stock frontend, NOT!!

[ThAzKat]

NOT!

I have just made a adjustment using 1" od pcv to my forks. It is much smoother on the long ride. Not as much nose dive like the stock setup. I want to thank Sinfulkat for the help with this!

I cut a 1" OD pcv pipe to 9 1/2"
Removed the stock 7 7/8" sleeve
installed new seals
fresh fork oil to suggested level according to the service manual
(sinfulkat reccommends cutting the pipe to 9")
Note: compressing the end cap is difficult with the 9 1/2" pipe
I had to stand on the footpegs and use a 1/2" drive ratchet with lots of elbow grease.

If you don't have the money for a complete racetech setup this is the way to go (thanx again for the 411 sinful)

in this picture you will see the part being replaced is number 22

[Black_peter]

Dollar for dollar the cheapest fork up grade going..
I still might go to 20 Wt oil though...

[ThAzKat]

I did and don't reccommend that. too stiff and it feels like the frontend is rock hard when hitting some bumps

[ThAzKat]

OK, the cost of this mod and I stress performance mod. No chrome here, sorry. LOL

I could only buy the pcv pipe by 5 foot or 10 foot sections. I went for the gusto and bought 10 feet for $2.99 us out the door. I used all of 19 inches of it for my bike and 18 inches for Katana91's bike. of course I had to replace my fork seals but not to put these in. you don't even have to change the fork oil. So I would have to say it might cost a total of $.03 us per fork.

[Black_peter]

I did and don't reccommend that. too stiff and it feels like the frontend is rock hard when hitting some bumps

Good to know!! Thanks Thom..

[md86]

Cool , cut me up some !

[katana bob]

just be careful you don't break the damper adjusting rod when trying to put the cap back on

[tzortn]

Help me out here. What does sticking PVC pipe into your forks do for you? Is it a travel limiter? Does it add preload to the springs?

[Black_peter]

Does it add preload to the springs?

Bingo!!

[tylerc]

I did and don't reccommend that. too stiff and it feels like the frontend is rock hard when hitting some bumps

Good to know!! Thanks Thom..

FWIW i put 15 wt fork oil in (mixed half 10 half 20) and I even think this is a little stiff, probably would use 10 or perhaps mix just a smidge of 20 wt in (maybe 3/4 10, 1/4 20) although if you are a little bigge then me (i am 170-180) and like the suspention a little harder this may be the way to go.
also I never tried adjusting my forks after this, so i may be able to soften it up.

As for the mod, would this give the suspention less travel?

what about the pcv chipping/shattering (clogging things up, dangerous mid corner failure) i know it is brittle and i have no idea how it would act when soaked in oil.... would make me nervous... thoughts, am I too anal? is there a metal alternative like stock?

-Tyler

[Black_peter]

FWIW i put 15 wt fork oil in (mixed half 10 half 20) and I even think this is a little stiff, probably would use 10 or perhaps mix just a smidge of 20 wt in (maybe 3/4 10, 1/4 20)

I wasn't aware you could actually do this..
In fact I thought CP shot me down when I asked about it..

As for the mod, would this give the suspention less travel?

Yes. But hopefully adds enough preload that you don't hit it..

what about the pcv chipping/shattering (clogging things up, dangerous mid corner failure)

I too would be worried about that..
I used stainless steel parts.


I could dig you up a pair if you like.
I installed them between the spring and the washer..
discribed here:

http://www.katriders.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=169298#169298

[Black_peter]

UPDATE

I just got back from my bi-weekly brake practice..
I got the front to lock up. After doing a little "look around" the bike I noticed the front fork bottomed against the lower tree.. So this mod does NOT
reduce fork travel!

[WildKat]

Cool , cut me up some !

he was telling me how he had it strapped down to the side of the bike to bring it home....bet it was a fun ride w/ that floppin in the wind..

[md86]

Do what you gotta do . I mean c'mon , who HASN'T strapped some wierd sh!t to their bike before . I had a Claymore strapped to the side of mine once . I kinda enjoyed that . Maybe I'll do it again .... :-k

[tzortn]

I had a Claymore strapped to the side of mine once . I kinda enjoyed that . Maybe I'll do it again .... :-k

The land mine or the sword?