929/954 Front End
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Squid
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 26
From: Texas
929/954 Front End
The front end is basically a bolt on deal. I had pieced my front end togother with a 929 forks and triple and axle for $157, 954 rotors $65, F4i calipers $40, 954 wheel and spacers $200, suzuki clipons $20, front fender $55. I got it all off of Ebay and did it over a 2 week period. The wheel was the last part to get and so I caved in and spent the money, $200 for a used wheel ouch. The stout forks and fender really fill up the empty void that surrounded the stock setup, oh yeah not mention the huge rotors that fill the front wheel. I compare the handling and stopping power to that of my 96 GSXR 750.
When bolting on the new triples you will notice that the steering locks hit the frame at the mount for the upper subframe, stopping the forks right as they touch the coolant hose and radiators. This works out perfect because now your steering lock to lock is shorter as on a race bike. In lamen terms less tank slapping and recovery from such behavior is more ubtainable. Now the tricky part, setting the correct placement of the forks in the tripples. You should take measurements(stock Vtr) of steering head angle and or height from level ground, also from axle to steering head. Any one of these will work to getting the new forks set at a baseline. For me the forks are shoved up in the tripples pretty far so I used a set of suzuki clipons that mount on top of the tripple and have no clearance problems, infact I used all the vtr controls and didn't have to rerout any thing. The forks sit about 3/4 to 2/3 the way in the clip! ons, doesn't look so great but that is the only cosmetic thing I will get straitened out down the road after I research aftermarket possiblities. For now I ride with a huge grin.
I used a mix match pile of parts. So there was a little extra effort with fit and finish. the biggest was setting the correct spacing of the 954 wheel. To make things easier stick to all the parts from the same model bike so that they fit togother with ease. If you like the challenge and have a tighter budget then shop around and with a little extra careful thought and work your accomplishment will be that much more rewarding.
Gregory Kirk
potder@mindspring.com
When bolting on the new triples you will notice that the steering locks hit the frame at the mount for the upper subframe, stopping the forks right as they touch the coolant hose and radiators. This works out perfect because now your steering lock to lock is shorter as on a race bike. In lamen terms less tank slapping and recovery from such behavior is more ubtainable. Now the tricky part, setting the correct placement of the forks in the tripples. You should take measurements(stock Vtr) of steering head angle and or height from level ground, also from axle to steering head. Any one of these will work to getting the new forks set at a baseline. For me the forks are shoved up in the tripples pretty far so I used a set of suzuki clipons that mount on top of the tripple and have no clearance problems, infact I used all the vtr controls and didn't have to rerout any thing. The forks sit about 3/4 to 2/3 the way in the clip! ons, doesn't look so great but that is the only cosmetic thing I will get straitened out down the road after I research aftermarket possiblities. For now I ride with a huge grin.
I used a mix match pile of parts. So there was a little extra effort with fit and finish. the biggest was setting the correct spacing of the 954 wheel. To make things easier stick to all the parts from the same model bike so that they fit togother with ease. If you like the challenge and have a tighter budget then shop around and with a little extra careful thought and work your accomplishment will be that much more rewarding.
Gregory Kirk
potder@mindspring.com
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 929/954 Front End
The '00-'01 RC51 front end fits as well. You have to cut the steering stops off. The head bearings are not quite right, but they do work. I replaced mine with All ***** tapered needle bearings $45. After selling my parts, including fork brace, I ended up spending about $200. the stock fork with springs and especially a fork brace are really fine for street riding. I rode a stock bike over Monitor Pass, which is a road I am very familiar with, as I ride it once a week or so. I couldn't believe how wonky the front end was after getting used to the more rigid fork on my bike. Coerce makes a fork brace that really tightens up the front end.
The RC51 triple clamps have 5mm less offset. With an aftermarket rear shock (I have a Fox), 5mm longer shock length steepens the head tube angle, which greatly reduces steering effort. The shorter offset of the triple clamps brings the trail back, helping high-speed stability.
