VF500F vs. CBR 600 F2 fork conversion

Hi, I was looking into the conversion kit and was wondering what others think of it. Is it worth the money and can somebody post picks if they have done it? thanks a lot

 

I've done a lot of work in this area and can say that F2 forks are no better than your stock forks. Unless they are 94's they are still damping rod technology. I've found that a set of RaceTech Gold Valves will transform a set of stock VF500 forks into well performing parts. Your money would really be better spent on those parts.

That said, I'm sure you still want to swap forks. It's pretty easy actually, the whole assembly will just bolt right up. Make sure the use the F2's triple clamp. The steering stem bearings are the same between the two and the steering stem itself is the same length. You will want to check all clearances carefully as the F2 forks are shorter than your stock ones. They have a little less stroke, but even so could allow the front wheel to hit the radiator and/or front head. To check this I will remove the springs from the forks so that the weight of the motorcycle will compress them fully. Then you can set everything in place without any interferences. Make sure the check the full range of steering motion!

 

why bother with f2 forks? Get some f3 forks. Better forks than non-94 f2 forks, cheap, and better brakes. You'll need an f2 wheel though, and some other parts I can explain if you are interested.

Wal

 

I am running this setup on my 86:

F3 forks/triples/fender

90-93 VFR calipers to keep gold color (or use f3 calipers)

F2 front wheel/speedo drive/spacer

VFR750 clip-ons; 1996 are on mine but gen 3 or 4 will work (41mm)

90-93 VFR750 rotors, or cbr1000F, or 96+ ST1100ABS rotors. (all same @ 296mm)

It's parts-bin at its finest, but it works

Wal

 

Thanks a lot, im definitely interested but is there a kit i need to buy for the f3 forks?

 

no kit per se, but I would check the stock fork rate to see if you need a different spring before hitting the street. The hardest part is preparing and installing the new triple clamps and stem so the bike is ready for new 41mm forks.

I always thought the babyceptor was one of the best handling bikes to come out of the 80's? It might not be a good idea to fool with mother nature on this one. Cartridge emulator work very well on any bike I've ever installed them into, and they are cheap and easy compared to a front end project.

 

Wal, you know I love you man, but don't forget that the VF500's are a lot different than your 86 VFR700. Neither F2 nor F3 forks will be an easy fit. You will have to be very careful to ensure that you clearance at all times. Again, it's not impossible but it's not that easy either.

Naseer23 - I strongly suggest that you try a set of RaceTech Gold Valves in your stock forks first. I think you will find that you won't really want different forks after that.

 

Jamie -

#1 - talk like that will make people think I'm taking long walks in the shower with you.

#2 - it's a 750.

#3 - get off the computer and finish building my shock!

#4 - JAMIE F'ING ROCKS!!!!!!!! He's done some great work for me, and is a pleasure to talk to about ideas and making the most of these old fun bikes!!!

Wal

 

thanks a lot i think im going to order the racetech gold valves. thanks for all of the advice

 

I don't think it runs cartridge forks, so you'll need Cartridge Fork Emulators and not Gold Valves.

 

Sorry Wal, I just couldn't resist. I wondered if you were going to catch that.

I hope your last post was a typo. The forks on the older VF's are damping rod style and NOT cartridge. That's why you need the 'emulators' as they emulate (get it?) a cartidge design. Basically the RaceTech parts allow you to convert from old, crummy technology to new, good technology. Old=Bad, New=Good. I need things simple like that so that I can understand!

Since you brought it up: I hope to be able to work on your shock tomorrow. I had some time scheduled yesterday but I was invited to go with my buddy to see his new Ducati 1098 at the dealership in Michigan where he is buying it. I hope you understand. They started it up and the thing sounded like it wanted to eat someone. I can't wait to ride it!

 

Let me know when you are ready because I can get you a good deal. $140 + shipping.

 

Thanks a lot for the information and the deal I think im going to get it in the spring or summer time, ill let you know as soon as i get the money.