Fork Swap - Steering stem?

I'm trying to gather the parts list I'm going to need to do a swap to the VFR and the one thing that doesn't get much mention in the posts is what steering stem is used on the conversions. I saw that the SP1 stem works, but is that the only option? Are there any others that can be considered from others' experience?

Planning to use the 929/954 lower and an SP1 upper for triples, but wasn't sure what stems could be utilized.

Appreciate any information peeps are willing to part with.

Thanks!

If I read your question right. The stems are part of the lower bridge. So when you change the lower bridge, you are also changing the stem at the sametime.
I used a '01 RC51 (SP1) lower and a 954 top. Some have used the 929/954 lower. With the RC51 lower. You have to use the lower bearings from a '01 RC51 (SP1) with a 3mm spacer, and use the top bearings from the VFR. Not sure with the 929/954 lower, but think you can use the VFR bearings upper and lower.

Here's my build thread.
http://www.vfrdiscus...-begin-part-ii/

Just about all of the CBR and VFR models use the same upper and lower stem bearings, so the 929/954 is a direct swap for the lower and you don't have to worry about matching bearing sizes or switching stems. I used the 954 upper and lower since I get the gullwing upper so I have more room for fork height adjustment (and I know they work together).
Most triples are interchangeable (within fork diameter sizes) so you can mix and match the upper and lower, however they did change the offset for the CBR1000RR so that triple will not work with a 954/929 lower (tried it). Not sure about the newer CBR600's. Sounds like you'll be fine with the 954/SP1 combo, I think some here have that setup but I don't remember what the differences are from the 954, I think its only the gullwing design but not sure...
Good luck

I'm wondering how the R1 triples line up.

[image: View Post]YoshiHNS, on 15 November 2010 - 06:18 PM, said:

I'm wondering how the R1 triples line up.



I looked at this option when I did my conversion. I know the R1 triples/stem will not match to my 3rd generation, I even looked into swapping out the stems from the R1 to a 929 but you had to do some machine work to make it happen and it was cheaper to fab the spacers required.

The R1 off set is also 4mm (2mm each side) narrower then the 929/954/RC51 stems so you can not use a Yamaha upper/lower with a Honda upper/lower

Here is the link to my Gallery and list of what I have used for parts. The only update is I bought Woodcraft clipons and did a VTR1000 clutch master conversion.

[image: loading.gif]

[image: loading.gif]

[image: View Post]VIFFER93, on 15 November 2010 - 07:59 PM, said:

I looked at this option when I did my conversion. I know the R1 triples/stem will not match to my 3rd generation, I even looked into swapping out the stems from the R1 to a 929 but you had to do some machine work to make it happen and it was cheaper to fab the spacers required.

The R1 off set is also 4mm (2mm each side) narrower then the 929/954/RC51 stems so you can not use a Yamaha upper/lower with a Honda upper/lower



That's pretty much what I needed to hear. The offset isn't really a worry, as I would make my own upper triple anyways. Would just end up using an R1 front wheel, spacers, ect. But if the stem's no good, the stems no good. Thanks.

Thanks all, appreciate the guidance.

My plan will be to use the 929 lower with the SP1 upper combined with R1 forks, wheel, brakes, etc...a la ZRoyZ blue beauty. Will need some time to get everything together, but will try to document everything well so people can learn from, and hopefully not replicate, any mistakes I make in the process.

Off we go...

The only problem that I had to think about was, the lower bridge hitting the oil cooler at full turn. zRoyz did his one way, and I did it abit different than him.

Good luck on your FrankenViffer.

Oh, a little piece of info I picked up not long ago. Conny 14 forks are thought to be the same length as the RC51 forks. Also heard that Ohlins is going to make another batch of RC51 forks based on the Conny 14 forks, because of them being the same length. This came from a well known person on the west coast.