The RC51 triple clamps have 5mm less offset. With an aftermarket rear shock (I have a Fox), 5mm longer shock length steepens the head tube angle, which greatly reduces steering effort. The shorter offset of the triple clamps brings the trail back, helping high-speed stability.
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 318
From: San Jose, CA
I am amazed at the effort that some put in modifying their bikes with various parts from other motorcycles (a big thumbup to you.)
I am wondering about this fork brace that is mentioned above. This is a brace that is added to the stock front end, right? Does it make enough change in handling of the front end to make it worth while? where/which I should be looking for if I wanted to buy one?
I am wondering about this fork brace that is mentioned above. This is a brace that is added to the stock front end, right? Does it make enough change in handling of the front end to make it worth while? where/which I should be looking for if I wanted to buy one?
Guest
Posts: n/a
In my opinion, a fork brace is the single, best modification you can make to the Super Hawk. The difference in handling precision and manners is immediately noticable on a twisting road. It clamps on to the tops of the fork lower legs and keeps them parallel when you are twisting the front wheel.
The one I had was made by Coerce. I got it at BVH in Reno. I'm sure it is available through any shop.
About $200.
The one I had was made by Coerce. I got it at BVH in Reno. I'm sure it is available through any shop.
About $200.
Hmm?
SuperBike
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,069
From: San Gabriel Valley
Sorry, a bit OT
Re: fork brace
Would this interfere with a front stand that lifts from the lower triple?
I found this fork brace:
http://www.superbrace.com/
for $140. What do you think?
Re: fork brace
Would this interfere with a front stand that lifts from the lower triple?
I found this fork brace:
http://www.superbrace.com/
for $140. What do you think?
Junior Member
Squid
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 9
From: e.mass
Good post.
You got some great deals.
I'm currently in the same boat. Looking to put a 929 / 954 / RC51 front end on my raceHawk (as in HawkGT).
I currently have a F2 front end on there which isn't all the exciting.. my VFR750 rear wheel is thou.
Thanks for posting up those bargins. I was getting a lil depressed after spending most of the night finding nothing but 900 front ends.
You got some great deals.
I'm currently in the same boat. Looking to put a 929 / 954 / RC51 front end on my raceHawk (as in HawkGT).
I currently have a F2 front end on there which isn't all the exciting.. my VFR750 rear wheel is thou.
Thanks for posting up those bargins. I was getting a lil depressed after spending most of the night finding nothing but 900 front ends.
Member
Squid
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 88
From: San Diego, CA
Re: 929/954 Front End
Hey! My bike has the same mod - 2001 929 wheel and forks, with gixxer brakes, and a fox rear shock. Of course I have no idea how to set any of this up as I just got the bike a few days ago. Any initial advice on how to get things right? How do I tell if the ride height is correct? Can I adjust pre-load independently of ride height in the rear?
The V-twin is a big difference. I've had a few high-HP bikes, but I'm still getting used to things.
Anyways, I'm sure it's a few weeks off but at some point I'm sure I'll be hitting you folks up for advice on how to set up the suspension. Right now I'm just trying to get used to a suspension set up that was made since I was born. :-) Anyways, mostly I'm just saying high as I'm new to the group.
-Abe.
________
Feature model
The V-twin is a big difference. I've had a few high-HP bikes, but I'm still getting used to things.
Anyways, I'm sure it's a few weeks off but at some point I'm sure I'll be hitting you folks up for advice on how to set up the suspension. Right now I'm just trying to get used to a suspension set up that was made since I was born. :-) Anyways, mostly I'm just saying high as I'm new to the group.
-Abe.
________
Feature model
Last edited by AbeFM; Mar 17, 2011 at 11:42 AM.
