Mystic13
23rd July 2008, 14:54
I've got a F800 ST and I'm wanting to upgrade the suspensions a little. I'm wanting to keep the $ down within reason.
The front has a non adjustable telescopic fork. On the F800 forum (f800riders.org) folks are replacing them with Hyperpro (most), Wilbers (2nd), Elka, Ohlins and WP. They're replacing the front springs with new progressive or linear springs.
For the rear some are completely replacing the shock and others are just replacing the spring. Mostly it's the Hyperpro progressive spring that's going on.
All riders are talking about much better handling. (and they've also spent the bucks so...) I'm thinking of having the springs replaced front and back and my questions are;
- who knows about this stuff and can do the job well in Auckland (or within a few hours ride).
- should I go for progressive or linear on the front.
- and any recommendations on brands.
- is there anything else you want to add.
I'm looking to replace the springs because I have a problem with the ABS under braking once every 4000km's on average where I go over a small bump or dip the size of a catseye and the ABS assumues I'm losing directional stability or getting rear wheel lift off and it appears to release the brakes for up to two car lengths.
This occurs on a dry road, when not braking hard and when there is IMHO no chance of going over the bars or sliding. General consensus seems to be improving the suspension may see an end to this problem. If it does then great and if it doesn't at least I get a better ride.
I do about 25,000kms a year. A combination of day to day stuff, all weather and weekend blasts. I do a fair bit of two up riding although my wife now has a learners licence. Fingers crossed I'll have a riding partner as opposed to a pillion.
I enjoy just taking it out for a blast through the twisties and can hang on the back of the quicker guys and have no chicken strips on the tyres. The beast does end up off road sometimes when I run out of tarseal but I don't need to take that into account.
I used to run the bike stiffer in the rear and prefer that but with the ABS problem its been softened off so it feels like riding a Suzuki from 20 years ago as it moves around on big bumps in a corner.
Having said that it's a great all round bike and damned comfortable on a long trip and easily thrown around on tight corners. Love the bike and just want to enjoy it more.
Cheers
The front has a non adjustable telescopic fork. On the F800 forum (f800riders.org) folks are replacing them with Hyperpro (most), Wilbers (2nd), Elka, Ohlins and WP. They're replacing the front springs with new progressive or linear springs.
For the rear some are completely replacing the shock and others are just replacing the spring. Mostly it's the Hyperpro progressive spring that's going on.
All riders are talking about much better handling. (and they've also spent the bucks so...) I'm thinking of having the springs replaced front and back and my questions are;
- who knows about this stuff and can do the job well in Auckland (or within a few hours ride).
- should I go for progressive or linear on the front.
- and any recommendations on brands.
- is there anything else you want to add.
I'm looking to replace the springs because I have a problem with the ABS under braking once every 4000km's on average where I go over a small bump or dip the size of a catseye and the ABS assumues I'm losing directional stability or getting rear wheel lift off and it appears to release the brakes for up to two car lengths.
This occurs on a dry road, when not braking hard and when there is IMHO no chance of going over the bars or sliding. General consensus seems to be improving the suspension may see an end to this problem. If it does then great and if it doesn't at least I get a better ride.
I do about 25,000kms a year. A combination of day to day stuff, all weather and weekend blasts. I do a fair bit of two up riding although my wife now has a learners licence. Fingers crossed I'll have a riding partner as opposed to a pillion.
I enjoy just taking it out for a blast through the twisties and can hang on the back of the quicker guys and have no chicken strips on the tyres. The beast does end up off road sometimes when I run out of tarseal but I don't need to take that into account.
I used to run the bike stiffer in the rear and prefer that but with the ABS problem its been softened off so it feels like riding a Suzuki from 20 years ago as it moves around on big bumps in a corner.
Having said that it's a great all round bike and damned comfortable on a long trip and easily thrown around on tight corners. Love the bike and just want to enjoy it more.
Cheers