing they care about the small details, nitrogen valve cover has a paint mark for indicating if the screw was removed. Finish seems good, no visible imperfections although I question if the lack of coating will effect protection against corrosion. I’d also prefer it be a twin colar preload but at least it has another setscrew location in the back if you ruin the first set screw. Probably could fit a spare collar and get rid of the setscrews. There are no bushings on the mount like the Ohlin’s one which may cause wear but K-Tech & stock are similar. None of the FZ/MT-07 shocks have bushings on the clevis.

I had the shock set to factory preload and felt it needed to be turned down a bit because my bike had no static sag. That moved the collar closer to my Hordpower intake. I worry about the clearance so I won’t be adjusting further until I have my suspension properly tuned.

 

Riding Impressions

Feels way better, spring is much better suited for my weight and the compression damping made a huge difference. Ohlin’s recomendeds 14 click rebound and Ktech recommends 16 clicks. I tried 14 clicks from full soft initially but that felt too aggressive for my bumpy test loop. 10 Clicks is where I settled on.

Overall an amazing upgrade, highly recommended although it is further pointing out my lackluster front forks.

 

 

Cost

$341.83 shipped from Italy via Ebay, look around and you may be able to get one for $320.

 

Bottom line

Seems like a quality shock priced in between retrofits like the 18+ shocks or 600rr shock and paying for a properly set up, guaranteed quality piece like the Ohlins/K-Tech $500-$600. You are taking a gamble buying via Grey Market a.k.a. no returns, questionable parts.

Edited May 1, 2020 by InsaneDawe
Bushing Update.

[InsaneDawe 33]

Saved for updates once I put more miles on it.

[cornerslider 827]

I've owned both K-Tech, and Ohlins. I think the K-Tech is slightly better quality. I've always kept an eye on YSS, and wondered "what if"........  I use my FZ-07 for track use, so I can justify the cost of the higher end shock. I currently have the K-Tech Razor "R" on my "07", and I'm VERY happy with it. That being said, I have a 2019 R3 that I use on the street. I put a K-Tech Razor "Lite" on the R3 ($495). I looked at the YSS version, and I seriously considered it. For street riding, I don't need the "best". The YSS seems like a good choice for most street riders. Nearly anything is better than the OEM garbage. Let us know how it plays out long term. Thank you for the write-up 

[InsaneDawe 33]

2 hours ago, cornerslider said:

For street riding, I don't need the "best". The YSS seems like a good choice for most street riders. Nearly anything is better than the OEM garbage. 

I still suggest people buy the nicer shocks. I decided to give this a try because I'm continuously on the fence about selling my FZ.

[cornerslider 827]

44 minutes ago, InsaneDawe said:

I still suggest people buy the nicer shocks. I decided to give this a try because I'm continuously on the fence about selling my FZ.

I get that... I'm never even close to considering selling my 07. Never been as happy as I am with this platform!!! I usually only keep a bike for 2-3 years. THIS one stole my !!!!

 

[stickshift 402]

14 hours ago, InsaneDawe said:

 There are no bushings on the mount like the Ohlin’s one which may cause wear but K-Tech & stock are similar.

Thanks for the review, looks like  decent option for the money.

The ohlins shock doesn't use bushings in the clevis - the pic above is a stock image for a different model.

[Joaoduarte 48]

For exemple for the 18+ model do you think it is a good upgrade?

[Bigturbomax 597]

Nvmd. Misread post lol

Edited April 30, 2020 by Bigturbomax

[Joaoduarte 48]

eheh no problem just asking because ive a 18+ model and the rear suspension is really different from prior to 18 so dont now if  this would be a good upgrade or not

[Tjern 11]

Just want to point out that for the price, if you are in the US, reach out to Bellissimoto and they can give you a great deal on a Razor R-Lite like they did for me. I am curious about the YSS, I'm sure anything is better than that stock POS.

 

Paul was super responsive and lets just say I'm very happy with what I paid.

[mjh937 1,927]

1 hour ago, Tjern said:

Just want to point out that for the price, if you are in the US, reach out to Bellissimoto and they can give you a great deal on a Razor R-Lite like they did for me. I am curious about the YSS, I'm sure anything is better than that stock POS.

 

Paul was super responsive and lets just say I'm very happy with what I paid.

+1 on @bellissimoto.  I just ordered some parts and @pgeldz replied to my pm very quickly with great prices, even though it was a Sunday.  I will post a photo when they arrive so you will all have to wait and see what I got (I have to have some secrets  ).

[InsaneDawe 33]

9 hours ago, Joaoduarte said:

eheh no problem just asking because ive a 18+ model and the rear suspension is really different from prior to 18 so dont now if  this would be a good upgrade or not

Not sure, I know the spring rate has been changed on those bikes and I believe the compression dampening has been revised. This would have the added bonus of being rebuild-able but can't guarantee that it would be a big upgrade.

Probably just a hair more aggressively dampened on compression and the rebound dampening range is super aggressive.

