Swapping FZS 600 (2000) forks to older ones

[Artheus]

Hi and thanks for replying,

read a couple of posts here on the forum and seems like it's okay to go ahead... but as they say it does not hurt to ask.
I am looking at swapping my old rusty 2002 forks with a pair of nice 1999 ones : ) I know I will lose the adjusters, but I am not too bothered about that. My stanchions are rusty and peeling (above compression level but I fear it will go down, I will use the bike daily throughout winter). Are there any issues I should be aware of or is it a simple swap.

Thanks 

[sinto607276]

As far as I've checked out when I looked into  it, it's a straight swap either way, the only difference were the adjusters that you mention.

But on another note, why don't you just get them rechromed/plated?

[Artheus]

But on another note, why don't you just get them rechromed/plated?


mhm I have considered that. I can get a pair of used forks (seems no rust/pitting/leaks) for about £150 -which is about the cost of rechroming. Not sure what would be better. I am probably just paranoid... but have that nasty feeling that I will send them away, they will come back, and something wont work What would you guys suggest?

[sinto607276]

Think you've answered your own paranoid question when you mention "seems
no rust/pitting/leaks"

That word "seems" is the problem, you have to make sure they'll be good, if you get them done by a company they should be sound but then again :groan

[BBROWN1664]

The forks are a straight swap between all FZS600 models. You can swap the caps from the newer one to the older one to get the adjustment back.

[darrsi]

I swapped my 2000 forks for '98 ones.
I didn't even bother with the adjusters as I thought they were shit anyway.

Really advise doing the 15w fork oil upgrade before fitting them, and just remember there are obviously different oil levels between forks that have the adjusters and those that don't, the levels are in the manual, and also previously discussed on here if you do a good search.

[kucho]

you should be able to use the adjusters, spacers, washers and springs of your forks in the '98 ones, using your model's oil level.

[unfazed]

:agree

Do exactly as kuco says and all will be much simpler. :eek
Take note of where the adjusters were set before you start by counting the number of turns it takes anticlockwise until it stops and set them back to the same position after installation.

[Artheus]

Thanks for all the replies, much appreciated. I will probably go for the swap once I can source a nice pair; the ones I had in mind did have some pitting so I let them go  8)

I will stick to what I've got until they start causing problems as right now there are no leaks  :lol

It's great to have a confirmation of the ease of fitment; yet still, would you go for a change or rechrome? Have you had any experience with rechroming; most workshops say that the reconditioned part will last a lot longer than stock, can anyone confirm or challenge? 

Thanks!