Anyone attempted the swap using CBR1000RR (06-07) forks or know of a reason they wouldn't work? The length looks to be right and they come stock with the spring rate I need, saving me a step and some coin. This is new ground for me so I appreciate any guidance, hints, or smacks people are willing to share.

[image: View Post]dpcincy, on 17 November 2010 - 11:23 AM, said:

Anyone attempted the swap using CBR1000RR (06-07) forks or know of a reason they wouldn't work? The length looks to be right and they come stock with the spring rate I need, saving me a step and some coin. This is new ground for me so I appreciate any guidance, hints, or smacks people are willing to share.

Not sure, as long as the length is fine then I bet they'd work, I'm pretty sure they have the same offset (left to right), but the stem to fork center is different than the 929/954 (front to back). I'm going with the R1 front end with 954 triples for my current build (yeah, my garage is a mess...)
[image: Posted Image]
DSC02313.JPG

Let us know what you come up with for the oil radiator, I'm still struggling with that part...

[image: View Post]dpcincy, on 15 November 2010 - 10:28 PM, said:

Thanks all, appreciate the guidance.

My plan will be to use the 929 lower with the SP1 upper combined with R1 forks, wheel, brakes, etc...a la ZRoyZ blue beauty. Will need some time to get everything together, but will try to document everything well so people can learn from, and hopefully not replicate, any mistakes I make in the process.

Off we go...



This is combination is pretty much exactly what I did with mine, I am happy to answer questions as you move along. When looking for R1 parts do not forget to look at certain R6 parts (wheels) because they can be interchanged and some times can be less expensive... if your lucky.

[/quote]

Let us know what you come up with for the oil radiator, I'm still struggling with that part...
[/quote]

I moved the mounting point for the oil cooler out/forward on my fairing stay and bought bulk oil cooler lines (NAPA) and cut then cut to the size I needed. The lines have just enough bow in them to make it around the forks nicely. I just used hose clamps to mount the oil lines on the OEM oil barbs but most NAPA store should be able to make the same type of fitting found on the OEM Honda lines.

[image: View Post]dpcincy, on 17 November 2010 - 11:23 AM, said:

Anyone attempted the swap using CBR1000RR (06-07) forks or know of a reason they wouldn't work? The length looks to be right

Do you know what the exact length is? (top to centre of axle)

[image: View Post]SEBSPEED, on 17 November 2010 - 11:36 AM, said:

Negative, they are the same. I have successfully mix & matched 929/954 & 1000RR triples. Bottoms with tops and tops with bottoms.


According to JZH's list the 08/09 Fireblade has different fork spacing than earlier models.
Here is the list originally made by JZH. He took his list offline because some suorces proved to be unreliable so it may still contain some errors. If you have any reliable info to contribute or see any errors please add or correct the data.

The only information I have is in relation to the 04-07 CBR forks from the fork length spreadsheet on this site. It shows the length of the forks as 314, which would put it betwen the RC51 and R1 forks as far as length.

[image: View Post]V4 Rosso, on 17 November 2010 - 02:34 PM, said:

According to JZH's list the 08/09 Fireblade has different fork spacing than earlier models.
Here is the list originally made by JZH. He took his list offline because some suorces proved to be unreliable so it may still contain some errors. If you have any reliable info to contribute or see any errors please add or correct the data.


The original poster was asking about 06/07 parts.

Here is a version of that spreadsheet that I've been adding to. I have both 04/05 and 06/06 CBR1000RR fork sets at home, I will remeasure cap to center, unloaded and add that to the list tonight/tomorrow and re post.

[image: Attached File]  Copy of Inverted Fork Swap Data Excel 2003.xls (541.5K)
Number of downloads: 89

[image: View Post]VIFFER93, on 15 November 2010 - 07:59 PM, said:

The R1 off set is also 4mm (2mm each side) narrower then the 929/954/RC51 stems so you can not use a Yamaha upper/lower with a Honda upper/lower

Here is the link to my Gallery and list of what I have used for parts. The only update is I bought Woodcraft clipons and did a VTR1000 clutch master conversion.

