Rebuilding forks, decision time

[plox]

I've got a bad seal on one fork, so I'll be taking them both off and rebuilding them. First, I need to decide on if it's worth doing any upgrades like the emulator, the spacer mod, or leave as is. I never push the bike around turns since I'm not a great rider yet and am still learning limits and control. I don't plan on ever taking the bike much more than a spirited ride around some back roads. Most of my riding is in a straight line and I like to keep a reasonable comfort level.

Looking at some of the rebuild kits online, I see the K&L kit which includes everything and is priced just under $50 per fork. Is that an expected price? Could I get away with just a good cleaning and new seal/dust caps? I'm assuming that will need to wait until I tear the forks apart and see the condition of the sliders.

I've heard that the emulator mod is really a good upgrade, but I'm worried that I won't tell much of a difference or take advantage of it's improved handling. Probably planning on keeping the bike for 2-3 years and moving up to something different, so I'm not too concerned with performance upgrades, but rather improving my skill set. Suggestions on rebuild kits and oil would be much appreciated.


K&L kit - http://www.amazon.com/FORK-TUBE-REBU.../dp/B0055DQSGC

Fork oil planned to be used - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...A30UY5IZ1VQRNY

[DarkFury]

contact Tmod here on the forum he is the resident suspension person

[cool4kats]

If you already know you are only keeping the bike for a couple years just do the refresh and leave it alone. New oil changed the feel on mine. I did put springs for my weight but was expecting to have it longer than I did.

[KAT TOY]

make sure you don't have a nick in fork tube where seal slides. +1 on RaceTech springs for your weight.

[maniac1886]

I just put 1.0 kg racetechs and CE's in my forks. OMFG. Thats about the only words i got. whole different bike.

[shpielers]

i just put 1.0 kg racetechs and ce's in my forks. Omfg. Thats about the only words i got. Whole different bike.

+10000000

[plox]

I just put 1.0 kg racetechs and CE's in my forks. OMFG. Thats about the only words i got. whole different bike.

Only change was the springs? No emulators or anything else?

[shpielers]

CE = cartridge emulators

[maniac1886]

Thanks shpielers. Yes fork Springs, rebound springs, emulators, inner/outter bushings, fork seals, dust caps, and crush washers on the bottom bolts. The whole 9. I think it cost me like $350 total. Money well spent.

[92xjunker]

+1 whole different ride.....well worth the money

[plox]

Took the forks apart last night after work. They look to be in really good shape aside from one or two marks on the bushings. Looks like I'll just replace everything while I'm in there. Don't think the extra $200-250 is worth it for me for springs and emulators, but I'll look around and see if I can find some deals.

[steves]

Correct springs will always be worth it. Emulators are debatable.

[plox]

Are OEM springs progressive? The ones that were in the bike when I took it apart were linear. Wondering if they were changed by the previous owner...