[Sport]

I'm working on modifying my 02 ST's front end. I would like to install USD forks and upgraded calipers (and M/C). Ideally I would like to just install USD forks, Triple Trees and calipers all in one shot, but I'm not sure of the details, ie, mods to the steering bearings, turn stops or installing the 02 wheel on a USD GSXR fork system.

There's a great post about swapping forks for the S3. I also posted in there thread regarding swapping the front end suspension for a GSXR1 (or like) forks for my 02 ST.

Anybody here swap out there stock forks for USD?

Any advice? How about a parts list of items needed or links to companies who offer kits? I here Racecomp may help, but I only see there carbon fibre products.

Thanks in advance

 

[DragonDan]

I've seen somebody swap out the front on a '05+ with Suzuki parts, but the fork length was shorter. Don't know how that affects handling.

 

[Sport]

Yep, I've seen those pics too. However, I don't like the idea of "dropping" the heght.

 

[zore]

Just my 2 cents, as cool as the usd forks look, you'd be better off to just ship your existing stuff and have it revalved and modified to your liking.

 

[pushr0d]

Or, you could do the front end mods that Zore did to make his ST handle more like a 675 :razz:

 

[rodneybrown]

I'm sure it would look cool, and be the topic of discussion almost anywhere you go, but - yea, the big but, do you really think you are going to gain all that much??? On the street, your 02 will hang with any sane riders just the way it is. Since I have the exact same bike, I am a bit biased. I just think, like Zore did, a few tweaks and added farkles you will get as much as you practically can but to make the big jump you need another bike.

 

[Sport]

Your $0.02 worth is duely noted

What can be done with existng ST hardware? I've seen Racetech kits, but are they worth the investment?

I've considered just going with a heavier weight oil as it is the compression I'm most concerned about.

Your thoughts are greatly welcomed

 

[pushr0d]

Now you've done it!

Loose the Suspension Hounds!


Go to Racetech.com for a good 101 on suspension basics. For instance, heavier oil may make your suspension too "hard", as the oil performs the damping function. Do a search on this site for all sorts of other articles on suspension.

Good Luck!

 

[firemanjim]

There are a couple of great threads about this swap on T595.net in the performance tips area.
And our poor Sprint forks just are severely limited in regards to adjustability.

 

[DaveM]

Sport,
there are also several threads going back a long way about revalving, heavier fork oil and different fork springs.

My 2 cents worth is the same as Zore's. You could mess up your handling with different shorter forks and I would agree with Rodney AI would suggest for dubious gain.

I would take my bike to a motorcycle suspension specialist, there are usually two or more in most capital sities here in Oz.

Tell him want you want, what you weigh and he will do the numbers re spring weight and you can either have him re build the stock forks or buy the recommended parts and do it yourself. Springs, valves and oil.

This way you will get a package customised to yourself and I am certain it would handle better. I have had one experience with doing what you propose on a Honda 750. It was not a totally desirable outcome.

Good luck,
Davem

 

[rodneybrown]

Sport,
I have played with the suspension almost as much as I have with the brakes. The cheapest and most effective change I saw was by adding Hyperpro totally progressive springs. $250 got the springs, fork oil and a heavy duty spring for the shock too. Major improvement over stock. I added the RT emulators and got a very modest improvement in certain riding situations, but no night and day improvements. You do have to take the forks apart and drill out the damper rods. IMO, it wasn't worth the effort for the gain achieved, but I'd do it again because I love to tinker. As far as oil goes, I've used 5 through 15wts with only minor differences BUT you can play with the fork oil level to change the amount of air in the fork to make significant changes. Both RT and Hyperpro put more oil in, or was that less, sorry I'm at work and the old timers is kickin' in. In any event it's pretty easy to adjust fork oil level and experiment. IMO the major problem with Sprint forks is the springs. If you get HyperPro's or straight rates that meet your weight, that will show the biggest bang for the buck. The shocks are a totally different kettle of fish and mine works for me but probably not for you.

 

[2ndSpace]

For a few bucks I put stiffer progressive rate Progress Suspension springs in. They are the same ones used in the CBR929. Increased the fork oil wieght to 15, that was too much. I think I am going to back it down to 10 and add more. I also dropped the front end about 10mm. Now it is a little too stiff, but the turn in is slightly quicker.

I agree that it is not a race bike and unless you are Superman, heavy, or Nicky Hayden replacing the forks may be more headache than it is worth.

good luck