[image: loading.gif]

[image: loading.gif]


I checked out the gallery and list; were you able to use the stock R1 axle with the extra space between the forks? How did the rotors line up on the R6 wheel, did they have to be spaced as well?

[image: View Post]SEBSPEED, on 17 November 2010 - 03:17 PM, said:

Here is a version of that spreadsheet that I've been adding to. I have both 04/05 and 06/06 CBR1000RR fork sets at home, I will remeasure cap to center, unloaded and add that to the list tonight/tomorrow and re post.


They're not for sale are they SEB? :491:

[image: View Post]dpcincy, on 17 November 2010 - 03:21 PM, said:

They're not for sale are they SEB? :491:



Nope, sorry! One set is mine, the other is in a holding pattern, waiting to be shipped to one of our Aussie brothers. :fing02:

[image: View Post]V4 Rosso, on 17 November 2010 - 02:34 PM, said:

[image: View Post]dpcincy, on 17 November 2010 - 11:23 AM, said:

Anyone attempted the swap using CBR1000RR (06-07) forks or know of a reason they wouldn't work? The length looks to be right

Do you know what the exact length is? (top to centre of axle)

[image: View Post]SEBSPEED, on 17 November 2010 - 11:36 AM, said:

Negative, they are the same. I have successfully mix & matched 929/954 & 1000RR triples. Bottoms with tops and tops with bottoms.


According to JZH's list the 08/09 Fireblade has different fork spacing than earlier models.
Here is the list originally made by JZH. He took his list offline because some suorces proved to be unreliable so it may still contain some errors. If you have any reliable info to contribute or see any errors please add or correct the data.


I believe 04-07 CBR1000RR forks are the same, length was quoted serveral times at 725mm, stock. Be good if you could confirm Seb (always had me doubts).
I was tempted to buy them, not only are they plentiful, but they're cheapish compared to RC kit.
The 08-09 are listed shorter at 700mm.
I would love radial calipers, but I also wanted to increase the ride height overall.
I just wasn't exactly sure if there was enough space to mount bars above the triple, even with the gullwing design.
If I was living in the US, I'd have forks running out me ears.
Stock 98-01 VFR forks came in at 800mm.

[image: View Post]dpcincy, on 17 November 2010 - 03:18 PM, said:

[image: View Post]VIFFER93, on 15 November 2010 - 07:59 PM, said:

The R1 off set is also 4mm (2mm each side) narrower then the 929/954/RC51 stems so you can not use a Yamaha upper/lower with a Honda upper/lower

Here is the link to my Gallery and list of what I have used for parts. The only update is I bought Woodcraft clipons and did a VTR1000 clutch master conversion.

[image: loading.gif]

[image: loading.gif]


I checked out the gallery and list; were you able to use the stock R1 axle with the extra space between the forks? How did the rotors line up on the R6 wheel, did they have to be spaced as well?


The R1 axle worked fine, it is 4mm short which It sounds like a lot until you see it. You could adjust the rotors or the calipers, I added washers to the caliper bolts to move them in and line up with the rotors.

I went with the R6 rim because the rotor size (300mm) matched the rotor and axle size of the '00 R1 and I wanted a 5 spoke rim.

[image: View Post]Vee-Ef-Ar, on 17 November 2010 - 05:59 PM, said:

I believe 04-07 CBR1000RR forks are the same, length was quoted serveral times at 725mm, stock. Be good if you could confirm Seb (always had me doubts).
I was tempted to buy them, not only are they plentiful, but they're cheapish compared to RC kit.
The 08-09 are listed shorter at 700mm.
I would love radial calipers, but I also wanted to increase the ride height overall.
I just wasn't exactly sure if there was enough space to mount bars above the triple, even with the gullwing design.
If I was living in the US, I'd have forks running out me ears.
Stock 98-01 VFR forks came in at 800mm.



