Front suspension set up for Fazer 1000!

[Krezi]

HI Guys,


There are plenty of threads regarding rear suspension set up - changing to R6 shock, or Nitron, Ohlins giving best results.


How about front set up? What's best to do to make handling more sporty and improve feel? Are additional parts required or stock front could be adjusted?


Paul

[mickvp]

I believe you can change tue internal springs to upgraded ones, and fit heavier fork oil for a better ride (15w).

Or go the whole hog and fit R1 USD forks

[unfazed]

I believe you can change the internal springs to upgraded ones, and fit heavier fork oil for a better ride (15w).

Or go the whole hog and fit R1 USD forks

 
 new springs and heavier oil is the simplest option

[Krezi]

which springs would you guys recommend?


do R1 forks fit straight in or some modifications are required? which year R1?


Thanks
Paul

[Stupid Luke]

Mine is in being done now.
 
I used Ktech springs which were about 85 quid plus postage, Ohlins were about 120 and Race Tech were over 100 too. My bodyweight plus, kit and luggage fell midway between 9s and 9.5s so I went for the heavier option.
 
I am not sure that heavier oil is the way to go unless you are modifying the forks internally. Mine are being done with 5 weight Ohlins oil and an airgap of 140mm's.
 
There are a few threads on R1 fork conversions none of them look like a straight bolt in though. I did wonder if forks from a FZ8 would fit?

[Simon.Pieman]

Linear springs and 5w oil give a noticeable improvement, a more compliant action and better stability under braking.
I had mine fettled by k-tech in the end,
 not much change from £500 but absolutely worth it.

[Falcon 269]

The stock dual-rate springs aren't well-matched to the weight of most UK riders.  Aftermarket linear rate springs improve that aspect of the forks.

The stock valving is crude and the high-speed compression damping circuit is very on/off leading to a choppy ride and poor bump compliance.  The compression damping adjuster on the fork leg makes minimal difference to this.  Using lighter grade fork oil helps - in conjunction with linear springs - but 5w is as low as you'd be advised to use.

You could have the forks revalved at the same time as having the springs changed but you'd be looking at £450 or more these days. 

The R1 fork conversion options are many but none are simple bolt-ins.

[unfazed]

I think the oil weight  appears to be a personal choice. I found the 5W far to light with standard inners and the progressive springs.I used 7.5W oil with the forks legs up through the yolks by 10mm. Might go to 10W next time I have the wheel off. The 2012 S1000rr rear totally sorted the rear and now has no under steer which used to ruin the standard bikes handling.
Front feels planted and you can feel exactly what it is doing.

[Falcon 269]

The other thing to note when choosing different fork oil is that the viscosity index isn't consistent in suspension fluids in the same way as engine oils.  One make of 5w oil may be thinner/thicker than another make - not helpful, I know.

I agree that 5w with progressive springs wouldn't be a good move for most Fazer owners.  I recall fitting Hyperpro progressives to a mate's Gen 1 and that kit came with 10w oil.  Worked very well with those springs, too.

[sadlonelygit]

for the front end i'd say get the springs for your weight and have a mess around with oil levels/weights to sort out the damping.
i have an R1 front end in now and tbh it's not that noticeably better than a well set up OE front end..............looks better though.
you can of course lash out hundreds on emulators etc if you really feel the need..............

[shrekster]

I've had forks done previously by Maxton which were fab, really improve the bike. I called them a couple of months ago to get my current bike done but they quoted me nearly 600 quid! I looked around and eventually got my forks done by MCT suspension for £260, they fitted springs suited to my weight, changed the oil, replaced bushes and seals even though they have only covered 8k miles. They returned the old bushes with my forks and they looked almost completely unworn, i can only assume they fit bushes of a slightly different size to get the correct tolerences.
I spoke to them on the phone and they told me the standard damping isn't all that bad and that cleaning out the old oil is crucial, seems it's really crap. So far i'm very pleased with them, they do feel a little firmer but soak up bumps pretty well.

Jim.

[lewiseyers]

phone michael in the work shop at ktech, he will rebuild and refurb your stock for for about 2oo with correct spring and oil, or go for the up grade on stock fork for about 450. he can rebuild the rear too, some people say its sealed and not possible he assured me this is not the case the rear was 140


these prices are tailor made refurbs for your weight and usage requirements if the shocks are pre removed from the bike


i was instantly offered a 10% discount too,


 im getting my forks done soon for the up graded front, and a 2 way nitron shock, i dont fancy the r1 up grade, michael assured me its not nessercary if you up grade the front its more than capable of fast circuit use, and to be honest im already doing fast track days on knackerd stock shocks so i imagine the differance will be great,


ktech are suberb