Suspension conversions on a budget...

I know this topic has been beat to death, but I've been refreshing my memory and a lot of the available info is t relevant anymore due to parts availability and whatnot.

Anyways, I have a line on a '94 cbr600 f2 frame/brakes/wheels/forks for dirt cheap, so naturally I want to do the f2 wheels and forks. If im not mistaken the 94 setup is the cartridge setup.. I'm pretty comfortable with the cost of everything I've found so far except for the rear shock...

I know the rear needs to be raised due to the smaller diameter wheel, but a shock from Jaime isn't in the budget at the moment. And I haven't heard back from him via email... How much does it need to be raised? Can I at least temporarily compensate by just lowering the front? I really don't know too much about motorcycle suspension geometry, I'll be doing some reading but some btdt advice would be great.

And this all started just shopping for a new rear tire...

Might just pick the stuff up and sit on it, and throw a new rear tire on for the time being.

 

As far as lowering the front until you can get the shock replaced, that should be fine, just be aware of suspension compression of the front end and what might get in the way when it compresses. As far as geometry goes, there are plenty of resources on the web that can tell you how to measure the rake and trail of your bike so you should be able to replicate the stock rake and trail with the new front end and new rear shock with some R&D.

JD is a great resource but be cognizant of his time if you're not planning on buying anything from him.

 

The shock on the '87 model was 10mm longer and should suffice to raise the rear enough until you can get something better. Pretty cheap too.

 

While I probably won't be dropping a ton of money with him I'd likely buy wheel spacers and maybe springs. Good to know on the '87 shock, just the sort of info I was looking for. Thanks!

 

The other thing is there are a couple of third get bikes for pretty cheap on Craigslist. I love my '86 but it may just be easier to pick up a newer bike...

 

Exactly correct, you need a 10mm longer shock and the 87 model would be the correct length.

Everything you need to know is right here: http://www.hondavfr.org/faqs.html I make parts/kits that make this swap easier in case that helps.

 

So I'm looking at buying the parts (can probably awl the extra stuff for more than I'm buying the whole lot for), getting the triple tree machined and stem pressed, then getting spacers for the rear, and new tires. Probably new steering bearings and a few other bits... Larger diameter clip ons? I'll probably just do the cbr rear brake and drill/tap the caliper bracket as documented here to save a little money.

Jamie, ill email you again about the spacers for the rear.

Thanks for all the info guys!

 

Hi.
If you want to keep the rear caliper mount stock...and use a cbr600 wheel
Use a Triumph rear disc. Post#10 for models.
http://www.bikersoracle.com/vfr/forum/showthread.php?t=126574&highlight=triumph+sprint
I have just done this on my 86fg

 

So, am I to understand that, if I use a Triumph rotor with the CBR rear wheel, I will not need to make any modification to the caliper OR change it's mounting position? After that, all I would need are the spacers, correct?

 

You can use the caliper and bracket as standard, no modifications required. As long as you use one of the discs in my earlier post.
I will post some piccies later.

 

As you can see, the friction area of the pad is completely within the disc's friction area.
No modifications to the caliper or bracket required.

Roger

 

Interesting! That's quite the useful bit of info. You still had to modify the Torque Arm though, correct?

 

I have the same set-up on a bike I'm building. I had a set of spacers made that allows me to run stock caliper and bracket with a Triumph disk and a set of spacers to run the F2 bracket and caliper with a modified torque arm off of a VF750/1000F. I think modifying the stock torque arm for the bracket depends on the size / brand of tire used. Pretty sure at the very least it needs to be relieved on the inside a little.

The only problem I found is that used Triumph disks seem to be priced quite high on eBay. And careful, there is a Triumph rotor off of a 1150 Triple (I think the ABS ?) that looks correct, but isn't.

 

Hi.
I cant answer that yet.
I'm doing a dry build, and haven't got to fitting the arm yet.

Roger

 

I'm going to have mine back on the lift soon to pull the swingarm and install the chain runner and exhaust and I will test fit the pieces. I have a 160/60 Michelin on a F2 rim.