I just finished measuring both fork sets.

I took one leg from each set, bare but ready to install, and laid each on my workbench. Measured each leg twice with my 62cm Starret vernier caliper. Then measured again with a regular standard tape measure and converted to mm to compare.

Obviously the vernier calipers are not long enough to measure in one step(only 620mm available), so I set them to 600mm and measured from the top of the cap down, made a felt pen mark at 600. Then took an inside measurement from the very bottom of the axle hole to the mark. Added the two dimensions, and subtracted the radius of the axle hole to get the overall length. (I measured the leg with the larger hole in each case, FYI)

Here are the results:

04-05 CBR1000RR fork
length = 710mm
axle dia = 32mm
Fork cap to axle center length = 694mm

06-07 CBR1000RR fork
length = 720mm
axle diameter = 32mm
Fork cap to axle center length = 704mm


The 04-05 fork(s) are freshly rebuilt with stock internals. The 06-07 forks are used, internals unknown.

I am looking into modifying the internal top out spring in my 04-05 forks to allow for more extension.

Thanks for that Seb.

Well short than anything I was quoted.
Always good to have the parts in front of ya.

[image: View Post]V4 Rosso, on 17 November 2010 - 02:34 PM, said:

According to JZH's list the 08/09 Fireblade has different fork spacing than earlier models.
Here is the list originally made by JZH. He took his list offline because some suorces proved to be unreliable so it may still contain some errors. If you have any reliable info to contribute or see any errors please add or correct the data.

[image: View Post]SEBSPEED, on 17 November 2010 - 03:17 PM, said:

The original poster was asking about 06/07 parts.

Here is a version of that spreadsheet that I've been adding to. I have both 04/05 and 06/06 CBR1000RR fork sets at home, I will remeasure cap to center, unloaded and add that to the list tonight/tomorrow and re post.

[image: Attachment] Copy of Inverted Fork Swap Data Excel 2003.xls



I originated the fork swap chart referenced to by V4 Rosso and SEBSPEED above. Seb's additions to the chart are excellent (he added all the VF and VFR data that I did not originally include, and more). As for the accuracy and the sources of the info, I tried to find creditable sources and lay out where I got them from, but even the fork lengths quoted by the Ohlins fork source (which is no longer online) may not be exact. For example, I used '06-'07 ZX-10R forks which I measured at 738mm, compared to the 743mm listed on the Ohlins site. I would take those Internet sources as a rough guide, and trust "primary sources" such as Seb's measurements of the CBR forks as the most accurate:

[image: View Post]SEBSPEED, on 17 November 2010 - 08:31 PM, said:

I just finished measuring both fork sets.

I took one leg from each set, bare but ready to install, and laid each on my workbench. Measured each leg twice with my 62cm Starret vernier caliper. Then measured again with a regular standard tape measure and converted to mm to compare.

Obviously the vernier calipers are not long enough to measure in one step(only 620mm available), so I set them to 600mm and measured from the top of the cap down, made a felt pen mark at 600. Then took an inside measurement from the very bottom of the axle hole to the mark. Added the two dimensions, and subtracted the radius of the axle hole to get the overall length. (I measured the leg with the larger hole in each case, FYI)

Here are the results:

04-05 CBR1000RR fork
length = 710mm
axle dia = 32mm
Fork cap to axle center length = 694mm

06-07 CBR1000RR fork
length = 720mm
axle diameter = 32mm
Fork cap to axle center length = 704mm


The 04-05 fork(s) are freshly rebuilt with stock internals. The 06-07 forks are used, internals unknown.

I am looking into modifying the internal top out spring in my 04-05 forks to allow for more extension.


I'm glad the spreadsheet is finding some use and being built upon. If anyone is curious about the reliability of any of the numbers or sources listed, I can give an idea about which ones I think are 100% correct and which ones may be less than perfect.


