Fork upgrade ideas?

Message

ReggieGasket · #1 Post by **ReggieGasket** » Fri Jul 02, 2010 7:21 am

Hi, I don't like my forks. Apparently, the previous owner upgraded the forks with Maxton internals and they are way too hard for me. I could send them back to Maxton, but that will cost money. Alternatively, I could buy a different set of forks and sell them when I'm finished with them - maybe Mille R forks? Any ideas? maybe you feel standard forks are fine if set up correctly? I want comfort and I do the odd track day. I don't want a race set up.

Aladinsaneuk · #2 Post by **Aladinsaneuk** » Fri Jul 02, 2010 7:29 am

talk to a suspension expert and get them set up correctly via a service - or indeed just by adjusting settings if you have not already done so

ie change oil viscosity/volume

probably cheapest and easiest solution

(If you buy second hand forks you may be buying same thing again after all)

i am sure others will add their thoughts but that would be my view

D-Rider · #3 Post by **D-Rider** » Fri Jul 02, 2010 7:39 am

Yep - make sure they are set up well for you before you write them off.

I've fitted Mille-R Ohlins forks. They are a bit better than the standard Marzocchis but not hugely so.

Olig7475 · #4 Post by **Olig7475** » Fri Jul 02, 2010 10:12 am

I've got a spare pair of SHOWA front forks of my 2001, they work perfectly no leaky seals or damage to the sliders, just the outer casing has some damage where the cables have rubbed, don't want much for um so PM me if your are interested.
Oli

#5 Post by **mangocrazy** » Fri Jul 02, 2010 8:58 pm

I know a lot of people speak about Maxton in reverential tones, but I'm not so sure. From what I've seen, they set bikes up for the track rather than the road, and their suspension is often too harsh for normal use. I suspect that whatever you do with the adjusters you won't be able to get what you want, although it's worth a go before you ditch them.

My suggestion would be to first make careful notes of all the current settings - number of rings of preload showing (assuming they're Showas, of course), and number of clicks out from maximum on rebound and compression adjusters.

Then back the compression adjuster all the way out (soft) and wind all the preload off so you have maximum rings showing (on both fork legs, obviously). This should make the forks as soft as you can get them on compression and should tell you how it responds over bumps. If it feels better, then gradually back the rebound adjuster off, one click at a time and see if you can improve it further.

If, with the preload and compression set to minimum, it's still too harsh, then the forks will either need specialist attention or replacement. Personally, I'd be tempted to bite Olli's hand off for his Showas, if you can't get the Maxtons to work right.

paddyz1 · #6 Post by **paddyz1** » Fri Jul 02, 2010 9:28 pm

How big was the guy you brought the bike off. The first thing Maxton ask you is your weight so they can fit the correct spring.
They also put a sticker on the forks (although it could have been removed)
These stickers do NOT fall off as i had a twat of a job removing mine so i could repaint them.

If he was a big guy then you know what to do.
Once you get a Maxton Shock or fork upgrade go somewhere and spend 35 quid on getting it setup for yourself. Trust me it will be the best 35 you have spent for an hours work.

There is also the possibility that they guy you brought it off may have been talking out of his arse.

Me, I keep receipt's for stuff like that.

This sticker was a fucker to remove even with the corrosion surrounding it

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HisNibbs · #7 Post by **HisNibbs** » Fri Jul 02, 2010 9:28 pm

Can you get enough sag? If so spring rate is ok. If you can't get the damping soft enough then try the correct measure of thinner oil, if you don't know what is in there then the thinnest fork oil you can find.

That's only going to cost a few quid.

ReggieGasket · #8 Post by **ReggieGasket** » Sat Jul 03, 2010 6:25 am

Thanks for the feedback. I think I'll go to standard forks to get a baseline. There is no Maxton sticker and Maxton don't have a record of the previous owner. However, there was no need for the guy to lie as I had already bought the bike when he told me. Also, I think the rebound and compression adjusters are non standard becuase they only turn 3 turns - that correct? Also, the bike had a lot of upgrades already. I'll try the standard and maybe get these serviced at some point if they work better than the standard on track days.

banjaxxed1 · #9 Post by **banjaxxed1** » Tue Jul 06, 2010 1:10 pm

set of nice ohlins for sale on apriliaforum.com - €650 good price