Front end swap
 

I have done a few of these on other bikes and most of the time it wasnt a bolt on job. It required machining etc...

From what I have gathered on this forum the 954 swap, as well as a few others is a bolt on. Meaning that all I really need to do is replace the bearings. (If the bearings are in bad shape)

So, the 954 triple and bearings are the same as the VTR? Same size steering stem? If so then this swap is a piece of "cake".

Thanks!

Miguel

Yep, though it's worth it to upgrade to tapered roller bearings.

And btw: AllBalls can get you custom bearings to allow the install of GSXR or other triples if you prefer.

so if you buy the all balls bearing set, you can but a complete gsxr front end. would that be a direct swap then??

it was also found in a recent thread 06+ R6 front end bolts on, with new bearings.

im also wondering what would be better. r6, 954, gsr600 (i think these bolt up also???)

You have to let them know at all balls what triple you are bolting to what frame and they can make a set of bearings that will work.

Going from memory: (so take with grain of salt)

GSXR600/750 Showa forks have higher spring rates for heavier riders and decent valving.

R6 and GSXR1000 forks are KYB (Kayaba) not quite as nice, but still good. Don't know the spring rates off the top of my head.

954/929 forks are Showa, the 954 somewhat higher spring rate, the 929 a little undersprung with stock springs.

There is more info if you read from the beginning of my fork swap thread (see: https://www.superhawkforum.com/forum...rk-swap-17505/ )

I ended up with 954 forks because I didn't find out / figure out the custom bearings from all balls & I got a good deal on the complete front end with a CBR1000 wheel.

the things that were calling me to the r6 is the high and low speed compression damping, and radial brakes. from what i can find the others dont have these features.

Newer KYB vs older Showa might make the KYB better..

Also useable is the 04-07 CBR1000rr front end, Radial brakes and good spring rates, a tad shorter than the 954 setup, but still a bolt on.(with the exception of steering stops, but you'll have to play with that for any swap) If you want to know exact spring rates for any stock front end, RaceTech has the stock rates on their website in the spring section.

great information guys. Thanks

As you're a BARF'er I don't know if i can switch sides and help you out......:rotf::rotf::rotf:

But as you also know Mehran I guess I can....;)

This is from when I did mine:
https://www.superhawkforum.com/forum...on-swap-21595/

and if you want to stop by sometime and actually look at the "finished" product just shoot me a PM. Maybe even take a ride out Palamaras and Calaveras to check it out.

Also it would be much easier to explain in person than typing out all the options and +\- of each set up another time......lol

After having this installed for sometime now what are the pros and cons of doing this type of conversion. I have on offer a cbr954 full front end including wheel calipers etc at a great price but just would like to know the good and the bad before out laying my hard earned.

Thanks

Hawk flew the coop, so he will likely not reply.
I used the 954.
Pros: Lighter weight maybe, lighter steering , better valving. USD and wider forks seem cooler to me. Bigger rotors and calipers if you are "bigger is better" guy.

Cons: $1500. lots of fiddling with radiators, raising bars, levers, grinding lower triple to fit. Painting different fender. My forks too stiff since I elected .95 springs. I need to remedy that.
Oh also, the guy I took the forks to was very picky about bent (even a little) forks. I went through 3 sets before I found perfect, unbent forks with no damage!! Put the forks on v-blocks and spin them to check for bent parts.

I would probably not spend the money to do it again today. But now that it's done, i like the front end.