Lacy

Thanks for checking SEB, appreciate it.

Any idea how that compares to the 05 R1 forks you're bolting up?

I prefer to use parts I know going in will work, but cheaper options are always welcome :)

[image: View Post]dpcincy, on 17 November 2010 - 09:18 PM, said:

Thanks for checking SEB, appreciate it.

Any idea how that compares to the 05 R1 forks you're bolting up?

I prefer to use parts I know going in will work, but cheaper options are always welcome :)


I'll let you know about the R1 forks when they get here on Friday. :wink:

[image: View Post]VFR800R, on 17 November 2010 - 09:17 PM, said:

I'm glad the spreadsheet is finding some use and being built upon. If anyone is curious about the reliability of any of the numbers or sources listed, I can give an idea about which ones I think are 100% correct and which ones may be less than perfect.


Lacy


Lacy, I'm glad you started it, thank you! To be honest, I've been giving you credit the few times I've posted it - only reason I didn't today is because I wasn't sure anymore if you did start it. :blush: In the latest copy I have here, I've added rows for individual wheel weights, and assembled fork weights, just for the heck of it.

I added the other VFR gens and CBR models to hopefully build on going forward - the lengths listed there now are merely best guesses based on internet info - it is only worth what you're paying for it!! I hope to build on & correct the dimensions as parts pass through my shop. :fing02:

you guys are yet again making this dream happen for the rest of us late comers.

thanks to all whom made the configurations and did the leg work for this to happen. WOOHAA

I wish I'd have kept all the forks I've seen listed here since they've all made a trip through the shop at one time or another... DAMN IT

[image: View Post]SEBSPEED, on 17 November 2010 - 10:05 PM, said:

[image: View Post]dpcincy, on 17 November 2010 - 09:18 PM, said:

Thanks for checking SEB, appreciate it.

Any idea how that compares to the 05 R1 forks you're bolting up?

I prefer to use parts I know going in will work, but cheaper options are always welcome :)


I'll let you know about the R1 forks when they get here on Friday. :wink:

A quick run to the garage with a tape measure (Seb can check my work)

04-06 R1
Top of cap to top of axle: 714mm
Axle: 22mm
Top of cap to center of axle = 725mm

[image: View Post]taglicious, on 17 November 2010 - 10:52 PM, said:

thanks to all whom made the configurations and did the leg work for this to happen. WOOHAA


Pun intended? :biggrin:

[image: View Post]mrmatt, on 18 November 2010 - 01:23 AM, said:

A quick run to the garage with a tape measure (Seb can check my work)

04-06 R1
Top of cap to top of axle: 714mm
Axle: 22mm
Top of cap to center of axle = 725mm


Thanks Matt. Did you measure the leg bare? Out of triple, on its side, fully extended, etc?

Lacy, thanks for starting the list. I thought it was JZH that had to be credited for it, my bad.

[image: View Post]VFR800R, on 17 November 2010 - 09:17 PM, said:

I would take those Internet sources as a rough guide, and trust "primary sources" such as Seb's measurements of the CBR forks as the most accurate:
I agree. Unfortunately this kind of info is not available through manufacturer service manuals. For fork length you always took the length between the top of the fork leg and the centre of the axle?
I'll add SEB's data too, thanks SEB :fing02: I'd also like to add data like brake disc size and offset and I see SEB has allready added some of that to his spreadsheet.

[image: View Post]VFR800R, on 17 November 2010 - 09:17 PM, said:

I'm glad the spreadsheet is finding some use and being built upon. If anyone is curious about the reliability of any of the numbers or sources listed, I can give an idea about which ones I think are 100% correct and which ones may be less than perfect.
Please do. And if anyone else can contribute please do too. Currently the spreadsheet can be edited directly by anyone. I realise that this may lead to unreliable data being added, have to look in how to minimise that risk.

[image: View Post]V4 Rosso, on 18 November 2010 - 07:19 AM, said:

For fork length you always took the length between the top of the fork leg and the centre of the axle?


