F2 vs F3 Forks

[Snap]

Hi,

I'm looking to upgrade my forks by doing the conversion while using the stock lowers.

I've been offered some late f2 forks. Looking at the pics of the f2 forks, they look similar to f3 forks.

How are f3 forks better than f2 forks?

Thanks.

[6]

The f3 forks are a cartridge fork. The f2 are not with the exception of the last year f2 fork.

[69Falcon]

Right, the ‘94 F2 forks are cartridge.

[Snap]

Thank you.

Just to clarify, so the late f2 forks are same as f3 forks?

[6]

Thank you.

Just to clarify, so the late f2 forks are same as f3 forks?

What I don't know is if the lowers are the same. The f2 didn't have floating rotors, the f3 did, so I'm not sure if the caliper mount locations, and for that matter the axle size differs between them.

I don't ever remember putting an f3 wheel on f2 forks or vise versa.

[Zanderk]

[QUOTE=Snap;n973861]Hi,

I'm looking to upgrade my forks by doing the conversion while using the stock lowers.

I've been offered some late f2 forks. Looking at the pics of the f2 forks, they look similar to f3 forks.

How are f3 forks better than f2 forks?

Thanks.

………..

As I understand it, the later F2 forks and early F3 forks are similar in that they feature a cartridge design that allows you to adjust preload and rebound. I brought some F2 forks on EBay earlier this year and found out they were cartridge type. I then got the cartridges modded by KTech (in the UK) and run 5 weight fork oil as directed. The only thing I would say is that because they’re much firmer than the pogo sticks fitted as standard, the front sits higher as there’s less sag as standard. This means a bit of adjustment in terms of height in triple clamps, etc. I’m very happy with the swop into standard Hawk lowers…

[Captain 80s]

Fender and caliper mounts are different. The cartridge internals between 94 and 95-98 are also very different.

[6]

JanM would know.

So would many others. But I've forgotten a lot of the "what's swaps with what" knowledge that I had acquired in the past.

[Zanderk]

I think in this case it’s a bit (a bit) simpler because the poster intends using the stock lowers so no concerns with caliper, mudguard mounts, etc.

[JanM]

https://www.hawkgtforum.com/forum/honda-hawk-gt-bros-discussions/general-discussion/800637-interchangeability-of-hawk-f2-f3-forks

[Snap]

[QUOTE=Zanderk;n973876]

Hi,

I'm looking to upgrade my forks by doing the conversion while using the stock lowers.

I've been offered some late f2 forks. Looking at the pics of the f2 forks, they look similar to f3 forks.

How are f3 forks better than f2 forks?

Thanks.

………..

As I understand it, the later F2 forks and early F3 forks are similar in that they feature a cartridge design that allows you to adjust preload and rebound. I brought some F2 forks on EBay earlier this year and found out they were cartridge type. I then got the cartridges modded by KTech (in the UK) and run 5 weight fork oil as directed. The only thing I would say is that because they’re much firmer than the pogo sticks fitted as standard, the front sits higher as there’s less sag as standard. This means a bit of adjustment in terms of height in triple clamps, etc. I’m very happy with the swop into standard Hawk lowers…

Ive been offered a pair of f2 forks and essentially I'm trying to weigh up if it's better to be patient and look for f3 forks and they would be more beneficial than f2 forks.

I'm also in the UK. Could I ask how much it cost for ktech to do that work for you?

[JanM]

Why do you want cartridge forks? Is there a specific problem you would like to solve? Sure it comes from the forks? What rear shock do have, how is the bike setup right now?

If you are in the UK why not just call K-Tech during office hours and talk to them? Why K-Tech - there are many suspension shops in the UK, would be best to work with someone close to you - if that is K-Tech, why not make an appointment with eg. Oneclick Mick and take it from there? K-Tech are not bad, they are highly proficient...

If you don't want to do the work yourself (when you figure out what you want) then I still consider the Racetech Goldvalve Emulator and springs to suit together with a quality shock with a spring to suit as the best setup for the least amount of money and effort.

[Snap]

I want to upgrade from stock as I want to enjoy the bike on the twisties without feeling like I'm on a pogo stick.

[69Falcon]

Then the most cost effective solution is Gold Valve Emulators (GVE) as Jan pointed out. Match it with a decent shock in the rear and you’ll be good to go.

[6]

I want to upgrade from stock as I want to enjoy the bike on the twisties without feeling like I'm on a pogo stick.

The big advantage of the cartridge for is that you can make adjustments without having to take the forks apart. Most street riders, and even amateur racers, find a setting that works and leave it. In that case, as Chuck just said, springs and GVE's in the stock forks are great. I actually went SLOWER when i swapped from my GVE forks to my cartridge forks on the race bike. It took me two months to get my lap times back and start improving again, but i think it was more the larger brakes that contributed to that issue.

Some times you are just hit by the "upgrade bug" and need to bolt the coolest stuff you can find to your hawk, in which case we have a different situation. At that point there are some cool fork options out there. the F41 forks probably being the "best" before you start to mess with the turning radius.

But if you are looking to just solve the problem, there is a better path and that path is springs, oil and GVE's.