'03 954 front end swap
#1
'03 954 front end swap
I scored today. I picked up forks, triples, axle, calipers, rotors, clipons, bearings, and fender for $250. This is exciting. The standard forks were the one thing that really "ages" the look of the hawk. When it all gets here, I have to decide if I'm going to do it right away, or wait until summer is over. If all goes well, I may have the old stuff up for sale. Current forks have gold valves, adjustment ***** and a titanium fork brace.
#5
Wow, way cheap. Put it on now you procrastibator. Its pretty straight forward. While you are at it swap over to All ***** tapered roller bearings. They make a huge difference & are minimal cost. I spent all winter shopping & didnt get such a deal. Good job.
#7
Great deal!
That's a amazing deal. I just did this swap on my bike and it makes a huge difference. The forks are a big improvement but the brakes are incredible. Your bike will be down for less than a day as long as everything goes smoothly. If you need any help let me know I'm in Seattle (not really that close but still) What wheel are you going to use? Your stock one will not fit.
#9
Don't overlook the wheel though, do you already have a 929/954 wheel?
#10
You will need clip-ons too. I used 929 helibars (I think). The stock 929/954 ones will not work and the helis barely work. I had to reroute the throttle cables and rotate them forward so that the brake and clutch handle bolts wouldn't gouge the fairings at full lock. I didn't move the radiators, you only hit the hose when you are parking. Basically grind the lower triple to clear the fairing mount, extend the steering stops (I also didn't do this) , put the new parts on and you are good to go. I used 3 SS washers under the ignition lockset to get the steering lock to work.
Seattle I'd be happy to help when are you thinking about doing your conversion?
Seattle I'd be happy to help when are you thinking about doing your conversion?
#13
I've been looking but haven't found anyone who has compared a well-tuned stock front end (either RaceTech or one of the gurus here) vs. a similarly well set-up 954 or 1000rr front end swap.
For semi-aggressive street riding, how much better is a full swap than just making the best you can out of the stock externals by adding new springs and valves?
For semi-aggressive street riding, how much better is a full swap than just making the best you can out of the stock externals by adding new springs and valves?
#14
I've been looking but haven't found anyone who has compared a well-tuned stock front end (either RaceTech or one of the gurus here) vs. a similarly well set-up 954 or 1000rr front end swap.
For semi-aggressive street riding, how much better is a full swap than just making the best you can out of the stock externals by adding new springs and valves?
For semi-aggressive street riding, how much better is a full swap than just making the best you can out of the stock externals by adding new springs and valves?
It is well worth the time and effort involved if you ride the bike at a "spirited" pace.
#16
I swapped my internals for full RaceTech stuff before going to what I have now... The RaceTech stuff fixed the problems I had with overpowering the front with my weight and riding style, making it nice to ride on a "normal" pace, while stock was downright scary to me... The new fork was just as much better again...
#17
For street riding it is a non-issue. If you were planing on racing it, yes you would still have a few issues with frame flex but at street speeds most of the lateral flex is coming from the swingarm and the 900rr brace takes care of the nicely.
I do plan on adding a brace to the head stock but that is to help with the added braking forces.
I do plan on adding a brace to the head stock but that is to help with the added braking forces.
#18
As far as comparing Race Teched stock parts to the 929 parts, I can't comment. I will say this though, you can get the parts to do the swap relatively cheaply and you will get better forks and way better brakes with them, plus have your stock parts to sell afterward. I hope my swap will end up costing me relatively little in the end.... Plus my forks came with racetech internals anyway Nowvsomebody buy my stock parts dammit!!!
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