Member
Squid
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 88
From: San Diego, CA
Re: 929/954 Front End
I don't know if folks are still watching this thread - but I have some questions: I have a 2001 929 front end (forks/wheel. Unsure about the tripple clamp - how do I tell?). The tops of the shocks are even with the clamps. Is this too high? I would think I should lower it till there is room for a set of clip ons?
Attached is a pic.
I'm really getting the feeling my compression damping is too stiff and my rebound too loose. If I change the front I might want to change the rear - lower it too, feels like there's too much weight on the front end, somehow.
________
No2 Vaporizer
Attached is a pic.
I'm really getting the feeling my compression damping is too stiff and my rebound too loose. If I change the front I might want to change the rear - lower it too, feels like there's too much weight on the front end, somehow.
________
No2 Vaporizer
Last edited by AbeFM; Mar 17, 2011 at 11:45 AM.
Guest
Posts: n/a
Nobody has offered a comparison of how the length of the 929/954 fork compares with the stock fork.
Has anyone measured it? Or compared head height before and after??
You can't assess the attitude of the bike unless you have some baseline to compare it to.
Has anyone measured it? Or compared head height before and after??
You can't assess the attitude of the bike unless you have some baseline to compare it to.
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,844
From: Gainesville FLA.
Re: 929/954 Front End
I'm in the finishing stages of a conversion myself. Although I probably won't be much help as mine is mixed matched. I have 954 triples, gsxr forks, zx12 axle, and an f3 wheel converted over to accept the larger axle. I don't know if they're the same length as the 929 forks but the gsxr forks are 1.5" shorter. Right now I have the clipons(gsxr) mounted on top of the triple with the top of the forks halfway up the clipons. I've lost a little less than an inch compared to the stock forks, the steering is quick but not unstable.
To get more out of the forks, I have 929 Helibars on the way so that I can mount them under the triple then I will only be loosing a half of an inch or less. I plan on mounting the forks so the caps are right at the triple.
Now to my question to rc996, I know you have rc51 front end and wheel I was wondering, does the rc have larger rotors than the hawk? My f3 wheel looks great and spins free but the rotors don't go all the way into the calipers. With the gsxr calipers the pad only covers about half the rotor. I have the superhawk calipers on it right now and it's not as bad,(rotor goes about 2/3 of the way) and it stops well but I don't like it. Do you know of any larger rotors that fit the hawk/f3 that aren't $300 or should I put the old bearings and spacers back in the f3 wheel and buy an rc51 wheel and rotors? Thanks for any input, oh and if your wondering why I didn't just buy a gsxr wheel, I just like the looks of the six spoke that's why I was thinking rc.
If any one else knows feel free to chime in as well as thi is my final hurdle on a long road for the FRANKENHAWK.
If you need any measurments from the stock front end I can give you the measurment from the lower triple to the center of the axle. I never moved the lower on my hawk since I bought it and niether did the one previous owner.
To get more out of the forks, I have 929 Helibars on the way so that I can mount them under the triple then I will only be loosing a half of an inch or less. I plan on mounting the forks so the caps are right at the triple.
Now to my question to rc996, I know you have rc51 front end and wheel I was wondering, does the rc have larger rotors than the hawk? My f3 wheel looks great and spins free but the rotors don't go all the way into the calipers. With the gsxr calipers the pad only covers about half the rotor. I have the superhawk calipers on it right now and it's not as bad,(rotor goes about 2/3 of the way) and it stops well but I don't like it. Do you know of any larger rotors that fit the hawk/f3 that aren't $300 or should I put the old bearings and spacers back in the f3 wheel and buy an rc51 wheel and rotors? Thanks for any input, oh and if your wondering why I didn't just buy a gsxr wheel, I just like the looks of the six spoke that's why I was thinking rc.
If any one else knows feel free to chime in as well as thi is my final hurdle on a long road for the FRANKENHAWK.
If you need any measurments from the stock front end I can give you the measurment from the lower triple to the center of the axle. I never moved the lower on my hawk since I bought it and niether did the one previous owner.