[Joaoduarte 48]

I ask that because mine feels just right compared to the 16 one i tried wich was a lot bouncy

[firstyammerha 107]

InsaneDawe, did the YSS shock come with a set up or build sheet? Or is it a shock built for a range of riders? My first Ohlins shocks from decades ago were `off the shelf' shocks built for a particular bike but no specific rider. They worked great for me and introduced me to the performance aftermarket suspension world. 

[InsaneDawe 33]

21 hours ago, firstyammerha said:

InsaneDawe, did the YSS shock come with a set up or build sheet? Or is it a shock built for a range of riders? My first Ohlins shocks from decades ago were `off the shelf' shocks built for a particular bike but no specific rider. They worked great for me and introduced me to the performance aftermarket suspension world. 

It's a shock built for a range of riders. If you are buying grey market, it comes with the 56-120-150 spring. One listing says that's good for a person that's about 12-15 stone (170-210 lbs) and say they can swap the spring for £38.

I'm pretty sure a K-Tech 46mm x 150mm spring will fit if you'd like to better adjust it to your weight. 

[firstyammerha 107]

Thanks for the reply InsaneDawe. I guess that's a DeCarbon shock versus an emulsion type. My feeling is that this shock could be an alternative to  a rebuilt EBay shock. We need to get some more out in the field and feedback from the owners on their performance.

[Adrian Amos 1]

Thanks for the review. I’ve just fitted my YSS. I was hesitant because of thinking price = poor quality, which I guess is a factor. But managed to find a few who had fitted them and were happy with the results.

I just ride home after install so I’m still yet to dial in rebound damping - Have it at 15. I seemed to have a tiny bit of static sag, but not much so I’ll back off the preload a bit.

Wow what a difference. Even just sitting on the bike and giving it a bounce - no pogo stick any more!

I’ve done the Dave Moss mod for the front forks - Cut spacer by 15mm, 15w fork oil and slowly adding oil until optimal travel achieved. Still bouncy though so I think some new springs and emulators are next.

[Joaoduarte 48]

On 7/19/2020 at 7:26 AM, Adrian Amos said:

Thanks for the review. I’ve just fitted my YSS. I was hesitant because of thinking price = poor quality, which I guess is a factor. But managed to find a few who had fitted them and were happy with the results.

I just ride home after install so I’m still yet to dial in rebound damping - Have it at 15. I seemed to have a tiny bit of static sag, but not much so I’ll back off the preload a bit.

Wow what a difference. Even just sitting on the bike and giving it a bounce - no pogo stick any more!

I’ve done the Dave Moss mod for the front forks - Cut spacer by 15mm, 15w fork oil and slowly adding oil until optimal travel achieved. Still bouncy though so I think some new springs and emulators are next.

Wich year model is your mt07?

[Adrian Amos 1]

2016 model. So older shock. Never ridden one of the newer models with supposedly improved suspension, so can’t compare to that.

Edited February 16, 2021 by Adrian Amos

[tomlichu 30]

I am debating this shock. I have a 2019 model, and the suspension is good enough for city commuting. Though I do want more adjustability. I wonder how big the improvement will be for mid $300 USD. Any thoughts if anyone has upgraded to YSS on their gen 2?

[shinyribs 1,735]

A quick eBay search shows a YSS for a first gen 07 goes for $421. Biohazard Cycles sells the Ktech Razor lite shock for $479. The Ktech components on my FZ 09 are MUCH nicer than the Ohlins stuff I ran on my 07. 

Since OP mentioned tight clearance to his pod filters using the YSS I'd first want to verify that the YSS shock would clear a factory air box. 

Edited September 11, 2022 by shinyribs

[tomlichu 30]

Just now, shinyribs said:

A quick eBay search shows a YSS for a first gen 07 goes for $421. Biohazard Cycles sells the Ktech Razor lite shock for $479. The Ktech components on my FZ 09 are MUCH nicer than the Ohlins stuff I ran on my 07. 

Since OP mentioned tight clearance to his pod filters using the YSS I'd first want to verify that the YSS shock would clear a factory air box. 

Yeah, I see now. I was looking directly from YSS distributor store, and their price after VAT and shipping is $410 (before VAT, it was $384). Just wondering if the improvement is worth it for different for day to day commuting with occasional weekend carving.

[shinyribs 1,735]

Well, I know people who spend $100+/month on phone services and another $200/month on cable tv subscriptions. What's $500 over the life of a bike? All depends what your priorities are. I don't have TV. My bikes are my entertainment

[Pursuvant 474]

Just now, shinyribs said:

I don't have TV. My bikes are my entertainment ">

That's some high core IQ to get rid of TV, well done.

[tomlichu 30]

Just now, shinyribs said:

Well, I know people who spend $100+/month on phone services and another $200/month on cable tv subscriptions. What's $500 over the life of a bike? All depends what your priorities are. I don't have TV. My bikes are my entertainment

That is true. I am currently a student (I do get paid, just not a ton), so I will probably save up and upgrade during the winter. It's a good perspective since this bike is budget friendly and could be so much better.