Finally did the front end swap ive been wanting to do for so long, the RC51 swap. It was about a 9 hour process from start to finish on Friday. I was really surprised at how smoothly it all went, which is where my research and preparation really paid off. I was lucky to find a complete SP1 front end, with the exception of the SP2 wheel which is lighter and cooler because its 5 spoke rather than 6. I wasnt sure i wanted to dive into the process of a swap but when i found the steal on all the parts i jumped.



I went with tapered bearings from all ***** which are great! i also took a risk and bought a pair of the 3 way adjustable danmoto clip ons which so far im really happy with. Although its a little time consuming to get them in the same position and also one your comfortable with. I also only had to make minor modifcations as in trimming the inner fairing and the streering stops. Didnt need to move back my radiators as the triple or forks dont come anywhere near touching them.
Today i took the SHawk out to the infamous "Snake" section of mulholland canyon, which is my local riding spot, and WOW!!!!! what a difference! its like i bought a new motorcycle. i already have the ohlins rear shock so the new front end really compliments that well. the front end felt so planted. The best way to describe it is confidence inspiring. No chatter, No flex, and the bight on the brakes is killer. I wasnt questioning the front tires traction at all. I definitely went faster because of the confidence i had in the front end. So much so that a buddy of mine noticed how much faster, and lower i was going then before.
It was the most worthwhile investment ive made in the SHawk. I definitely recommend either the RC, or any other USD swap to anyone who hasnt done it. It really reminded me how vital good suspension, and more importantly properly tuned suspension is. Cant get over how much of a difference it made. STOKED!

 

+1 ;-)

 

Nope. According to some members here, a correct re-valve and re-sprung stock fork is more effective than a USD swap. Hahahahahah! Quit spreading lies, heretic!

 

sweet!!

 

Nice. Good Job. One day, I'll do the same. 9 hours, not bad at all. I hope many beers were consumed

 

I'm just happy to hear losing weight isn't at the top of the performance mod list. You can all shove my new year's resolution up your ***.

 

7, ive also heard people say that properly tuned drum brakes can be just as good as disc brakes so.....

 

Not so sure about that after they heat up while in use

 

NHSH, i was getting at the point that properly tuned SHawk forks even with a fork brace will NEVER be as good as properly tuned USD forks. just like properly tuned drum brakes will never match disc brakes. thats why RSD forks and drum brakes are a thing of the past on motorcycles. at least sport bikes anyways

 

Actually, it is. Something to keep in mind is the RC51 front will also need a revalve and probably springs too. It might be hard to believe right now because it seems like a big change, but it is true. The valving pistons inside the RC51 forks are the same exact parts as the VTR. A USD set of forks offer better rigidity and the RC51 has better brakes, no question about that. I rode my GSXR750 front (which has a lot better stock valving than the RC51) for about a year before setting it up properly, it is pretty amazing what the correct springs and valving does.

 

Uhhh!! Right as I'm about to revalve!! Maybe I should wait! I've been on the see saw for a few years, something is going to have to give (my wallet)!

Glad you are satisfied with your purchase and everything worked out! When you get a minute, cruise over to the buyer/seller feedback and give yoomit a shout out.

 

Don't be so hasty. I would suggest you start with springs and a revalve to your VTR forks first. The valving will always swap over to a USD set if you choose to go that route in the future (as mentioned above it will need it too).

As you ellude to, USD swaps are pretty expensive. Honestly, if I had it to do over I probably wouldn't do it again. Since they are already on my bike I'm not taking them off, but a properly setup set of stock forks is almost as good.

 

900RR forks, while RSU, are a definite step up too (much more rigid, compression adjustable, and lighter too). As they allow you to keep the front wheel, rotors and calipers, they make for a much cheaper swap too. In fact, they were used by Moriwaki (and Revolution Racing) on their racing VTRs, so they should be up to whatever we can dish out...

 

Thanks Jamie. I haven't contacted you about it yet, but suspension work is in my near future. With your words here, I can quit wasting time thinking about a fork swap. This frees up time to contemplate goatskin seat covers and chrome gee-gaws, so thanks.

 

But... guyyyyys.... they look so cool

I keep faking Jamie out about suspension work and he keeps putting up with it like a champ. Just got to find a way to win some disposable income or man up and send my stuff in.


I didn't even know valving could be swapped over. Shows how much credibility I have around here.

 

I definitely agree with you Jamie, and your the god of suspension around here so i take your words as law. like 7 i didnt know valving can transfer from one setup to another. is this true of all forks or only similar forks from on manufacture? what does a respring and revalve cost? and is it basically dialing in the suspension for bike + rider weight? i cant say that the fact that the USD forks look so damn cool didnt have anything to do with my choice to do the swap but they also really transformed the bike. So Jamie, if you say the RC forks need springs and a revalve then consider it done! as soon as my wallet allows it

 

^ The USD's made a big difference on my rig too, man... makes me really wonder what a correctly sprung and valved fork will do. Braking and stiffness in one package are good with the racebike front end. I have yet to bottom out or come across any shady handling, but when I set sag it is a little low.

 

and also jamie well im asking about suspension, i have the HO 701 ohlins rear shock on my bike. is there anything that we shock would need done as well when i go to get new springs and valves in the forks?

 

I don't understand the hype, money and time spent trying to make a SH an RC? If you want it to handle like and RC why not buy an RC? I would think it would be easier? Not to mention that the RC wasn't and isn't the best bike for race performance. Trust me my buddy that races rides a ZX6R and his brother races a RC51. Hands down the ZX6R kills the RC51 except in a straight line. RC51 went down 3 times last year trying to keep up and he just can't. To big, to heavy. Bike is a tank compared to the ZX. If I wanted to race I would deff. not be on a SH or RC. Being previous owner of a CBR900RR I can tell you also the 900RR walks all over the hawk in the corners, but being almost 40 years old I couldn't bring myself to buy another bike that sounds like a kids bike. Well just my opinion.