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,844
From: Gainesville FLA.
Re: 929/954 Front End
Thanks, I found a brake site that has the o.e. sizes the SH has 296mm and the RC and gsxr have 320mm. I'm trying to find out if Ducati rotors will fit the SH rim otherwise I'm going to have to sell my wheel and get a RC51 wheel instead. I could buy a wheel with rotors on ebay for less than new 320mm rotors for the hawk!
Thanks again though.
Thanks again though.
Senior Member
Back Marker
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 146
From: New York City
FYI: Ebay has a set of 2000 RC 51 forks http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2000-...69831356QQrdZ1
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,844
From: Gainesville FLA.
Re: 929/954 Front End
I know I should but I'm a gluten for punishment. The Duc rotors won't fit so it'll be a search for an RC51 wheel and rotors if the offset is different I'll just shim the caliper. I have it shimmed now so that it lines up with the F3 wheel and rotors,(same as SH), and it is perfectly lined up in the middle of each caliper.
Ah I just love aggrevating myself through mods.
Ah I just love aggrevating myself through mods.
Member
Squid
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 82
From: Seattle, USA
The 98/99 CBR900RR front wheel also fits, but you need to change the axle bearings. That's what I've done with my 929 front end. I wanted a wheel to match the spoke patterns and style of the VFR rear wheel that I'm fitting and the 900RR wheel worked a treat. Just purchase a set of 929/954 front wheel bearings and they slip right in (same OD, but bigger ID to fit the later-model axle).
Member
Squid
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 77
From: ontario
Re: 929/954 Front End
so, i'm lookin at a couple of 929 front ends on my local forum.
thinkin of doin the same, actually, I HAVE to cause i dumped my bike and twisted the front end.
anyway, i don't know what parts i should buy, well for sure the triples and forks, fender. with regards to wheels/brakes, will my VTR front wheel and brakes fit right back on the 929 front end? just not sure what combo will work, VTR wheel with rotor onto 929 calipers, or would i have to install my VTR calipers on the front end?
how about handle bars? do i straight bolt on my VTR controls/bars on the 929 forks?
preciate any tips fellas!
thinkin of doin the same, actually, I HAVE to cause i dumped my bike and twisted the front end.
anyway, i don't know what parts i should buy, well for sure the triples and forks, fender. with regards to wheels/brakes, will my VTR front wheel and brakes fit right back on the 929 front end? just not sure what combo will work, VTR wheel with rotor onto 929 calipers, or would i have to install my VTR calipers on the front end?
how about handle bars? do i straight bolt on my VTR controls/bars on the 929 forks?
preciate any tips fellas!
Member
Squid
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 88
From: San Diego, CA
I don't know how much it helps, but my bike has gixxer1k brakes on it, 929 throttle, and 600F4i clutch m.c., the rest of the controls are superhawk. I don't know what was involved in getting them on but could send you pics if you wanted of any of it. My forks and wheel are both 929, I don't know what the tripple clamp is.
________
Honda of Canada Manufacturing
________
Honda of Canada Manufacturing
Last edited by AbeFM; Mar 17, 2011 at 11:50 AM.
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,844
From: Gainesville FLA.
Re: 929/954 Front End
I would buy the wheel and rotors with it, the rotors are larger and your vtr rotors won't line up and the 929 rotors won't fit the wheel.
As far as the bars that depends on the length of the forks. I know the RC51 has the same length as the superhawk's but not sure about 929/954. Vtr clip-ons won't work they're too small you need 50mm ones. I have gsxr forks and they are 1.5 inches shorter then the Vtr forks. I bought 929 Helibars so I could mount the bars under the triple. This way I only lose about half an inch which makes steering quicker but not unstable. If they are the same length or close to the Vtr forks just get regular clip-ons and mount them on top. Or you can sink the forks about half way down into the clip-ons but I didn't like how it looked.
