What to Do about the Front End?

[gel]

Going to be doing the R6 shock mod to my 02 thou, so now I have the dilemma of what to do about the front end. I do not have a bottomless pit of money, so what I am thinking of doing is changing the springs to Hyperpro progressive and a heaver oil. Is this worth doing? All this and a re-valve seems to come out at 400 nicker, which is too rich for my blood. Suggestions please?

[kebab19]

I had the Hyperpro springs front & back. I used 2.5w oil in the forks. Better than standard, but still progressive springs.

Ravenrider's is probably the best mod for the money (£15-20). Basically grinding a 1" chunk of the fork spring off and making a longer spacer to compensate. Oh, and switching to 5w or even 2.5w fork oil, then adding about 50mls more oil than standard per leg. Worked well for me until I succumbed the the dark side (R1 forks)

http://www.yamahafz1oa.com/ravenriderssuspensionupgrade.shtml

Failing that you could just change the standard fork springs for aftermarket linear ones....after that the fixes are mucho £££££££££££

[wraith600]

as been said better spring's slightly heaver oil and some spacers [the spacers could be just a stack of washers the right diameter ]  on top of the springs  and drop the yoke's down the forks about 10 mm to quicken the steering . before doing any mods measure the distance between the bottom yoke & top of the fork slider  as preloading the forks will slightly lengthen them 

[gel]

Thanks guys, I think that I'll go for the hyperpro progressive spring route and new iol, thanks again

[ghostbiker]

I went full Ktec rework. and yup was a little over £400 with the postage etc

If i was doing it now when i am much tighter for cash i would drop in some liniar springs rather than progressive. keeping the oil the same to test it then altering the oil up or down as i felt right.

[Falcon 269]

Although dual-rate like the original Yamaha ones, the Hyperpros are firmer in the first part of the stroke and softer in the latter. 

Thicker oil exacerbates the poor high speed damping issues with the stock fork valves.  I'd go with what Hyperpro supply (if memory serve me right, they come with oil) or maybe a grade lighter.

Mike

[sadlonelygit]

Thanks guys, I think that I'll go for the hyperpro progressive spring route and new iol, thanks again

how heavy are you?

i have a sorted (linear springs and 5wt oil) front end i am selling soon.

[phil on a fazer]

I went full Ktec rework. and yup was a little over £400 with the postage etc

im looking to go down that route sometime in the new year. Be nice to finally be able to adjust my forks as the low adjusters are seized solid. 
 
At the mo im running standard yam springs but with 2.5w oil.

[gel]

Although dual-rate like the original Yamaha ones, the Hyperpros are firmer in the first part of the stroke and softer in the latter. 

Thicker oil exacerbates the poor high speed damping issues with the stock fork valves.  I'd go with what Hyperpro supply (if memory serve me right, they come with oil) or maybe a grade lighter.

Mike

Thanks Falcon, this is a great help. I have also seen a good deal on Ohlin's as well so now need to make a decision Progressive or Linnear?  Had progressive on my 600 and they worked well, but the Thou is quite different.

[gel]

Does anyone know what the weight is of the standard yamaha fork oil?

[Falcon 269]

Yamaha suspension fluid 01 is rated at 7w. 

The thing about most progressive springs fitted as OE is they're a compromise solution, intended deal with the wide range of rider weights and styles.

Fitting linear springs appropriate to the bike and your weight combined is generally felt to be a better way of approaching things. 

I suggest you speak to a couple of the suspension specialists advertising in MCN and take their advice.

I will say that the Hyperpro springs are much better suited to the Fazer than the ones fitted by Yamaha.

[dekker555]

Gel, may I ask who is offering the deal on Ohlins? Thanks in anticipation.

[gel]

into bikes do them for 117 which is not bad

http://www.intobikes.co.uk/products/000008/002712/Ohlins_Fork_Springs_suitable_for_Yamaha_FZS1000_Fazer_2002

Cheepest I have found

I am going with the advice from Falcan and getting some hyperpro spings