The Ohlins site shows no shock for listed for the 1994-97 VFR http://www.ohlins.com/Motorcycle/Hid...0/Default.aspx

The shock reccomended for the VTR is Part no: HO 701
Type: 46HRCS
Length: 346mm
Stroke: 60mm
Fits: Honda VTR 1000 F(1997-2006)

What part number and what source are you finding a Ohlins shock listed for the VFR?

This could get interesting

 

The VFR is shorter with a lower spring rate. Ends are the same.

 

OK, found a listing for an Ohlins rear, for the 94-97 VFR, yes it lists the Type: 46HRCS for VFR, which is the same type as for the VTR,, But that only references the shock TYPE, not the model, PN's are different with the VTR being HO 701 and the VFR HO 403, a PN that does not come up on the Ohlins site.

I also found this note on another site The HO 801 fits

Length: 325mm
Stroke: 58mm
Honda VFR 800 FI(1998-2001

Not sure how of these get modified to fit the early VFR, but in any case it's too short for the VTR

 

Thanks for the insight on stroke and length. I was hopeful for the VFR=VTR swap only because I have a VFR headed for eBAY and was going to dummy down before the auction. As a final gasp of hope, perhaps a tail riser would make up the difference and get to a happy compromise. Will continue to think on this.

Thanks again!