Any issues with going Ohlins Forks FGRT204

Hi All looking to do a fork upgrade my forks on my 08 VFR 800 and the only issue I can forsee going with the Ohlins Forks FGRT204 is that it is 5mm shorter.

I am unable to locate the Ohlins Forks FGRT806 or 813

Any suggestions / input would be greatly appreciated. I know the other option is to get my internals done by daughtery motorsports.


Thanks for your time.

 

If you're going to go that route plan on spendings lot more time and money. Unless you already de linked your brakes, you'll need to do that as well as pick up a new set of brake calipers, new brake master cylinder and a whole new triple clamp. Also plan on having the forks revalved and sprung for your weight and riding type if you're buying them used.

Although it looks like the way to go, Ohlins suspension cost money! Having done both my VFR suspension with Jamie, the return on investment is well worth it! With his new kits, it's an even better deal IMO.

 

May I suggest 2000 or so Yamaha R1 forks. They own (owned) Ohlins and their production R1 forks are dam close, plus they're the right length and 50mm to boot.

Maybe a new spring and a revalve and you're all set. And Yamaha caliper and nice 4 pots.

And they are pretty gold and a lot cheaper than Ohlins even with a new spring and a rebuild.

Just an idea.

Larry

 

That's a good suggestion. Of course, that would require a brake de-link as well. I for one would love more adjustability for my bike.
I wonder how Jaime's drop in kit would compare to the R1 forks.

 

I had RaceTech G2-R internals installed in my forks as well as springs for my weight with slightly heavier oil and couldn't be more pleased. Also did a rebuild of the bushings and seals too. They are leaps and bounds beyond stock. They aren't Ohlins that's for sure but for the money and what you can do on the street, I wouldn't spend any more. I was able to keep the linked brakes too. I think cost installed was about $550 and I had my fork lowers powder coated black at the same time.

 

Personally I'd go with the Jamie route and live with that for a while. Unless you have all the components, measurements and everything you need ready to go, you might be without your ride for a spell. There's a lot to work out to get it right, at least regarding the rake/trail and wheel alignment setup. The brakes are only one part of it, the wheel, spacers, clip-ons, fender and other minor details go along with this. Talk to Jamie, as in a phone conversation and see what he tells you.

Regardless of if you go with his kit or the R1 forks, you'll still want to have the internals of the forks setup properly, so it probably wouldn't be any difference to him, at least in terms of labor. Note that when they asked the Honda engineer responsible for the VFR why he didn't put upside down forks on the VFR, he said it wasn't necessary and that the flex that standard forks have was somewhat crucial to how the bike handles (paraphrasing). I was trying to find that interview but forgot where it was posted. Cursory search didn't turn up much. I believe it was in one of the motorcycle mags. I'm thinking it was Motorcyclist magazine.

 

OK, I understand the angst.

On my front end, I replaced the spring with a variable rate one from hyperpro on their recommendation, and rebuilt them with new seals and hyperpro fluid. Installed them at the top of the triple and adjusted the preload. A couple of little tweaks, and they are great. Had a little issue with the axle (22mm Yamaha, 21mm Honda) and had them expertly turned at a machine shop. Spacers were very straightforward. The calipers had my rotors exactly right.

That's the limit of my expertise.

Larry