Forks: Ducati VS GSXR

[OverCaffeinated]

Scenario: 06' S2R 800. Cheapskate mods. I can't afford $2500 plus for Olhins.
What is easier, cheaper, best results. Get some Ducati s4r or superbike forks or do the gsxr swap?

I've read about and have already got some gsxr forks for under $300. But some questions about how easy it would be to change them and how the end result would be are stopping me from continuing. It's been said that the gsxr are just too harsh. I know nothing about whats involved in a Ducati to Ducati swap. Help me decide.

[Monstermash]

As you may have already read, the GSXR forks will require some custom machined bits to make it fit. It includes spacers for the rotors, axle, and a shim kit for the forks.

 Also as you mentioned they are over sprung and will need the correct springs installed. the S4r forks will mount right up without any fitment issues. The Superbike forks on the other hand.........

[DarkStaR]

An S4R/S2R1k fork swap will be a direct swap.

[stopintime]

You might also pick up something in my thread:

http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=9046.0

[OverCaffeinated]

I like the sound of a direct swap. Cost is my biggest factor, then labor. The gsxr forks seem to be the cheapest route, but the most work. And the thought of fabin up some spacers does make me nervous. I could sell my gsxr forks and hope to find a good deal on s4r forks. Another reason for the swap would be adjustability, so having my forks re-sprung isn't an option for me.
 

[He Man]

How much you want for the GSXR forks? I have a set of S2R1000 forks that are racetech spring/valve equiped (1.0 kg/mm), but im looking to get a fork that has radial brakes.

[OverCaffeinated]

How much you want for the GSXR forks? I have a set of S2R1000 forks that are racetech spring/valve equiped (1.0 kg/mm), but im looking to get a fork that has radial brakes.

Are those silver showas? What rider weight is ideal for the 1.0 spring rate? I'm pretty sure your race tech work alone is worth more than these shocks. You do know you'd have to get these gsxr forks redone too?

[He Man]

Yea, but its worth it if i can get Radial brakes and gold forks! Springs are only $120.

My race tech setup costs me $600 bones installed. And i would sell it for around to the same price since its $300 worth of parts on a $350 fork.

I have 1 kg/mm for 165lbs. It is considered very stiff i think since racetech recommends .85 kg/mm for my weight. I've also lost about 10lbs since i got them installed so i need to get them tuned a bit to adjust for the weight lost. Either way, im still looking for GSXR2004+ forks for a decent price. Im watching an ebay auction for a 999showa rear shock right now too.

[DrDesmo]

One thing to keep in mind that unless you are the "perfect" factory rider weight (160-175#, I may be wrong on this though) you'll want to "spring" (LOL!!) for the correct setup for your weight no matter what forks you go with (stock or otherwise)

One nice thing about GSXR forks is you get radial bling right out of the gate, which is always nice [moto]

Adam

[He Man]

One thing to keep in mind that unless you are the "perfect" factory rider weight (160-175#, I may be wrong on this though) you'll want to "spring" (LOL!!) for the correct setup for your weight no matter what forks you go with (stock or otherwise)

One nice thing about GSXR forks is you get radial bling right out of the gate, which is always nice [moto]

Adam

my ass. S2R factory weight is 160. That shit was terrible. Its for pansys who ride at 25mph. lol its always undersprung IMHO.

[DrDesmo]

my ass. S2R factory weight is 160. That shit was terrible. Its for pansys who ride at 25mph. lol its always undersprung IMHO.

Yeah, I was talking about SBK or GSXR forks, not the nonadjustable pogo sticks that come on the 800 

Adam

[JDS 07 S4Rs]

I hate to ask a stupid question,,,, but,, wtf are radial brakes ? Its to early in the morn for me to do a search 

[stopintime]

..... wtf are radial brakes ?

They are better and they are in your garage.
 
(Not an expert, but I think they are better because of the way they are mounted in relation to the axle - maybe something to do with distribution of the forces applied. I hate to admit it, but I don't really know. Just one of those things you pick up from the older kids and accept without questions asked.)

[teddy037.2]

the calipers on radial mounted brakes have better rigidty that normal (axial) mounted calipers.

[OverCaffeinated]

Yeah, I was talking about SBK or GSXR forks, not the nonadjustable pogo sticks that come on the 800 

Adam

Pogo Sticks. That's exactly what they feel like.

I didn't factor in the benefits of the radial brakes on the gsxr and s4r forks. Correct me of I'm wrong, but wouldn't I have to get new calipers and rotors if I went with radial brake forks?