Front fork alternatives

RUChris · Post by **RUChris** » Fri Jul 09, 2004 3:52 pm

I was wondering what alternatives are available for my 1992 RU Exup? I want to overhaul or perhaps replace the front forks. Harris no longer list Ohlins replacements except for the fork springs. Are Ohlins springs and new fork oil, seals, etc the way to go? Should I trust the work to someone like a professional eg: Maxton, K-Tech, etc? Or if I am lucky enough to find a set of forks from a later model, say 1994/95 would these fit? I have read these are supposed to be Ohlins instead of the Kyobi ones fitted to mine, but I guess they are probably a cheaper Japanese factory item and not the genuine article. I would prefer not to have to spend more than the bike is worth, which is very difficult as it is not worth that much now anyway.If anyone has any ideas about rear shocks they would be gratefully received as well. Many thanks to anyone who bothers to answer. Cheers, Chris.<img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/ohwell.gif ALT=":\">

YZF Rat · Post by **YZF Rat** » Fri Jul 09, 2004 5:13 pm

What is a 1992 Model RU? Not been a smart ars just need to know to be able to help. The FZR1000 in 92 is a D model. Upside down forks. The FZR1000 in 1987 is a U model. 1st Fizzer & had conventional forks. If it is a 92 model the best way of improving the forks is to put a set of Gold Valves through them. Revalving the forks & setting them up properly will be much better then a later model set. Yamaha bought OHLINS in the mid 90's hence the use of their rear shocks on the later model YZF 750's etc. I have no idea when & if Yamaha used the OHLINS forks though. Richie

Post by **jjs777** » Fri Jul 09, 2004 5:43 pm

Above post states Kyobi? I think you might mean KAYABA. From what I have determined, OHLINS forks were never installed in any of the FZR1000 91-95 lineup. I have seen mention that OHLINS did have input into the 94-95 usd forks though...and what exactly that input was I have no idea - perhaps a few ohlins internals...but everything else was KAYABA. Re: the gold valving...I want to understand...doesn't that allow for compression damping as well once fitted ? Opposed to stock usd forks which only came with rebound damping adjustment. ? But for what it's worth..the articles I have all state that the 94-95 usd forks from the fzr1000 are improved over the 91-93 forks. And yes...all of the USD fzr1000 forks are swappable across the entire 89-95 lineup. I successfully transplanted 95 usd forks onto my 90 frame which previously had conventional forks. So you YZF750 guys got OHLINS rear shock stock? Nice. Are the forks OHLINS as well on the YZF750? When looking closely at the YZF forks vs the FZR1000 91-95 forks...they appear much different. Maybe thats because OHLINS vs KAYABA respectively? Interestingly...I looked up the part #'s from a 95fzr1000 vs a 97 YZF750 and found that the internal springs of a YZF were double the price of the FZR. Hmmm.... -JohnEdited by: <A HREF=http://p072.ezboard.com/bexupbrotherhoo ... >jjs777</A> <IMG HEIGHT=10 WIDTH=10 SRC="http://home.comcast.net/~john.stempien/ ... larger.gif" BORDER=0> at: 7/9/04 3:53 pm

YZF Rat · Post by **YZF Rat** » Sat Jul 10, 2004 12:21 am

John, I will find out how the compression dampening is adjusted with the Gold Valves. I think it is only adjustable prior to reassembly. I would like to know if RU's bike is a 87 or 92 model? Guess we'll have to wait for him to reply to the post. Richie

Post by **jjs777** » Sat Jul 10, 2004 2:43 am

<blockquote>Quote:<hr>I would like to know if RU's bike is a 87 or 92 model<hr></blockquote> I think RU stated his bike is a 92? <blockquote>Quote:<hr>I think it is only adjustable prior to reassembly.<hr></blockquote> ya know...that's probably what it is...geez lots of work to dial it in I guess huh? -John

RUChris · Post by **RUChris** » Wed Jul 14, 2004 1:43 pm

Many thanks to all who have answered. It is a 1992 model with upside downers fitted. Guy I bought it from, his son said it was a RU model which signified upside down forks. I am sorry about the Kyobi and not the proper name. Where are my best options for obtaining the Gold valves, remembering I am UK based and had never even heard about them until tonight. I think I am going to buy an Ohlins rear when mine has gone Kaput, as someone I know has the same model as mine and he has one fitted.

orionburn · Post by **orionburn** » Wed Jul 14, 2004 1:59 pm

Chris, If you have to order from the US for the parts you're interested in, I'd suggest checking out Cyclemall (our sponsor). I know they carry the Ohlin's shocks as well as the Gold valves. You get a bit of a discount being a Brotherhood member if you order from them. At least you could get a couple bucks knocked off the shipping cost since it would have to go to the UK. I know I'm starting to sound like a freakin spokesman for them...but they really do have some kick @$$ prices over there. Just wish they had more parts for my old gal. Nate 87 FZR 1000 We got clearence, Clarence. Roger, Roger. What's our vector, Victor?