Good point!

We need to establish some consistency if this is going to be worth anything.

If we make drawings of some of the parts showing where/how to measure the forks & triples, and add that to another sheet within the xls that should help - it'll be down to the person's measuring tool and knowledge of its use.

Post is below

[image: View Post]luigi, on 18 November 2010 - 10:41 AM, said:

Here's the pictures about the extracted stem:
My link
My link
My link

Ciao, Luigi.


Have to be a member of the board. Can you upload them to VFRD or something? This was the route I was thinking about going, possibly.

[image: View Post]YoshiHNS, on 18 November 2010 - 10:56 AM, said:

Have to be a member of the board. Can you upload them to VFRD or something? This was the route I was thinking about going, possibly.


Yosh, I can show you details when you stop by Saturday. I have done this and have stems & parts laying about you can study.

[image: View Post]dpcincy, on 15 November 2010 - 02:55 PM, said:

is what steering stem is used on the conversions. I saw that the SP1 stem works, but is that the only option? Are there any others that can be considered from others'...

Hello.
I can tell you that many Honda stems are the same which VFR uses, perfectly the same.
On my "track use VFR" that now fits a GSX-R 1100 conventional forks i have used a stem coming from a 1987 CBR 600 (in USA called Hurricane) inserted in the Suzuki lower clamp.
The only modification required is welding a "lip" in the lower edge of the stem to lock the two parts once everything in assembled.
Like the VFR this stem are in one-block with the lower clamp too , but it's enough remove the welding joint with a lathe to have a stem that can be used on great number of lower clamp.

Here' the pictures:


[image: Posted Image]
1987 CBR 600 Stock clamp - Bottom Welding.jpg

This is the bottom of the 1987 CBR 600 lower clamp. Pencil shows the welding.


[image: Posted Image]
1987 CBR 600 Stock Clamp - Welding Removed.jpg

This is the stem after the welding removed. To extract it i've used a common workshop hydraulic press.


[image: Posted Image]
CBR 600 - VFR 800 Stem comparison.jpg

The CBR stem compared with a 5th gen VFR 800 lower clamp. Absolutely the same.
Note at the CBR lower edge the "lip" welded to assure the complete fixing once the stem are inserted in Suzuki lower clamp that i've used.



11th March 2009

Here the GSXR 1100 front fork installed.

Ciao, Luigi.

[image: View Post]SEBSPEED, on 17 November 2010 - 08:31 PM, said:

[image: View Post]Vee-Ef-Ar, on 17 November 2010 - 05:59 PM, said:

I believe 04-07 CBR1000RR forks are the same, length was quoted serveral times at 725mm, stock. Be good if you could confirm Seb (always had me doubts).
I was tempted to buy them, not only are they plentiful, but they're cheapish compared to RC kit.
The 08-09 are listed shorter at 700mm.
I would love radial calipers, but I also wanted to increase the ride height overall.
I just wasn't exactly sure if there was enough space to mount bars above the triple, even with the gullwing design.
If I was living in the US, I'd have forks running out me ears.
Stock 98-01 VFR forks came in at 800mm.



I just finished measuring both fork sets.

I took one leg from each set, bare but ready to install, and laid each on my workbench. Measured each leg twice with my 62cm Starret vernier caliper. Then measured again with a regular standard tape measure and converted to mm to compare.

Obviously the vernier calipers are not long enough to measure in one step(only 620mm available), so I set them to 600mm and measured from the top of the cap down, made a felt pen mark at 600. Then took an inside measurement from the very bottom of the axle hole to the mark. Added the two dimensions, and subtracted the radius of the axle hole to get the overall length. (I measured the leg with the larger hole in each case, FYI)

Here are the results:

04-05 CBR1000RR fork
length = 710mm
axle dia = 32mm
Fork cap to axle center length = 694mm

06-07 CBR1000RR fork
length = 720mm
axle diameter = 32mm
Fork cap to axle center length = 704mm


The 04-05 fork(s) are freshly rebuilt with stock internals. The 06-07 forks are used, internals unknown.

