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upgrading forks... need advice on what works and what's crap..

13K views 32 replies 11 participants last post by  streettracker  
#1 · (Edited)
what works when upgrading these big pig... opps, piston forks

I'm thinking linear springs ( not a fan of progressive springs ) , gold valves, service with all seals replaced and a change in oil weight


give me some ideas which way to tackle this
 
#2 ·
anyone try these suckers...


Fork Kit technology for Showa's BPF Forks
Race Tech Gold Valve Kits for Showa BPF forks found on the 2009-2011 Kawasaki ZX-6R and 2011 Suzuki GSX-R 600 (FMGV 3701C), Kawasaki ZX10R 2011, 2009-2011 Suzuki GSX-R1000, and Harley-Davidson XR1200X (FMGV S3901C).
The stock BPF design has oversize, yet very restrictive, pistons that are required to flow more than 10 times the fluid of a standard cartridge. This creates harshness and contributes to chatter during braking.
Gold Valve Kits for the BPF Forks address 3 major problems:
- First, the Gold Valve improves the flow characteristics dramatically.
- Second, the travel is increased. This improves bump absorption particularly under heavy braking. It also increases front end Trail thereby improving stability and grip.
- Third, the stock bottom-out mechanism is short and abrupt. Gold Valve Kits make the bottoming process more gradual, further decreasing braking chatter and improving traction.
Gold Valve Kits provide custom valving settings for the individual and improves handling, control, and ride dramatically. Kits include valves, shims, charts, top-out and bottom-out systems along with detailed instructions.
In addition, Race Tech has developed two unique tools that are a must-have for the Showa BPF fork. The TFCW 4549 is a special Fork Cap Wrench and TFCH 06 is a special Cartridge tool for servicing.

  • FMGV S3701C - $299.99 Compression and Rebound Kit - add to cart
  • FMGV S3901C - $299.99 Compression and Rebound Kit - add to cart
  • TFCW 4549 - $54.99 Fork Cap Wrench - add to cart
  • TFCH 06 - $49.99 Cartridge Holding Tool - add to cart
Race Tech products and tools are also available by calling (951) 279-6655.
 
#5 ·
Hi Corpse- Approximately three or so years ago I had a local Race Tech authorized suspension shop install the full Race Tech Gold Valve kit, Race Tech Springs matched to my weight, all new seals, and Race Tech fork oil. The tech then set the sag front and to my weight and tested/dialed in the suspension for me. No problems since then and excellent results. I would estimate it has been somewhere between 7-10K miles so I guess I need to have that oil changed soon. I think Geno has the same setup with similar results and maybe other forum members as well. Mort
 
#3 ·
what's this about .....?

One popular option is to completely remove the fork's internals and use 20mm or 25mm cartridge kits, but Fast Bike Industries chose to replace the BPF's stock pistons with units from Andreani, an Italian suspension company that works closely with Ohlins and provides trackside support to many of the World Superbike and Supersport teams. These are said to work as well as replacement cartridges, and are much more reasonable on the credit card.
 
#7 · (Edited)
what works when upgrading these big pig... opps, piston forks

I'm thinking lateral springs ( not a fan of progressive springs ) , gold valves, service with all seals replaced and a change in oil weight


give me some ideas which way to tackle this
Remove that ugly top bolt, jack up the front forks, and slide another XR under these.


Then unbolt that motor from the frame and mail it to the return address on that package you should be getting in a few days. )(

 
#8 ·
When Race Tech did the full cartridge conversion on my bike, they had another one there with the Gold Valve and spring conversion. I got a chance to ride it and it worked very well. The full cartridge was better and has complete adjust ability, but for the money the Gold Valve system works very well on the X fork
 
#12 ·
all sorted .. Peter @ Hoey Racing will have them rebuilt by the end of the week ...
http://www.hoeyracing.com/

we decided on a standard rebuild with linear springs, some shim stacking, and he is doing some trick adjustment to give them a extra 10mm travel ..:clap:

 
#16 ·
The 09 forks only have a damper in one side. And while they can be improved, they still won't be quite as good as the X forks or modified with two dampers, cartridge style
 
#18 · (Edited)
I was going to get the full Monty, but got told by Pete there is no need once we get a set of linear springs in there ...

as for the mod to get a extra 10 mm travel ... I had a think overnight and will cancel that idea till next time it needs a service
 
#19 ·
2 days and they are ready for the weekend....:nana:

that's some bloody good service, considering this blokes shop was burnt down and is working out of a make shift workshop ....:beer:
Image


A big thankyou to our supportersOn Wednesday July 2nd, we were faced with the complete loss of our business premises and equipmnent in a horrific blaze that unfortunately injured one of our cherished employees. We are happy to report he is on the road to recovery and is enhusiastic to return work.
We are very grateful for the support shown to us by the emergency services, our employees, customers, our business associates and the community.
The workshop was gutted but this has not dampened our spirits. With your generous help we have managed to reopen for business in the shed next door.
Please continue to consider Hoey Racing and sending us work while we endeavour to restore our full compliment of services.
Thankyou all,
Pete & Donna Hoeymakers


Telephone (08) 8262 3600
2/111 Reasearch Road, Pooraka SA 5095
© 2014 Hoey Racing Motorcycle Suspension Specialists
 
#20 ·
I am looking for alternative spring rate probably progressive. The spring rate recommended by Race Tech are far too firm. The problem motorcyclists have in our area which would also be the case in other parts of oz is the condition of the roads. Potholes and patches. The suspension is firm and on a perfect road and the occassional track day it is the way I like it. But the rest of the time it is pain in the butt.
 
#27 ·
Marx.
Pete @ Hoey set them to my weight.... he reckons linear give better feedback than progressive springs...or something like that

anyhow I fit the forks back on after work but not testing today as I just finished a double shift last night and I'm knackered.. I'll give yah a report later after I've had a couple hours sleep ..
 
#21 ·
Marx,
mate, I'm no expert , in fact the forum terrorist ( Joe Abu Hamza AlMuhajir Pool ) recently posted I'm just a dumb truck driver ....)(

anyhow.. as I can't repeat it how Pete at Hoey racing explained, I'll just post this link up

http://www.moto-racing.co.uk/linear-rate-vs-progressive-rate-springs

For sportsbikes and racing bikes virtually all suspension tuners will recommend linear springs, but if you have a cruiser or tourer then progressive springs may be the perfect option.



 
#28 ·
Heh Corpse,
Thanks for the follow up.
Your machine is the 1200X BPF. Let us know how it goes.
In addition to the springs did you chnage the valves and/or oil.
The roads here such crap. Corrugations mid corner always make life interesting. Occasionally a rider from Melbourne has to be carted off by ambo as they don't know the roads and assume there will not be gravel or undulations in the asphalt mid corner.
I am interested to hear your results.
regards,
marx
 
#29 ·
some stacking of the shims .. don't ask me what he did .. I'm just a dumb truck driver.... same valves as he said they are fine, new seals and service but no idea what oils ....

he offered to extend the travel 10mm for a extra 40$ ( as above no idea how he does this ) , I decided not to bother as its not for racing and the new springs will stop it from deep sixing itself ..