Ok, thinking about looking for some other forks that would be a bolt-on solution... I also ride my RC51 and the front end on that gives me so much more feel while leaned over, as well as under braking. I have the winter to monkey around so I'm looking for more adjustability but primarily better feedback & sportier feel on the VFR. Have a non-ABS 2000 5th gen.
What fits, what doesn't, what's an improvement, what's not?
Without a lot of guessing, anyone have hard experience or good info for me?
(I'd be ok with sourcing new spacers if necessary, but don't want to go too far with changing brake system or triple clamps unless again they are bolt-on solutions.) Thanks... Todd
CBR929/954 or '00-'01 RC51 SP-1 lower triple CBR929/954 upper triple
R1, GSXR1000, CBR929/954 or RC51 forks
RC51 front wheel on CBR929/954 or RC51 forks VFR front wheel with Ducati rotors on RC51 forks R1 front wheel with OEM rotors on R1 forks
CBR929/954 front brake rotors on CBR forks RC51 front brake rotors on RC51 forks
CBR600F4, CBR929/954, RC51 front brake calipers on CBR or RC51 forks
CBR600F4, CBR929/954, RC51 or R1 front brake master on CBR, RC51 or R1 forks The F4 front brake master matches the VFR800's. You can also swap the VFR800's clutch master cylinder for one from a VTR1000F SuperHawk or RC51 to match the CBR929/954, RC51 or R1 front brake master cylinder.
Helibars for Ducati 900 or CBR929/954 OEM CBR929/954 clipons Cycle Cat clipons Gilles Variobars Convertibars Tomasselli clipons
CBR929/954, RC51 or R1 front fender
Check out The Phantom's side-by-side comparison pics and it will be obvious why people swap their forks for inverted ones.
If all you want is more adjustability, check out HS's how-to on putting F3 internals in your VFR800 forks.
heatmizr, Jan 26 2007, 02:39 PMOk, thinking about looking for some other forks that would be a bolt-on solution... I also ride my RC51 and the front end on that gives me so much more feel while leaned over, as well as under braking. I have the winter to monkey around so I'm looking for more adjustability but primarily better feedback & sportier feel on the VFR. Have a non-ABS 2000 5th gen.
What fits, what doesn't, what's an improvement, what's not?
Without a lot of guessing, anyone have hard experience or good info for me?
(I'd be ok with sourcing new spacers if necessary, but don't want to go too far with changing brake system or triple clamps unless again they are bolt-on solutions.) Thanks... Todd
If you don't want to go too far from a bolt on switch, you might try the front end from a 6th gen. The forks are larger in diameter and seem to be a bit stiffer and provide more and better feedback.
I have both and I have ridden them alternately to see if I could notice a difference. I think I can tell the difference. At least enough that I am thinking about doing it.
I have looked but not measured and it seems like most of it is just a bolt on.
But then, if you want an RR maybe you should just be done with it and buy an RR.
Thanks - this compiliation is exactly what I was looking for. Will try to absorb all this data... Sorry, posted at work and didn't have time to search around.
I don't want an RR (have the RC51 for that). But I know what quality suspension does to any bike.
If you don't mind loosing the Linked Brakes, the easiest swap would be a F4/F4i front end. This allows you to use the stock VFR wheel, rotors, axle, trees, etc. and have fully adjustable 43mm forks. fing02.gif And there cheap!
Whenever I looked for F4/F4i forks they were always outrageously expensive. Could be they're cheap again...
Unless you're going to modify your stock forks with F3 internals, or swap out a pair of VTEC forks you're going to have to lose the LBS, in which case you might as well get some inverted forks to make it worth your while. '04+ R1 forks have radial monoblock calipers and 320mm rotors - about as much or more stopping power as you're ever going to need on the street.
heatmizr, Jan 27 2007, 06:57 AMThanks - this compiliation is exactly what I was looking for. Will try to absorb all this data... Sorry, posted at work and didn't have time to search around.
I don't want an RR (have the RC51 for that). But I know what quality suspension does to any bike.
If you already have an RC51, get a few Racetech or similar parts for your current forks, install them and call it good.
Been thinking... My other main complaint on my '00 is the weak-ish brakes. So instead of trying to keep the stock LBS, perhaps going RC51 USD forks is a good choice, so I can also fit those brakes, which rock. I do hate to lose the linked brakes, but really, for as often as you use their advantage I would just as soon have killer front brakes ALL the time, like my RC.
The best part of that plan is that I already have a spare set of '00 RC51 front calipers sitting around. Would need forks, triples, and bearings... And according to the master list above from SAFE-T then I would have to decide between keeping the stock front wheel and getting Ducati rotors, or locating a RC51 front wheel and using matching RC rotors. Then to take care of the extra LBS plumbing and the extra rear caliper brake line.... And get an RC front fender, which would not match my '00 yellow...
Gawd... wacko.gif Maybe Race-tech goodies would be better after all....
Hey, do the RC51 calipers fit on the VFR forks? I doubt it but...?
Have you tried different brake pads? There are much better alternatives to the stock pads, such as the HH+ high friction pads. Even with the LBS, they offer more immediate stopping power than the stock pads.
Well I would say that stronger brakes and a freont-end with more feedback are equally iimportant. Thanks for the tips on the pads... unfortunately I just bought new stock pads... which prob won't make much difference.
I think I am going the race-tech internals route, and I can work on getting more stopping power by trying diff pads, etc at my leisure. If I am going to send off my forks to get worked on (or do it myself) now is the time... Too cold to ride much these days.
heatmizr, Feb 3 2007, 09:54 AMWell I would say that stronger brakes and a freont-end with more feedback are equally iimportant. Thanks for the tips on the pads... unfortunately I just bought new stock pads... which prob won't make much difference.
I think I am going the race-tech internals route, and I can work on getting more stopping power by trying diff pads, etc at my leisure. If I am going to send off my forks to get worked on (or do it myself) now is the time... Too cold to ride much these days.