New VFR. Suspension problems

I just bought a 2002 VFR800 with 20,000 mi. The front suspension feels like it has an incredible amount of stiction. I can feel every little bump and my hands get tired. Is this typical of the VFR or is there something wrong with mine. I looked and it doesn't look like the forks are bent anywhere. Could it just need a fluid change or is it pssibly something more serious. I also have a front caliper dragging that I am about to tear into but I would think that that would be completely unrelated. Any ideas?

 

I find my 2000 to be the same way. It is a combination of the springs being way to soft and the compression damping to harsh. I have tried every setting and I arrived at a "compromise" that gets me through the day but I get beat up pretty bad over any kind of bumps.

I just did the one thing that will fix the bike and ordered some front/rear suspension components from Jamie at Daugherty Motorsports. In my opinion, the suspension is the ONE thing keeping this bike from being my all time favorite.

 

You may want to check and see if the front wheel is mounted right. That can cause the stistion and brake dragging. The service manual covers it. But I would loosen your left fork leg pinch bolts. The ones holding your axle and push up and down on the front end helping to set the fork leg in its best position and then torque it back up. Could also be someone either put some stiff springs in it or some real heavy oil like others have said. How much is your suspension going to cost you

 

Sorry I posted before I finished. I'm curious how much it is going to cost you crfan? And what exactly are you having done?

 

You can check his web site here:

Daugherty Motorsports - Motorcycle Suspension Performance and Modification

Basically I am having Jamie build me a CBR929 shock that will have a street oriented valve job done and the proper spring for my weight installed. he is also selling me the components for the forks (Proper springs, spacers, valve stacks and street oriented valve job). This is $685 shipped to my door. I will put the shock in and having my local shop do the forks.

 

If you are interested in your front suspension, and for conversations sake, this is the price directly from RaceTech back in 2009.


Here's the breakdown:
-$109 for springs
-$169 for gold valves (rebound)
-$169 for gold valves (compression)
-$30 for oil
-$22 for seals and bushings
-$135 for labor