Hi all,
I've developed a small leak on my right fork, while I have them apart to redo the seals I was considering upgrading the springs and/or valves. I looked into ohlins but couldnt find anything, maybe they dont make anything for the f4i anymore? also read good things about race tech. But I'm wondering if its worth it at all on an almost 20 yr old bike, esp as I am super light (120-130lb depending on the season) I go pretty hard on the canyons. would like to hear your thoughts before I make a decision. Thanks in advance

 

I upgraded with Race Techs but I also weigh 205 (on a light day!). Is the stock setup is working for you? If so, then I wouldn't mess with them, although you might benefit from better valves if you are pushing that hard.

Age of the bike wouldn't concern me if I planned on keeping it and it was in good shape...

 

I did sometimes feel that the suspension is a little squishy/mushy feeling but I wasn't entirely sure, as when you been riding the same bike for awhile you kinda get used to it. Never got to experience upgraded suspension so I don't know how much of a difference it makes, although most everyone says it made a big difference for them, everyone is also 180-220lb, hahaha. Right now I'm leaning towards a stock rebuild...?

I only mentioned the age because the technology isnt exactly state of the art any more and I could spend the money towards a newer bike in the future with inverted forks and other goodies instead. I do plan on keeping the f4i as long as possible, I love the poor old thing :')
Thanks for your input

 

Yeah, the tech is definitely "old school" now! Maybe try a slightly heavier oil or mess around with damping and rebound a bit? That being said, new springs aren't expensive, especially if you are able to do the work yourself. The valves, on the other hand...

 

Suspension upgrades and tuning is probably the best modification to make to an old stock bike.

My feelings are to upgrade the forks as much as you can afford and find parts for. After 20 years, the stock springs are worn out and the oil /seals need to be serviced anyway. Valves are nice if you can find them and afford them....

 

Normally, upgrading the front is a no brainer on the F4i. But being only 120lbs, the bike is actually sprung pretty well for you. It could still use more spring rate though. Stock .68kg/mm springs are for like a 90lbs rider, no idea what Honda was thinking.

 

I went with stiffer Ohlins springs on my F4i forks and it did make noticeable difference. Not night and day but noticeable.
I have an Aprilia mille as well which I upgraded with K tech springs and SSK fork piston kit. It's (almost) plug and play. They give you pre assembled valve with shim stack. You just stick it onto your damper rod.
While this is not ideal if you deviate too much from the average weight, it's much easier than playing around with shim stack guessing the correct stacking etc.
Dealers would usually not sell you the SSK kit from K tech and insist on getting it done in the shop, but if you can try asking. I did and they let me just have the kit. The installation wa snot super difficult but did take time.
The mille is gen 1 so even older than the f4i,. It has inverted showa forks, but the damper inside and the valves looked exactly same as the f4i.
The SSK kit provides a huge range of damping whereas the stock gives a very narrow range. Jacking up the damping all the way up and looking at the fork refusing to decompress was amazing!