New VTR owner - Front Forks Mods!
 

Hi Guys,

Just pick up a rough 2005 VTR (first twin :)). Bike rides well but the front forks are very soft. I have heard that a set of aftermarket springs make a big difference. I am 190lbs and am thinking of replacing the front springs with 0.90 Racetech version. But with a number of other jobs to do on the bike I will not be spending a great deal more money on the front end at present. Any recommendations on fork oil weight, air gaps etc? Also I have seen some websites that say the front damper rods can be reground? Thoughts?

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

cheers

Rob

Welcome!
 

:welcome:

https://www.superhawkforum.com/forum...light=racetech

https://www.superhawkforum.com/forum...light=racetech

https://www.superhawkforum.com/forum...ight=revalving

there's lots of info to be found so just use the search function

I have that set up for my +180lbs son:

2005 VTR
.90 Racetech springs
7wt Belray
140mm gap

do not do any grinding, no need and will make it difficult if future mods are done. That set up works great and is the cheapest way to vastly improve the front suspension.

See my mods below for other suggestions. JB

But if your mods blow, why would he want to try them....... ;)
Sorry couldn't help myself. :cool:

nice catch - fixed - thanks!

Thanks Guys,

Will go with the fork springs and 7 wt oil, and no damper rod grind as stage one fork mods. Just have to order the springs and wait for them to get to New Zealand.

Once I have done that, will look at cutting a spacer for the rear shock.

Residentg, excuse my ignorance. 140mm gap is with fork fully compressed and springs out? And spacers cut to allow no preload, fork fully extended, but with preload adjusters set all the way out?

cheers

Rob

no springs, forks compressed. download the manual from the KB

you want 15mm preload with the adjusters set to minimum as per racetech - that equated to 72mm spacers for me.

I use a 1mm spacer in the rear with an Ohlins shock, I tried 3mm, way too much for me...

welcome Rob. If you can get hold of some fender washers(large washers with a slot instead of a hole), you can slide a few of them in over your rear shock and save yourself a lot of time. It also allows you to experiment with height.

Actually, I would encourage you to NOT go with heavier weight fluid. Typically speaking going with heavier fluid just makes the action of the forks more harsh and does nothing for performance. It's best to run Honda Pro 5wt in the forks until can/want to revalve them properly.

Springs are the perfect start. Go with 5wt fluid with a 120mm air gap and you should be all set.

damper rod
 

I have 165 lbs and my setup is 0.85 spring, 5w oil, 130 air gap, and racetech gold valve C35 shims set. I have modified damper rod as well but honestly I cannot say if it really helps or not. Anyway it is working fine now.


I really recommend JamieDaugherty rear shock, difference is big and together with modified front forks ride is much better.

Some pics of damper rod mod my friend did:

Attachment 27061

Attachment 27062

Attachment 27063