Results of New Suspension

Some of you may know about my decision to get new suspension over the winter. Now is my first opportunity to do a write up on it. Thanks Tahoe SC for the reminder.

Out of respect for many in the suspension industry I will refrain from mentioning any specific names. I would like to say that it is worth doing a bit of research to find a reputable suspension specialist if you're not doing your own work. Trust goes a long way here and reputation and recommendation of others go far.

In addition to new suspension, I also got new Michelin Pilot Power tires to replace my Dunlop D208's which had an estimated 6,000 miles and 3 trackdays on them. So my results may be a bit skewed due to the new feel of the tires and the different profiles. I also replaced the swingarm to one that had welded spools, but the effect is nil, as my swingarm was 100% functional. I also had a full service performed on the engine to include valve adjustment, but since that is not the subject of this post I will just say that the engine runs much smoother with a more level powerband. I also opted to have the dealer flush the cooling system and put in distilled water and water wetter, safety wire the oil filler, drain bolt and oil filter to be ready for any trackday events that may require those things.

What did I get suspension wise? I got an Ohlins 46PRCLS rear shock that I bought from a CBRforum member. Part of my deal included a set of Racetech Gold Valve Compression valves and the swingarm, which is why it made sense to do the swingarm at the same time.

I contacted a well known Ohlins specialist for advice on the shock and he recommended a new spring for my weight. It didn't take much time to have the shock back to me and the cost was less than $150 shipped both ways.

Around the same time, I worked with a guy in Wisconsin who's done a few race setups who provided me with so many options that it made my head spin. Understanding that I was not a Pro-level rider we opted for a setup that was compliant, yet cost effective by using the Racetech Compression valves. It was unanimously agreed by all the suspension specialist that I spoke with, that the weakest point of the F4i is the suspension. Competition-wise compared to today's motorcycles, the engine power is also lacking, so why pour thousands into a suspension system that will do wonders for your corner speed if the engine will let you down in the straights.

The suspension specialist (let's call him Mr. E) recommended a set of Showa rebound pistons that he salvaged from a previous setup that he called "hi flow". He educated me that Honda has been making questionable changes on the OEM suspension setup in the CBR series over the years, while other manufacturers have progressively gotten better. If I recall correctly, these particular rebound pistons were saved from a GSXR.

So, Mr. E installs new 1.00 Racetech springs, the Gold Valves and these hi-flow rebound pistons. New oil, bushings and seals and it was shipped back to me for less than four Ben Franklins, with some adjustments pre-set for me. I haven't had a need to change them as I've only been on the street.

After all was assembled, it was a completely new machine. Everything was different, and it took a bit of time to get used to the new feel, which included new Galfer Stainless Steel Brake lines. I'm now riding faster than I did before, and that's a problem. My confidence is now at a new level.

 

yup yup...suspension mods are the bestest mang!

you don't drift wide anymore...as you once did with the old skool stock stuff...bike feels like it's on rails...

not go out and try your ss lines with your suspension do late braking hard turn in...cause when riding the lowest level at the track...most newbs will have bigger bikes...so you just outbrake them into the turn and out corner them...

 

Yes, my brakes are saweeeet.
That's why I need new pads now. I'm on them all the time....I just love the way it feels.
But it's more than the new lines. I also found a leaky bleed valve screw thread.

Running wide: I have to give her power to widen the turn otherwise she'll want to tighten the turn at the same lean angle. It's amazing.
The changes are FORCING me to become a better rider, as IMUST get to maintenance throttle after establishing lean angle and turn-in. I love it.

 

i think the tightening on the turn thing is a pilot power thing.

that's why i stuck with diablos. with PP, felt like bike wanted to dive into the turns too fast. with diablos, it feels neutral for me and the bike does what i want when i want.

have you ever tried diablos or corsas?

 

The Dunlops were neutral. I like the glued feeling of the Michelins. I also like that I'm learning better throttle control and being required to use maintenance throttle or corners.
I'm still a trail braker though, and those brakes make me just want to keep doing it more (though I've come it waaaay to hotfor a turn once and almost couldn't get off to the inside of the bike before turn-in point).

 

I got 1.00 springs, not .95 springs.

 

good suspension work is free horsepower!!

o8

 

What!?!?!

 

once again, louder for jaybird..

GOOD SUSPENSION WORK IS FREE HORSEPOWER!

no....LOUDER!

GOOD SUSPENSION WORK IS FREE HORSEPOWER!

no...louder!

GOOD SUSPENSION WORK IS FREE HORSEPOWER!

louder!


GOOD SUSPENSION WORK IS FREE HORSEPOWER!

this outta do it.

 

So what are you trying to say.