Exupilot · Post by **Exupilot** » Thu Jul 15, 2004 10:28 am

Ohlins is a bloody expencive road to go down, but the kit is top quality. have you thought of getting a unit off e-bay and getting it overhauled? I got one for £30 off e-bay that was knackered and sent it in to Maxton, cost me £85 and it's now as good as new. I would highly recomend Maxton, they do the suspension on my mates race bikes and they really know what they're doing. As for the front forks, I'm thinking of going with a set of progressive springs from M&P and fresh oil and seals this winter, but try allbikeengineering.co.uk if your south of the UK. I'll try and sort out the number for Maxton if you need it. Rob.

RUChris · Post by **RUChris** » Fri Jul 16, 2004 1:08 pm

Thanks again to all who have replied. I now have some answers I can use , and some of my own to post. An Ohlins shock costs about £435 plus £12 carriage from Harris. I think this is the right price but I am going from memory as I wrote this all down at work and then forgot to bring the bit of paper home. Maxton quoted about £550 for their shock including fitting and set up. They will do a front end overhaul and can also add compression adjustment for about £300 all in . Just an overhaul is obviously less plus any parts. Ohlins front springs are £69 plus any oil from any Ohlins stockist. I am now going to have a look at the sponsors web site for any parts, as I may attempt at least a rear end overhaul by myself, as the bushes were all renewed this year, just before I bought the bike, and so it will be a straight forward shock swap. Cheers, Chris.

dvsfzr1000 · Post by **dvsfzr1000** » Wed Sep 08, 2004 2:22 am

I have pondered the same issue myself for many hours. The best value for the dollar spent in my opinion would be to swap a zx-12r front end onto the FZR. (Mine is 92 as well). This would necessitate some professional assistance regarding the steering head bearings, but I do think it is a viable option. I have figured on about $2000 to do this swap. Keep in mind what you get for the money. Six piston front brakes and a fully adjustable front fork.(preload, compression and rebound damping). I have scaled a zx 12r and it weighs 2 pounds more than my FZR. No different springs or valving required. An R1 front end would need extensive work on the spring rates to prevent bottoming. Oh yeah, you would have to file off the "Kawasaki" logo from the top triple, and I might not have a working steering lock anymore as well. However I'm not particularly worried about someone stealing my 13 yr. old bike anyway. David R.

Post by **jjs777** » Mon Sep 13, 2004 6:48 pm

I'm confused as to why anyone would think swapping out the excellent Kayaba USD forks from a 91-95 would be such an advantage ? If this was for track duty then I can understand somewhat - but for the occasional track day and/or street riding...the Kayabas on the 91-93 are excellent - with the best of the fzr lineup being thrown on the 94-95. If you in fact had badly worn forks...then I would send them out to a shop to get revalved and resprung. But to swap out entirely and retrofit another set of forks off another bike seems like a fair amount of unnecessary work. Perhaps the reason for going with a different bike's forks are to gain rebound AND compression adjustability. With that said...I can only echo the comments from what I have read. With 17 points of adjustability...come 16 chances of being setup wrong. -John 95 FZR1000 90 FZR1000Edited by: <A HREF=http://p072.ezboard.com/bexupbrotherhoo ... >jjs777</A> <IMG HEIGHT=10 WIDTH=10 SRC="http://home.comcast.net/~john.stempien/ ... larger.gif" BORDER=0> at: 9/13/04 4:50 pm

RUChris · Post by **RUChris** » Tue Sep 14, 2004 2:35 pm

The end of this saga. After much kicking around of ideas, some from friends others from suspension experts, I ended up having just a fork internal rebuild. This was only bushes, seals, Ohlins fork springs and new oil. The mechanic who did the job (a very good job indeed, well done Russ @ K2 motorcycles, many thanks again), said my fork oil was rancid when it came out, but the forks were generally in very good condition. I did not have the forks revalved, as I was getting some very stupid prices quoted just for the valves (probably cheaper to buy them in U.S. and fed exed to U.K., than what suppliers want for them over here). Anyway end result is top banana, at least 10mph extra corner speed, and high speed stability even better than before. Just the back end to sort now. Cheers, Chris.<img src=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v209/ ... ananna.gif ALT=":bananna">

ChuckD · Post by **ChuckD** » Wed Sep 22, 2004 9:51 am

If it's a rear shock you need, look no further. I am releasing another HUGE end of year clearance of all my FZR goodies including a perfectly working Ohlins unit that has been revalved for aggressive riding on a 89-95 FZR 1000 and all bushings replaced. There are going to be a long list so look for it between now and MON. Chuck D.

RUChris · Post by **RUChris** » Sun Sep 26, 2004 12:13 pm

Chuck D, How much will you want for this shock? And if we can agree a deal, can you send it to the UK? Cheers, Chris.

ChuckD · Post by **ChuckD** » Tue Sep 28, 2004 3:34 pm

FZR Admin Claimed it as trade for an engine I need to keep my collectors item going 86 FZ750 stock, one day she will be the jewel of my collection, 1st ever 5 valve. I know next to the R1 it's not that much, but it's not really mine either. Joyce, your engine is coming, Alexander dam you for not riding with an airbox. CHUCK D.

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