Suspension enhancment-where to begin?

[Deicide]

Im currently setting up my latest project- 2003 CBR954 Fireblade, bike will be mainly for road use, hopefully some longer distance stuff, and maybe the odd track day. Currently stock but have alot of bolt on mods to go on.

I noticed as I was stripping her down that one of the fork seals is leaking. As ill now be stripping them down im considering adding some better components to enhance the suspension.

Can anyone recommend where i should start?

Im thinking replacing the springs with some Race Tech springs suited to my weight (95kg without gear) would be a good start, maybe use a different grade of fork oil?
Race Tech have a calculator for working out the correct spring for your weight but im not sure how accurate that is?

I have no idea on valving and am lead to believe this is best left to a suspension expert. Once the bike is back together I will likely seek a suspension guru to help setup the stock settings.

Any advice on where to start, what to look at, and any tips- fire away!

[Rich]

Rear shock...

I noticed a huge improvement when I replaced the stock shock with an ohlins one...

But I really noticed very little if anything by fitting ohlins internals in my forks...

[Scott52]

You'd probably get an Ohlins rear pretty cheap of eBay in the US. even new ones are cheap out of there. About $1000.

The Racetech calculator is ok. You can get Ohlins fork valves for both compression and rebound for 20mm cartridges that wil drop straight in ... again out of the US on eBay.

[96]

Remember, calculated spring weights will be for track conditions.

My '05 600 had standard springs, but preloads and damping was quite firm, and it tended to understeer a little on the road if it wasnt being ridden hard. The reward when pushed when compared to standard though was noticeable.

So you really must pick were you want to have your bike working at it's prime.

[thro]

^^ depends how heavy you are.

for an 88-90kg rider (eg, me) the 600RR is WAY too soft (spring-wise, damping is adjustable and can be made plenty hard). Like most hondas, i suspect.

I've maxxed out the rear preload and still have too much sag in the rear. as a result, i need to run even more sag in the front to get it to turn....

i'd start with correct springs for your weight (so you can get your sag in the ballpark) and move on from there, getting the bike sitting properly without its nose in the air (as i suspect it is for you being 95kg) will make it turn much better.

[BlackFZR]

I'd suggest the following order of spending.....

Marty would be able to evaluate your suspension, and then also suggest upgrades from there. Based on the minor consult cost for seeing Marty, it may stop you spending bi $$$ by doing additional work at a later date, and doubling up on labour costs.

Marty MOOSE Consult - $50(?)
Weight specific springs (front & rear) - ~$360
Race-tech/Ohlins/K-tech etc Fork Valve Kit - ~$500 (fitted)
Race-tech Shock Gold valve Kit - ~$500 (Fitted)
Fork Cartridges - $1100 to $2100
Rear Shock - $1000 to $2500

[Deicide]

Thanks for all the advice guys,
At this stage i think ill just drop a set of Racetech spings in the front while i rebuild the front forks, then go see Marty.
That should only ring me up about $150

Ive had a look at the website and the recommended spring rate for a 97kg rider, using 197kg semi wet weight is:
FRONT FORK SPRINGS
Recommended Fork Spring Rate: 1.062 kg/mm (use closest available)
Stock Fork Spring Rate: .710 kg/mm(stock)

Available FRSP S3825 Series Springs are:

RT FRK SPR 38x36x250 .85kg
FRSP S3825085
$109.99
RT FRK SPR 38x36x250 .90kg
FRSP S3825090
$109.99
RT FRK SPR 38x36x250 .95kg
FRSP S3825095
$109.99
RT FRK SPR 38x36x250 1.00kg
FRSP S3825100
$109.99
RT FRK SPR 38x36x250 1.10 kg
FRSP S3825110
$129.99
RT FRK SPR 38x36x250 1.20 kg
FRSP S3825120
$129.99

So im guessing the 1.0kg spring rate is the one for me?
(RT FRK SPR 38x36x250 1.00kg FRSP S3825100 $109.99 )

[Sean'o]

Ive always found the recomended springs on the race tech site are always too heavy, may pay to make a few phone calls and see if you get any different weights suggested to you

[Deicide]

Bit of an update,
Going with Ohlins 0.95 springs,
Now trying to work out if the 20mm valve kit is easy to install and worth the money?
Special on Ohlins rear shock -$850 so very tempted but alot of $$ so may just settle for a race tech spring fitted to the stock rear for $99

[Arwon]

you can go up to 1.00kg/mm springs in the forks and still get away with standard dampning with 7.5 weight oil. This is the cheap option and works fine. Before you go spending copious amounts on suspension, be sure your ridding requirements exceed what you already have.

Sometimes, fresh oil and a cleanout, fresh nitrogen recharge and the rear shock will come back to life also.

[Deicide]

Good advice Arwon, I think i will just stick with the upgraded fork springs in the front, and get this damn bike back together.
I just wanted to cover all bases before putting her back on the road.
Cheers

[SBK Toy Store]

I did a Race Tech valve and re-spring on my 954 and it made it a whole new bike; you'll love it!

[Deicide]

Thanks Patrick,
Got my Ohlins fork springs comming from you guys, thanks to the lovely Amber- awsome price too!