If you want to improve braking go with the master cylinder and calipers as well.
After all that, if you don't feel like doing the search, or the work, (it's not that bad), I have a complete vtr front end with clip-ons, everything except the controls.
As far as the bars that depends on the length of the forks. I know the RC51 has the same length as the superhawk's but not sure about 929/954. Vtr clip-ons won't work they're too small you need 50mm ones. I have gsxr forks and they are 1.5 inches shorter then the Vtr forks. I bought 929 Helibars so I could mount the bars under the triple. This way I only lose about half an inch which makes steering quicker but not unstable. If they are the same length or close to the Vtr forks just get regular clip-ons and mount them on top. Or you can sink the forks about half way down into the clip-ons but I didn't like how it looked.
If you want to improve braking go with the master cylinder and calipers as well.
After all that, if you don't feel like doing the search, or the work, (it's not that bad), I have a complete vtr front end with clip-ons, everything except the controls.
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,844
From: Gainesville FLA.
The length isn't the problem. The RC51's length is the same as the VTR forks the problem is when you mount the usd forks the part where the clip-ons go is way to wide. The VTR clip-ons are for 41mm and most of the usd forks are 50mm. Even the conventional upgrade forks have a larger diameter to the forks so you would have to replace the clip-ons anyway,(cbr600 are 43mm). The clip-ons are actually the cheapest part of the conversion though. If the forks have the length to mount on top you can mount any 50mm clip-ons, TL, Gsxr, 954, etc...
But like I said before if you don't want to go through it all I've got your front end sitting in my garage waiting for a new home.
But like I said before if you don't want to go through it all I've got your front end sitting in my garage waiting for a new home.
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,844
From: Gainesville FLA.
Re: 929/954 Front End
I have a complete front end with fender and everything. I'm asking $400 or best offer for everything including fender, brakes and clip-ons but if you don't need everything I will sell you what you need. It's off my '98 with 12,000 miles on it, (not sure what that is in kilometers), No leaks or issues never been crashed.
Make me an offer if your interested.
Make me an offer if your interested.
Member
Squid
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 77
From: ontario
Re: 929/954 Front End
kay, so how 'bout 929 clip ons with VTR controls? that should bolt right on right? (never done this before . . .)
i know i should get the 929 rotors/calipers as well, i hear the 929/954's have one of the best stock front brakes!
will my VTR calipers fit on the 929 forks, thus mating with my VTR wheel and rotor? (this is worse case scenario and i'm out of funds to grab the 929 wheel and brakes)
:wink:
i know i should get the 929 rotors/calipers as well, i hear the 929/954's have one of the best stock front brakes!
will my VTR calipers fit on the 929 forks, thus mating with my VTR wheel and rotor? (this is worse case scenario and i'm out of funds to grab the 929 wheel and brakes)
:wink:
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,844
From: Gainesville FLA.
Re: 929/954 Front End
Your VTR controls will go on the 929 clip-ons but you will have to modify them slightly. The clip-ons have little holes on them that secure the controls so they don't move. You'll have to drill holes in the right places because the 929 controls are slightly different. Right now I still have the gsxr clip-ons on there the Vtr controls are the right diameter but I had to drill holes to secure them in the right place.
As far as the brakes, the calipers will mount but they will not be down far enough to reach the VTR rotors. The VTR rotors are 296mm diameter while the 929 rotors are 330mm this is why they have really good brakes more rotor surface space. The calipers will only make contact with part of the rotor,(if at all) because of where the mounts are on the forks.
I think that answers everything if not just ask.
As far as the brakes, the calipers will mount but they will not be down far enough to reach the VTR rotors. The VTR rotors are 296mm diameter while the 929 rotors are 330mm this is why they have really good brakes more rotor surface space. The calipers will only make contact with part of the rotor,(if at all) because of where the mounts are on the forks.
I think that answers everything if not just ask.
