RC51 Ohlins Forks

Question for some of the more tech-savvy members out there. Would these fit our bike? RC51 Ohlins R&T I mean, if the stock RC51 forks fit, the these should also right, with the proper modifications of course. So if you had these, what else would one need to complete the swap? Upper Triple... Calipers, Rotors, etc... Are new clip-ons necessary? All of same would hold true for 929/954 parts also, correct? I thank the previous owner of my bike for spray painting the stock forks "ghetto gold", kind of makes the swap question easy for me. I was thinking I could just do the RaceTech upgrade and then while they are off, sanblast them and then have them powder coated, but the amount of cash I would spend on all of that comes close to how much I could throw down on a brand new BETTER set.

 

Good price on these also. 2003 954 fork assy.

 

You need the upper triple tree clamp from a CBR 954, and a lower triple tree clamp from an RC-51 SP1, or a CBR 954. I'm in the process of doing a front fork transplant as we speak I'm just waiting for a few more parts to come in and I should be able to finish up. You'll also need clip-ons from a 929, or 954, as the fork tubes are significantly bigger in diameter. As far as brakes and rotors goes, it depends on the calipers you plan on using. If you have any more questions, just ask. I'll do my best to try to answer them. You can also go to VFRdiscussion.com, and do a thread search for "Frankenviffer" there are several threads that describe the process. That's where I've been getting most of my help.

 

I just completed the swap too so drop a line if you need any info. If you swap in the RC51 front wheel and brakes, including master cyclinder, it's pretty straightforward. Remove LBS plumbing and tie both rear lines in to the rear master with a double banjo bolt. 954 forks are shorter than rc51 so you become very limited in setting fork height in the triples but I haven't seen that it can't be done, you just may need to lower the front end way too much.

 

Alright, so I can buy the complete fork assy. and keep everything from that except the upper. Then I need an upper from a 954 and also the clip-ons, which from the reading I have done can be from the 929/954 or some Ducati Helis. The stock brakes leave something to be desired so I was probably going to upgrade or see how much SS lines help out. What I am trying to do is make a list of absolutely everything I need and get it all before loosening bolt #1. I ride a lot and want to minimize the downtime. So those Ohlins units would work right? Those are sweeeeet! Brand new they are $2k+. Might be a little out of my budget though, especially seeing that I can pick up the complete 954 assy. for about 1/4 the cost.

 

You mean the WHOLE wheel? This is the same thing Rob McKinnon (veefer800cannuck) did right. I've went over his posts a few times, good info! I might want to go that way with the RC51 brake system. When you did that did you take out the fluid crossovers that span each front caliper? I've been riding for quite some time and really don't see any advantages of keeping the LBS. I'll make my mind up and start getting parts together. Thanks for your help! I'm sure I'll be asking lots more questions as I go along.

 

I don't think the steering stem from that 954 triple is going to fit the VFR frame. The SP1 steering stem ('00-'01) is smaller diameter and fits the VFR. Just looking at the eBay one, it looks the same as the larger steering stem from the SP2. If that's the case you just get the forks from that auction, but you may want to verify using those shorter 954 forks. What year is your bike? I basically followed Rob's footsteps on my conversion. I removed everything VFR from the steering head forward, yes. So an entire front end swap out, including using the RC51 head bearings. You might be able to reuse VFR parts and pieces but I can't answer any of those questions. VFR brake lines go away, use the RC51 stock lines & crossover or get a couple of stainless lines and a double banjo.

BTW, I really wanted to minimize downtime also but still ended up with the bike apart for about 6 weeks total. I had to get some different parts off eBay, ordered stainless lines as the stock 954 ones I had were too short, fabricated new steering stops, etc etc. This is not a weekend job unless you're really, really, good.

edit: Rob documented this really well and someone just posted a complete parts list a couple of weeks ago somewhere on vfrdiscussion.com.

 

Well, I just took the plunge... I only jumped from 1 ft. though, just ran acoss this.. 954 upper triple ... on ebay. I think $25 was a good buy. No complete RC51 fork assys. on there right now, but I'm sure it won't be long before one turns up.

 

To save a little grief and IMO a lot and of course it's a FWIW thing, so that said take a look at the 02F4i other than they are 20 mm short, which could be made up in the upper tree and clip on as they slide right in the VFR clamps, plus you get basically the same brakes and full adjustably as the 54/51. Yea I know they're not upside down, but after reading everything and knowing what I know about the 51 forks, F4i to me is the way to go. again just my .02

 

Thanks for that RVFR, your $.02 beats my big fat $.00 any day. I'll keep an eye out for those too. So I can still use the 954 upper and clip-ons with the F4i forks? I'd like to use the 954 Helis, that should put me in a more relaxed overall stance vs. stock right? I might also go ahead and pick up the 929 rear shock, those seem to be pretty plentiful and cheaper than I would have expected. Plus, looks like a straightforward swap to me. Man, there is so much you can do with these things. I Love It! I bet you guys up in the NW are eager to get into the riding season. I used to live in Portland, great sport riding area! Florida is great because you can ride year round but you really have to search for the good roads. When I get my bike done and a couple of weeks of freedom I'm going to have myself a little West Coast adventure, see some old friends out there.

