Technical Question - Suspension

[jamesn]

Hi there

Im not sure if this is the correct place to ask technical questions but I couldn't seem to find a better place to ask a question so here goes!

I have a CBR1000RR which as previously stated I love to ride but I think It would benefit from a performance upgrade.

Do any of you have any recommendations of how I can improve performance?

Many thanks, all comments appreciated.

[Kwacky]

How old is the bike and how many miles?

What sort of thing are you looking for and is it for the road or the track?

[D6Nutz]

Have you done simple things like servicing the fork oil? Made a massive difference on my RSV as I had let it slip for a number of years.

[Monty]

Suspension, suspension and suspension. In that order would be my recommendation regardless of track or road use. Even if it's just refreshing what you've got.

[duke63]

Get it serviced and then set up for your weight and use by an expert. Best use of money you will spend on a bike.

[Blade]

What year Blade ?

Where do you think it is under performing ? Will help target the correct mods. Try and be specific don't just say suspension. Help with a little more detail. For example dives on the brakes, rebounds quickly coming off the brakes, back squats down etc.....

[Monty]

This is the guy I use, and his own bike is a CBR1000. Can't recommend him enough, plus extremely reasonable prices.

http://mctsuspension.co.uk/Home.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Blade]

This is the guy I use, and his own bike is a R1. Can't recommend him enough, plus extremely reasonable prices.

http://mctsuspension.co.uk/Home.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Good guy but plenty you can do yourself first and save a few quid depending on age, model and mileage.

[jamesn]

Hi again, thanks for all your helpful replies, my bike is a 2013 and is used for road use occasional track day. I managed to speak to a suspension company that I found on the internet, one of my work colleagues also recommended them, http://www.brooksuspension.co.uk/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; I called them up and they recommended refreshing both front and rear suspension with fresh oil and seals etc. The guy I spoke to also mentioned putting new fork springs in to suit my weight, he said I should see a big improvement just by doing this. Im going to book them in with him in the next few weeks, I will let you know how it goes on.

[Kwacky]

If you're getting that done then it's probably worth getting the rear spring swapped over as well. You can have one sorted for your riding weight and style.

I need to get my front forks refreshed.

[Cav]

Typically the rear suspension is the weak link on Japanese bikes. I'd be surprised if a fork/shock refresh made any noticeable difference without changing the springs as the oil is still pretty new and probably not had a great deal of hard use.

Next time you do a trackday, go to the suspension guy and ask him to help you set your bike up through the day. It will cost between £20 and £50 most likely but you will definitely find it beneficial

[jamesn]

Great, thanks for the info. When I spoke to Brooks they mentioned they could spring rate test the springs to see if they are suitable for my weight, I will get him to do both ends and see how I get on!

[Monty]

I'd be surprised if a fork/shock refresh made any noticeable difference without changing the springs as the oil is still pretty new and probably not had a great deal of hard use.

No the problem is the oil the OEMs use, this should be replaced every 2 years. Better quality oil can last a lot longer

[Kwacky]

Let us know how it goes and how long it takes.

[jamesn]

I will do, quoted a weeks turn around assuming there is nothing going to creep up and get in the way.

[Kwacky]

Are you taking the parts off the bike or leaving the bike with them?

[Perkles]

k-tech did mine on my old gsxr 750,they changed the front and rear springs to suit my weight and re valved everything with new oil.It totally transformed the bike

[Kwacky]

I think K tech have disappeared up their own backside of late. They only do their own rear shocks which are about £1,200.

[C00kiemonster]

Be very interested to see how you get in as I have a bike that needs a refresh next year.

[Kwacky]

Parkitt Racing are another option:-

Parkitt Racing are an Ohlins Sales and Service Centre. We offer a full range of motorcycle suspension services from set up, resprings, revalves, to supplying and fitting most aftermarket fork cartridge kits and shock absorbers from the leading manufacturers including K-Tech etc

Front Fork Service from £93+ VAT
Shock Service £115+ VAT
Ohlins steering damper Revalve £85 (including return secure postage)

Add a respring for an additional £85 forks, £85 shock.

Service entails:
Strip Fork/Shock including all internal parts
Inspection of parts for wear or damage
Check to see if parts are 'True'
Strip and clean valving assembly
Inspect Shims
Clean pistons
Replace Forks Seals
Rebuild forks using Silkolene Pro Race Fork Oil unless it is Ohlins where 1309 is used (available for any service - Just ask for it!)
Rebuild shock absorber using vacuum machine to fill with oil using Ohlins 1309 Oil (unless it a MX Shock)

If your suspension has not been serviced in a while and is really tired then it may need some additional parts at an extra cost but we would notify you of this before hand.

Why not bring your whole bike in and have it fully prepped for 2015/6. Serviced, dyno set up etc etc

Just PM or Post any questions.

We can even have the items collected form you if you don't have the time to get to a post office!

Thanks

http://parkittracing.co.uk/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;