I have searched the forum, but have not found an answer to my particular question. I am going to upgrade the front forks on my bike, found 94 F2 forks for $194 shipped to my door. Also found F3 forks for $275 at a yard 3 or more hours from the house. Was wondering if the F3's are that much better than the 94's. Mine is mostly a commuter with some hard playing, but no track time. I am trying to decide if it is worth it to me to to spend the extra money and time to get the F3 forks (not to mention the time off work and gas for car to get there and back).

Thanks, Harold

 

Well, factor this in: What is your weight?

If you weigh over 160lbs, you'll want to get new springs in them. Trust me this makes a massive difference in a bikes handling. Therefore, you'll want to buy the ones for less, and spend that extra money on a pair of springs setup for your weight.

If budget isn't an issue though, get the F3 forks, drop the uppers into your stock F2 lowers, buy the springs, and you're good to go!

 

Yes, I am not a little guy tipping the scales at 275lbs. I read on here about shiming the fork springs, so I tried that. I added 1 5/8" to the factory shim, huge difference. It does not change the spring rate though only adds preload. So I looked at racetech and decided to do a complete rebuild while I put in new 1.0kg/mm springs. Then thought why not upgrade all at once.

 

Yeah, definitely go with new springs. Shimming springs THAT much is ill advised. You significantly reduce travel!

 

The uppers from a F3 and cartridges fit into F2 lowers with springs? So I can make a bastard F2/F3 fork with cartridges is that what you are saying and work properly???

 

Yes, look in the tech section stickies. There is a write up on that exact mod.