 

I'm not too sure if you can use the 954 upper and clip-ons with the F4i fork tubes. I know the 954 forks tubes are 50mm in diameter, and our VFR fork tubes are 41mm in diameter. I think, but won't bet any $$$ on it that the F4i fork tubes are 41mm as well. I'm waiting for my clip-ons, and hardware to come in, and when it does I'll do my best to post pics. You can see pics of my bike in it's current state in my gallery, however it's far from complete. Hope that helps, if not, ask more ?'s, we'll answer them to the best of our ability.

 

Ah so you know our little secret about thy roads up here in the PNW do ya LOL
Nope to the 29/54 tree, not needed for this swap. That's why I started looking into what else fits. I didn't really like what I was getting into with swapping out triples and the like due to to many questions a rising for the 4gs fitment, then there was questions in my mind on rake and trail. so wanted to stay with know facts, last thing I wanted to do is start experimenting with rake and trail, Honda all ready has the vfr spot on there. As far as forks go the 02 F4i has 41mm forks, they slip right in the stock VFR triples on both the 5g and 4g, not sure about the 6g as I haven't looked into that. I've heard, not measured the 6g went to 43mm? any one care to comment on that please?
Thing is the F4i forks are 20mm shorter than the VFR stock forks. I did a measure here and there and found more than enough room to make up for the loss with out effecting ride height, so as soon as I get some extra play funds together then find the goodies in the condition I like, then I'll be going this way. Just a note, I have my front end working Damn sweat, the thing here for me is to get the way better brakes. Other wise I'd be leaving well enough alone. thou there is something about tinkering..

 

Hi, You may want to double check the f4i fork size, I believe they came with 43mm forks. 4g and 5g bikes have 41mm. I've heard the 6g (43mm) people dropping in the f4i forks but for 4g and 5g you need the 600f3 forks which are 41mm. Still need to change over the brakes (and wheel?) on the 5g if you go that route. Might be easier to do a rebuild of the stock forks with the f3 internals. If new forks are 20mm shorter and you need to lower the front end you will change the rake and trail.

 

Yep you're part right, thats why I said 02 F4i, they have as thats the last year they were 41mm, plus they have the great brakes too. the CBR 600rr forks are not going to work. 03 and new all have the 43 mm legs. which would be a cool thing to have on the 6g IMO As far as the 20mm goes being short, you can still keep the same height as the stock height by making sure you have the lower triple at the right height, it's the upper triple where I'm going to change things, I'll be milling off 10mm of the bottom of the stock clip-ons, then milling off another 10mm in the area around the pinch bolt on the upper tree. there's more than enough metal to do this with out losing any strength. To double make sure my thinking was correct. I took it to a CNC machine shop that makes aircraft parts for Boeing, a quick look by the pros confirmed I'm going to be ok. the only minor worry is the room as far as hitting the faring on lock to lock. I need to check that one, first look says it should be ok.

 

Wow, so there I was thinking there was only one correct combination, I guess we are all doing this a little different. You know what would be cool? Some kind of fitment chart. Then again, when you have a mind that likes to toy around with mechanics, I guess the possible combos are limitless. So what is the diameter of the RC51 fork tubes? Obviously, it has to be the same as the i.d. of the 954 upper triple... right? Cannucks write-up is basically what I am going by. I feel pretty confident about tackling this mod and now I'm just waiting to amass all of the parts. The hard part for me is going to be the day I take the bike apart, because I know I won't be riding that day, or the next, and a few more after that.
RVFR- I think I see what you're saying about the F4i forks. You're just compensating for less overall fork height, to keep ride height the same, by lowering the forks in the upper, and then shaving off a bit of the clip-on so it will fit fully on the fork above the triple. Did I get that right?

edit: ok, I guess Douglas answered my question without even knowing it. "I know the 954 forks tubes are 50mm in diameter". I guess the 51 forks are 50mm as well.

 

Yep..pretty much right on there.

 

You are correct sir!!!! The RC-51 forks are indeed 50mm in diameter as well. Not too sure if you saw it, but there's an individual over on the VFR discussion site that is fitting a set of YZF R-1 front forks, with the sweet mono-block brakes. Perhaps in a year or so, I might swap out my fork tubes for the newer 1000RR units with the mono-block brakes as well. But once this project is done, I'm moving on to the exhaust.

 

oh.

When you say "around the pinch bolt " where exactly do you mean ? If you mean where the steering stem comes through then I don't think that sounds like a good idea at all. the upper yoke is a cast item and as such I don't believe there is an "extra" 10mm metal there to remove. The thickness of the area mentioned on the top yoke in the pic (Superhawk/Firestorm) is 15.5mm . I certainly wouldn't recommend removing 2/3 of the material.
As for your experts - let them do what they do, and let Honda design their top yoke .
I work in a CNC shop too, but I don't design the products I make either..

You can be sure for certain that Honda build in more strength than necessary, but not to allow such a structural change.

Also, I have no problem with you milling 10mm off the clip on, but don't remove the engagement nub!

If I have misunderstood then please disregard all this, but also please clarify your proposal.

Rod

 

I believe I did see that actually. That should be a very interesting project. How do the mono-block brakes work. No pistons, just a block? I was actually going to start with my bikes aesthetics but then remembered form should follow function. It looks damn sharp as it is anyways. A whole lot better since I took the yellow Dunlop stickers off. Why would someone do that? That was a pain in the ass too! I took all of the decals off and ordered some new gold ones from xtremedecals. That's about as far as I'll go until I get the forks and rear shock swapped, new seat, and maybe trash the front turn signals then fill in the holes. I saw that someone had done that over on vfrd, looks great!