F3 fork tubes on a 4th gen VFR?

I was wondering if anyone out there ever replaced their fork tubes with those of a F3? Same diameter 43mm. I did it with my NT650. Pretty easy.

Second, is it worth it. How is the VFR's stock suspension?

Ohh yeah, I just bought a 1995 4th generation, and I love this bike. It is great. All stock, and ready to be transformed.

 

I did it, so has RVFR, but we didn't use the fork tubes we used the internals since we have 4th gens.

Here's what you do:

Take the internals from the F3 forks and drop them into your VFR fork tubes.

Replace the springs with springs and oil from race tech. Here's their web address: Race Tech Inc.

If you call race tech they can tell you how much of their 5wt. oil to put into the tubes. I think for me it was 120mm per tube, but don't quote me. That information is at home.

If you do the work yourself total cost for springs and oil is around 170.00 not including what you paid for the F3 forks.

I had my local mechanic do the work so I had to add another 75.00.

Was it worth it? Hell yes its worth it because the stock suspensions suck on a VFR. Especially a 4th gen.

I'm sure RVFR will chime in and let us know what you plan on doing and we'll try and guide you.

One more thing, if you just switch out the tubes you have to have the F3 brake assemblies too. Just swap the internals, its easier.

BZ

 

Thanks BUBA,

So your telling me just to use the F3 "CARTRIGES/internals" and the stock "Fork Tubes" (fork tubes are just the shiny part, doesn't have anything to do with the lower portion of the fork I.E. brakes, silver lower tube, wheel spacer ect)? Are the tubes of an F3 the same as those that came of our bikes?

It is just that the tubes lower portion normaly has dampening holes. They usually vary in different diameters due to the amount of dampening the fork is set up for. (I think, but I could be wrong)

I just can't wait to start tinkering with my new toy.

 

The fork assemblies are technically the same with minor differences. The fender mounts are different, the F3 lowers have double pinch bolts versus the VFR's single, and I've heard that the F3s are 3mm longer than the VFRs. Dunno about the calipers, first I've heard of that. There's also a guy running GSXR calipers I heard about but he had to whittle on them a bit to fit them.

Once you have that done, you'll have to concentrate on the back; find an aftermarket shock or use a cbr929 shock. I did a write-up on the 929 mod; its around here somewhere...

 

That's exactly what I'm saying.

Swap the internals, replace the springs and oil with new ones from race-tech. Adjust your suspension settings and your done.

And as Rev said above, if you swap the whole tube you have modifications to do.

BZ

 

Wow guys, noce job. Not a whole lot to add, you guys pretty much nailed it for him. Just a couple small notes; Yes Race Tech go to their web site and you can plug in your info on what spring wt to get. you'll also be using the fork caps off the F3 but yes just use the guts, to many little things on the lowers that make it not really work, besides it's the insides is what you really want. second note; first thing you want to do is break lose the damping rod bolt before you do anything else, you can do this with out pulling the tubes unless the dampening bolt does not pop lose, reason I bring this up is take advantage of the tension as it is, which will hold the valving dampening rod in place somewhat. if you don't the bolt may just turn and not break lose, if that doesn't happen then yea you will be pulling the tubes, also helps if you have a air impact driver for that first atemp they are stickie little buggers that need a quick snap and ones hands normally won't do the job, unless these have been taken part recently. Have fun you have a good one to play with. this and the shock pay huge dividends in return.

 

Hey big thanks fellas!!!!

1) Replace internals only (F3 cartridge with cap) *use VFR upper tube/lower tube
2) Use stronger spring (in my case a .90 spring).
3) And 7 wt fluid. air gap should be around 120-125mm.

Seems simple.

Imma do a search on the 929 rear shock. See if that's gonna be the next project.

 

I'm not planning to use the VFR calipers or rotors; I have another idea in mind for that.

As for the 929 mod, I've had mine for two years without a problem. Here's a link to the writeup I did: >>http://vfrworld.com/forums/suspension-articles/18217-cbr-929-shock-upgrade-95-vfr.html#post135244<<

 

LOVE THE AVATAR REV!!!:bootyshake2:

Boy would I like to be smoking that Marlbro!

Anyway, what year shock did you get? Is there a difference in years? Reason being that when I checked for one on Fleebay, It looked as if the 2000's look different from the 2001's (shock resivour).

Can you take a picture and post your set up?

 

Yea I have another serious mod I'll be doing with thy VFR if a new VFR don't show up, and a certain ~ Ducati doesn't pan out. but for now it's more a point of just how much better can it get before the money thrown at it doesn't make sense.