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Matris Fork Cartridge Kit Review

36K views 52 replies 18 participants last post by  Hedgepig 
#1 ·
Well, I finally got around to installing the Matris F15T106K Cartridge Kit on my 2010 Thruxton. Now I want to qualify this review by stating that I am transitioning from a full RaceTech setup (.85kg springs, Gold Valves and modified damper rods with heavy oil) not stock suspension.

Install was straight forward albeit the instructions are simplistic to say the least. So if you haven't done any fork work before, DON'T rely on them to guide you. Look at exploded diagrams and watch some vids for clarification. It was as easy as removing the fork tubes, dumping the guts out (retain the rebound/top out spring and damper rod seat which actually stays in the fork lower), installing the new assemblies (they are pre-assembled and you only have to remove the top section to drop the springs in after you fill with oil and bleed the air out). Take some extra time bleeding the air out as you need to pump the fork tube AND the damping/compression rods to get all the air out and get an accurate oil level.

What can I say.... This SH!T rocks!! :eek: Even with having had upgraded suspension, the change is STUNNING! :happay

The springs are firmer than what I would have gone with but is what Matris recommends for a 180lb rider without gear and aggressive riding. This is their standard setup from what I saw on their site and others. With the option of getting 2 firmer spring rates.... :eek:

The kit recommended 6 turns of preload, I went with 4 to start and 6 clicks of both Rebound and Compression damping, I started with 8.

The initial ride was firm but not overly hard. There wasn't as much travel happening over the bumps and dips as a working suspension should have according to my handy-dandy tie wrap on the upper tube, so I backed off one turn on the preload with better results for suspension action. I ended up with 10 turns of Rebound and Compression damping (there are 15 total with Rebound on one side and Compression on the other) before I called it quits. This was on my favorite "test track" which isn't all that gnarly of a road surface so more adjustments may come when I hit the not-so-nice stuff.

Brake dive is perfectly controlled now and NO MORE sudden rebound when you let off the brakes. All in all just perfectly controlled and capable suspension! :bow

I am not new to Matris as I run their steering damper on my S4RS Monster (360lbs with 140whp/82wtq and CF wheels!). This thing is a wheelie monster to say the least and the front end gets scary light with anything more than half throttle and the damper keeps all my shenanigans under control perfectly. :D

So I fully expected the fork kit to be top notch and it really is! The pieces are beautiful and lightweight and the machining is pristine. The detentes for the rebound and comp damping adjustments are positive and well defined. Cranking in preload is very smooth as well.

If you need top notch stuff and don't want to swap out fork assemblies, this is it!

That said, be on the lookout for a really nice "drop in" RaceTech setup in the classifieds shortly ;) if you don't want to drop the coin for the Matris kit....
 
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