I am looking into modifying the internal top out spring in my 04-05 forks to allow for more extension.


Kept forgetting to post this up... left to right:

00 R1 - 05 R1 - 06/07 1000RR - 04/05 1000RR

[image: Posted Image]

All have stock internals(as far as I know)

[image: View Post]V4 Rosso, on 18 November 2010 - 07:19 AM, said:

Lacy, thanks for starting the list. I thought it was JZH that had to be credited for it, my bad.

Yes, I was going to point that out... My spreadsheet was Honda-only. The main reason why I ditched it was due to my naiive inclusion of second-hand data that I had thought reliable. As soon as I realised it wasn't (e.g., the "common knowledge" regarding the 929/954/SP1 fork offset circulating on the RC30 Yahoo Group turns out to have been WRONG) I realised that my data had been irretrievably polluted. End of, as far as I was concerned--until I'm able to start over using 100% my own measurements, which is unlikely to happen any time soon.

Why not CBR1000RR forks? Yes, they're trick, in that they have radial brake calipers, but they're quite short and the quality deficit compared to the RC51/SP1-2 forks is fairly obvious once you have both in your hands. The RC51 forks are the right size and are very well built. If quality matters to you, get RC51 forks, not CBR forks.

Ciao,

[image: View Post]JZH, on 07 December 2010 - 07:27 PM, said:

If quality matters to you, get RC51 forks, not CBR forks.

Ciao,


Say what now? :blink:

What are these differences you speak of? (as I haven't noticed them?)

[image: View Post]SEBSPEED, on 17 November 2010 - 08:31 PM, said:

Here are the results:

04-05 CBR1000RR fork
length = 710mm
axle dia = 32mm
Fork cap to axle center length = 694mm

06-07 CBR1000RR fork
length = 720mm
axle diameter = 32mm
Fork cap to axle center length = 704mm


[image: Posted Image]

Seb, did you take the measurements from those pictured forks?

I ask, cause I was under the belief the gold forks were only on Repsol blades, or 600RRs.
I could be forking confused however.

Sorry for the forking confusion, but I have to say I'm glad I fooled you - those are my "NOHLINS" forks. I painted a set of 1kRR forks to look like Ohlins: http://www.vfrdiscus...e-ohlins-forks/

Haha, the thought had entered my mind.

Then, after searching a few blade forums, ebay pictures, and old emails...

it completely vanished and I hit the "add reply" button.

Honest!!! :biggrin:

Came up trumps mate.

Now, those RC51 forks you have... :goofy:

I ask for input from those lucky to run sp1/2 forks?
What yokes are being used? Are they risen through the yokes a lot?
i only ask as running 929/954 yokes with their relative off set means the 929/954 forks want dropping thru the yokes about 19mm to stop the VFR from running very wide on every bend.
Therefore, longer sp1/2 forks will want dropping even more as they are longer running the 929/954 yokes to get a similar performance. The only advantages might include to add the handle bars on top of yokes comfortably rather than under, handy for keeping standard VFR bodywork and the SP1/2 are race bread items. :fing02:

