Fork Upgrades - Cartridge Kits, Valves, Etc Questions

[junior varsity]

I do not have $2,000+ for Superbike Forks or Gas-Charged Cartridges.

I do have factory fitted Adj. Showa forks on my '99 M900.

Upon reading literally hundreds of reviews of rear shocks, I believe the Penske 8983 is for me. (Over the Ohlins that looks similar). I do not need the extra bells and whistles of the Penske 8987, and I do not know enough of the other suspension brands to jump onto their boats.

I expect to be ordering such a unit relatively soon (in the next day or so) for my bike, sprung for my 'husky' build.

Now I'm looking at fork options.

I originally thought I was going to go with:

- RaceTech Gold Valves
- RaceTech Springs
- Appropriate Fork Oil
- New Seals

It has come to my attention that RaceTech now makes a Gen-2 Gold Valve, the G2-R valves. They are only $10 more. I also heard reviews that the upgrades to the front, though good, will not match the upgrades to the rear in quality. This was regarding the original gold valves.

I then found Traxxion Dynamics. This is where I'll be ordering my Penske rear from. They have a gazillion of fork options: Respring/Restack - Revalve compression/rebound, and full cartridge kits.

I like the AK-20 kit - It seems to be everything I could possibly need, even overkill actually, for right at $1000.00.



I then stumble across the RaceTech page and see they have a similar kit now, the G2-R 25mm Fork Cartridge Kit:



I do not yet have a price on it yet, though I have emailed requesting info.

I suppose there is a 25mm Ohlins setup, which I believe I saw for around $1500. 

I need input on what I should be looking for, pro's/con's, and personal experience.

[Speeddog]

The features on the new G2-R Gold valves aren't relevant for streetbike application (motard and moto, yes).

Penske also has a fork valving kit, and I've heard good things about it. I don't know the price, but it would be worth asking.

Does that $1k for the Traxxion AK-20 stuff include installation, or is that extra?

Ask both Traxxion and RaceTech if their cartridges *completely* separate the compression and rebound adjustments.
On the adjustable Showas fitted to Monsters, the rebound adjustment effects compression too. 

[junior varsity]

I will certainly ask that. The installation is extra for the Traxxion setup, BUT it includes fork tube straightening, hand polishing the fork tubes, you don't need any tools since they are going to do it, and if I ever get a track-only bike that needs a suspension overhaul, its modular so I could install the system in it and replace the stock internals in my Monster. I don't think I'd ever remove a performance part from the monster for another bike, but it gives another option.

[rockaduc]

I paid $400 for my 998 forks from Ebay, and another $400 to have them serviced (new oil, etc).  You could easily do the service yourself and save the $400.

[clubhousemotorsports]

sounds like the slippery slope of modding to me.

Hmmmmmm... I need better suspension
springing will be $350
but adding new valving will only be $200 more, hmmm thats $550 for a bit more I can have catridges for $1000
And for a bit more I an have bigger cartridges........ wait now I am close to Ohlins cartridges.

and for another $500 I can have full ohlins forks


How much did I just spend?

My .00002$ is that once you get close to the cost of the ohlins forls you are better to buy the ohlins forks . one reason is resale, take a look t what used ohlins forks sell for. then see what a set of showas with anyones valves (even ohlins) sell for. You could get some of your $$ back after you change bikes where high end modded forks the $$ is gone.
Have fun and let us know how the new forks work.

[junior varsity]

Will do. I sent out a couple more emails requesting quotes and suggestions from the various pro-shops around.

Went on and ordered the Penske 8983 with torrington Bearing today from Traxxion Dynamics. (Dan on the phone is a really cool guy). Figured I might as well get the fancy bearing since it has to be resprung quite heavier from my 'mighty-mammal' build.

[squidwood]

should have checked out these guys first..............
www.gpsuspension.com
I think that Honda and Kawasaki AMA teams use these guys for a reason.
They have been featured for their work in many national/international magazines and have a stellar reputation.
They make suspension parts for other companies.
They offer complete rebuilds,parts,sales and service.
Ohlins Penske certified service center and stocking distributor.
Eibach Motorcycle Springs too!
All they do is motorcycle suspension.
They did my front forks and rear Penske.
Brilliant.

[arai_speed]

Good choice on the Pesnke.  I had one on my R1 and loved it.  I had my forks redone (on my r1) from Stig at Peterson Suspension:

http://www.ppsracing.com/

Great guy, does great work.  I would use him again if the bike I have now didn't have all the cool bits and pieces.

[junior varsity]

I'll Check out the GP Suspension Link, and stumbled across PPS yesterday. I'll investigate further.

I just got an email back from Jason at Dept. of Suspension (DOS). He has a good way of explaining things and good pricing. I've got some time to weigh the options and get the 'most fork' for my money.

When I sit in the throne room and contemplate the options, I have certainly decided that at this point: this bike is a keeper - Its my first Duc, my first Monster, and I don't ever plan on selling - I think it'd be a cool bike to show the grandkids what I rode "back in the day". So I'm not going to use resale as large factor in evaluation of the options - but the modular thing - moving the parts to a better bike and such, that's not unthinkable - though improbable.