Replace Front Forks or Rebuild
Thread Starter
Josh
Superstock
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 278
From: Spokane, WA
Replace Front Forks or Rebuild
I have noticed that my forks have been leaking, well for years. I bought the bike 5 years ago with a little oil on the left fork after i bought it. I finally got a decent job, so I started planning to get the bike fixed up.
Because i have waited so long, do i need to replace the forks or can i still rebuild them. I dropped the bike at the end of the season due to some muck on the side of a road when i was turning around. I now have a big list of repairs: Right side fairing, Paint, Front tire, Rear tire, Chain and Sprocket set, Replace slider, Rear Brake and oil change. The total of all the parts i have figured come to over 1000. For a bike that is worth maybe 2200 in good condition, i am just not sure which way to go. I am tempted to just buy a newer Hawk and resell it as a mechanic special.
So back to the question above, should i rebuild the old forks or get a clean used set off of the forums or fleabay.
Because i have waited so long, do i need to replace the forks or can i still rebuild them. I dropped the bike at the end of the season due to some muck on the side of a road when i was turning around. I now have a big list of repairs: Right side fairing, Paint, Front tire, Rear tire, Chain and Sprocket set, Replace slider, Rear Brake and oil change. The total of all the parts i have figured come to over 1000. For a bike that is worth maybe 2200 in good condition, i am just not sure which way to go. I am tempted to just buy a newer Hawk and resell it as a mechanic special.
So back to the question above, should i rebuild the old forks or get a clean used set off of the forums or fleabay.
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,934
From: altoona, pa
For a serious upgrade, best to go with USD forks, braced swingarm, JD modded shock, but if $ is an issue, you may have to take the poor man's route.
Administrator
MotoGP
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,402
From: Kempner, TX
I would plan on a hunk of cash for fork service.. Running with low or no oil,, Bushings are likely to be very worn.. So your looking at a full set of bushings; Inner and outer, 2 qt oil and 1 set dust seals 1 set Oil seals, and might as well toss in a set of springs that will work for your weight.
About $250 in parts, give or take OEM, or whos aftermarket parts you use.
About $250 in parts, give or take OEM, or whos aftermarket parts you use.
Senior Member
SuperSport
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 805
From: Delmar NY
Most everything you listed except for the crash damage, was maintenance. and would have to be done at some point on a replacement bike.
Thread Starter
Josh
Superstock
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 278
From: Spokane, WA
As for this, unless there is a major issue with your current bike that you prefer to trade away, I would stick with what you have. Ultimately you know what's up with your bike. Picking up another used S'Hawk isn't a clean slate, it will come with its own issues.
Most everything you listed except for the crash damage, was maintenance. and would have to be done at some point on a replacement bike.
Most everything you listed except for the crash damage, was maintenance. and would have to be done at some point on a replacement bike.
Mine was really trashed before i got it but covered up to look pretty. After the engine blew when i owned it for 2 weeks, i had to tear into it and i found all sorts of things. I want a clean slate. The frame has gashes in it and the front bolt connection for the fairing was ground off.
Out of my mind, back in 5
MotoGP
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 6,109
From: Skurup, Sweden
The truth is i simply cant stand not having a clock. I really have always wanted one of the 2002+ versions with the clock.
Mine was really trashed before i got it but covered up to look pretty. After the engine blew when i owned it for 2 weeks, i had to tear into it and i found all sorts of things. I want a clean slate. The frame has gashes in it and the front bolt connection for the fairing was ground off.
Mine was really trashed before i got it but covered up to look pretty. After the engine blew when i owned it for 2 weeks, i had to tear into it and i found all sorts of things. I want a clean slate. The frame has gashes in it and the front bolt connection for the fairing was ground off.
Getting another used bike just means you get another lottery ticket, newer bike or not... Even if you buy an expensive, good looking and considerably newer bike, it will have a few surprises for you, count on it...
Besides, you will still have to start with the basic maintainance for the new bike, ie swap all fluids, including fork oil (nobody ever swaps that as regular maintainance, stupid!)... Swap CCT's to new OEM or manual, swap the R/R to replacement R1 part...
Thread Starter
Josh
Superstock
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 278
From: Spokane, WA
Out of my mind, back in 5
MotoGP
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 6,109
From: Skurup, Sweden
My gauges... CBR 1000RR... Make sure to get 04-07 as the others have a revband from here too the moon...
There are others who have used CBR 929/954 gauges and RC gauges...
Thread Starter
Josh
Superstock
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 278
From: Spokane, WA
Wow, that looks slick! How simple was it swapping it out? I might have found some 2004 gauges, so if it is simple, then i will jump on it!
Last edited by viperkillertt; Feb 11, 2011 at 01:51 PM.
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,871
From: Phoenix, AZ
Tweety, I know those pics were probably taken in 2005, but that brake fluid is lookin' a little murky 
I'm just trying to get you to post updated ones 'cause I want to see all the new modifications that you've done
I'm just trying to get you to post updated ones 'cause I want to see all the new modifications that you've done
Banned
MotoGP
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 5,942
From: Lake View Terrace, CA
Last edited by 8541Hawk; Feb 11, 2011 at 02:35 PM.
Out of my mind, back in 5
MotoGP
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 6,109
From: Skurup, Sweden
It will once the danged snow disapears though and I can get the bike out of storage and start testing the GPI...
I'll honor the request then...
Out of my mind, back in 5
MotoGP
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 6,109
From: Skurup, Sweden
In particular... https://www.superhawkforum.com/forum...3&postcount=10
The things you need, is the gauges, the plug/wiring and a speedohealer... Plus you need to swap the temp sensor for a correct one for the VTR... I used one from an aftermarket gauge with the correct resistance for the CBR, and correct thread for the VTR...
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