From practice, i have found the 45mm CBR 98/99 forks, running custom yokes with only a 3-5mm drop was spot on. The custom yokes i guess were CBR custom race replacements being the 45mm.
The guy i got them from said they were made for the VFR, but as a one off i find that hard to believe. But as we know, Fireblade CBR parts being interchangeable its all neither here nor there.
I simply reused my VFR steering stem pressed into them 45mm yokes. Most important here is the offset felt like it was similar to the standard VFR. Unlike the 929/954 and on CBR yokes with their gull wing shape and further offset. Handling was spot on with the 98/99 set up right from the off, unlike my 929/954 set up, which is still in need of minor tuning.
[image: Attached Image: bikepics-347984-full.jpg]CBR900 98/99 forks, race yokes, similar steering feel as standard VFR750[image: Attached Image: bikepics-360933-full.png]
Above, No drop through yokes needed (maybe 3-5mm max) as i am sure there is no similar offset to the CBR929/954 gull wing yokes as below.
CBR 929/954 forks with yokes.
[image: Attached Image: bikepics-1923161-full.jpg][image: Attached Image: screen:yokedrop.jpg]note 19mm fork drop needed to get bike round corners.
Visually the shots here in comparison the 45mm items on top look as tho they might be further forward than the 929/954 yokes. I dont have them to hand anymore so cannot measure for sure. The gull wing design might also be deceiving?
My ideal wish list would be 50mm custom yokes without the 929/954 yoke offset to run sp1/2 forks. Although these imaginary yokes might well make the newer blade forks too short to run comfortably..

[image: View Post]SEBSPEED, on 07 December 2010 - 08:22 PM, said:

[image: View Post]JZH, on 07 December 2010 - 07:27 PM, said:

If quality matters to you, get RC51 forks, not CBR forks.


Say what now? :blink:

What are these differences you speak of? (as I haven't noticed them?)

Have you had both forks apart at the same time and compared their components? The only nicer thing about the RR forks is the radial caliper mounts; everything else screams "built to a price" to me.

Ciao,

[image: View Post]SEBSPEED, on 17 November 2010 - 11:36 AM, said:

Negative, they are the same. I have successfully mix & matched 929/954 & 1000RR triples. Bottoms with tops and tops with bottoms.


My apologies to MrMatt - I found out today that what I stated above is INCORRECT. The offset for the 1000RR is significantly LESS than on the 929/954 - the triples can NOT be mixed!

Very sorry for any confusion!! :blush:

Was messing around in the garage today and decided to stick my forks together for a comparison:
[image: Posted Image]
SP1/'03-'04 636/5th Gen

On the Kawi forks, the bottom clamp diameter is 52mm and the top is 50mm. SP1 is 54mm and 50mm.
As you can see, the Kawi and SP1 forks are essentially the same length.
The stem on the 636 is too big to fit any bearings into the VFR head, but the stem is pressed into both of the bottom clamps, and both are 35mm. In theory the SP1 stem could be fit into the 636 bottom clamp.
I tired putting the 636 forks in the 636 bottom clamp, and fitting the SP1 top clamp to see if they would go together, but my Kawasaki bits are far too bent up to go together anymore. (That's why they are still sitting around in the garage!) Was close, and I think they may work. I don't have a top clamp from the 636, but I think the center hole is slightly larger.
If I recall correctly, the '05-'06 636 forks had similar measurements, but the stem was shorter and fatter than the earlier. I don't recall if the later Big Piston Forks have the same clamping measurements as the earlier 636 models. Could be worth lurking on a Ninja forum to find out.
All 636 and newer are radial calipers.

If the RC51 SP 1 stem will go in, that means that a stock VFR stem will go in as well. Larger ID stem hole in the top triple can be easily solved with a custom bushing.

I'd like to know what the offset of the Kawi triples is. (centerline of stem to centerline of fork bores)

[image: View Post]SEBSPEED, on 29 January 2011 - 08:26 PM, said:

If the RC51 SP 1 stem will go in, that means that a stock VFR stem will go in as well. Larger ID stem hole in the top triple can be easily solved with a custom bushing.

I'd like to know what the offset of the Kawi triples is. (centerline of stem to centerline of fork bores)


Oh, right. I forget about the stock stem cause it is welded in. But seeing Luigi's post, I guess it isn't so tough to seperate.

I stuck the SP1 top clamp on the bottom 636 (stem removed) and the fork holes didn't quite line up. Then I remembered the different diameters. It really looked like, if my stuff wasn't so bent up, they would fit together.