Fork Swap before track?

[donzo]

So I think I'm gonna swap my stock s2r800 forks for some s2r1000 forks.  I may replace the internals and get a new rear spring too.  I'm stoked to get on the track for the first time this spring.

Question:  Should I go to the track for the first time ever on my stock suspension to get a base line comparison or should I not bother and just do the swap and start with the better suspension?  Would it be adviseable to hit the track on stock suspension?  Any s2r800 track riders and others have any opinions to offer?

[Triple J]

If you're gonna get it done, then I'd do it before the track. There's no benefit to a before/after comparison IMO...unless you just want something to make you feel good about the $$ spent.

However, if there isn't time (or available $$) to do it beforehand then going to the track on stock suspension will be OK. I tracked my M900 several times on the non-adjustable suspension.

[Heath]

I have done a track day on my s2r800 with stock suspension.  It was the first time I really realized I needed new suspension or at least new springs.  It would be cool to do it on stock then on the upgraded, but I could also see it as a waste of a track day.  You well get more out of the track day if the bike is set up for your weight.

[Spidey]

Get it done BEFORE you go to the track.  You don't want a baseline with your stock forks if you're gonna switch them out.  It's of little use.  I'd do the fork swap, ride it for a bit to make sure you haven't screwed up the fork height, and then take the bike in to a shop get the suspension set up for you (or do it yourself).  After you've got those basics sorted out, then go the track.  

You can play with it while you're at the track if you want, but frankly, for your first track day, I wouldn't screw around with your suspension settings.  You'll have enough new information coursing through your brain that you shouldn't be worrying about suspension stuff as well.  The most I'd do at the track is take it to a suspension guy (if they have one available) and have him check it once while you're there.  Then just leave it alone and focus on everything else.  

[donzo]

I think there's a general consensus that I should swap em out before.  Considering my first track experience is going to be a 3 day Ducati Owners Club of Canada (DOCC) rally, I don't want to waste valuable time on my bike with less than optimal suspension.  I'm hoping to improve bigtime over 3 days. 

thanks guys.  donzo.

[gm2]

Get it done BEFORE you go to the track.  You don't want a baseline with your stock forks if you're gonna switch them out.  It's of little use.  I'd do the fork swap, ride it for a bit to make sure you haven't screwed up the fork height, and then take the bike in to a shop get the suspension set up for you (or do it yourself).  After you've got those basics sorted out, then go the track. 

You can play with it while you're at the track if you want, but frankly, for your first track day, I wouldn't screw around with your suspension settings.  You'll have enough new information coursing through your brain that you shouldn't be worrying about suspension stuff as well.  The most I'd do at the track is take it to a suspension guy (if they have one available) and have him check it once while you're there.  Then just leave it alone and focus on everything else. 

 

[fastwin]

I agree with the do it before the track day consensus.

I have a S2R 1000 and did not like the stock boingers at all. At the 600 mile service I had the shop re-valve the stock Showa forks with an Ohlins valve kit (kept the stock spring) and installed an Ohlins shock. At the time Ohlins did not catalog a shock for the S2R 1000 but the folks at the shop knew the shock for the S4R would fit. Same set up as the S2R 1000. I added an Ohlins left side steering damper but honestly not so sure it needs it that badly after the suspension upgrade.

Not 100% sure if the S2R 800 and 1000 can use the same shock and the shop will just have to research the fork re-valve kits. Huge improvement over stock! The fork re-valve kit would certainly cost less than a complete fork replacement.

My two cents. [moto]

[GregP]

+1 on all the above.  The only thing I will add is to take measurements of all your current ride heights prior to swapping out the suspension.  Unless you have some very specific issues with your current set-up, other then the stock stuff is crap, not putting it back to your current "geometry" will add another variable to your set-up effort. 

I personally would throw a few millimeters in the rear ride height but that's just a personal preference.  Depending on your overall experience, the bike will turn in a bit quicker with the a$$ up in the air a little more then the factory sends them out the door.

The only rub with doing this is the bike can look like it is on the verge of a tip over when you have it on the lick stand!

Have fun at the track!!

Damn, I need to get to the track!

[gm2]

Damn, I need to get to the track!

PLUS ONE

[GregP]

Threadjack!

PLUS ONE

http://motoyardtrackdays.com/track-days#ecwid:category=577306&mode=product&product=2086717

2/18 at Streets in reverse! 

End of Threadjack!

[derby]

Threadjack!

http://motoyardtrackdays.com/track-days#ecwid:category=577306&mode=product&product=2086717

2/18 at Streets in reverse! 

End of Threadjack!

um... interesting... now we can even out the wear on those tires!