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Opinions on this Front end PLEASE!

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    Opinions on this Front end PLEASE!

    I am going to get a front end for my Snowhawk.

    I am pretty sure I am going with this setup below. The guy is trustworthy and I don't believe he is a bullshitter.

    What do you all think of this deal?

    "The forks are VERY trick. It is my race mechanic who is selling the setup and he has many connections in AMA racing. The forks have axxion valves (from traction dynamics) rebound and compression, as well as traction dynamics springs and Showa WORKS tubes (thicker walled than stock, from Nicky Hayden's 1999 Erion bike). This guy isn't a bullshitter and he doesn't throw names around like that just for bravado.

    I have always used this mechanic's forks and they are unbelievable. He says this set are better than the works Showa ones he loaned me 2 years ago (and they were out of this world). In theory, these forks are worth $1000 to the right racer IF F4i's were still being raced by the top guys, which we know they aren't any more.

    Anyhoo, the triples are stock and he is throwing in a set of modified super blackbird handlebars (same as on my race bike, they let you put the clip-ons UNDER the top triple (so you can adjust fork height), yet have a 2" rise to get them in the right place, essential for racing an F4i front end.

    The front wheel is stock F4i. The rotors are Galfer wave rotors. Stock brake calipers with PF 95 pads. Goodrich Type II steel brake hoses (the best) going to a stock master cylinder with a double-banjo bleeder mounted to it (for easier bleeding and the master cylinder).

    He is asking $650 for the whole shebang.

    I'm thinking ebay prices for all that would be a lot more, but you could possibly pick up a completely stock front end for about $500. I think the extra $150 is worth it, depends on your budget.

    He says the setup hasn't been used for a year or so, so he will check and replace the fork seals if neccessary."

    So what do you guys think?
    BIKES: Honda: RC31 Racebike/ NT650 Streetbike, DUCATI: None at the moment.
    Former MSF Rider Coach / Trackday Instructor/ Expert Roadracer #116
    "I'd rather ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow."

    #2
    it definitely sounds like a good deal. Assuming that your stock front end is trash, you'll need:
    Forks: F3's will work in your stock triple and you can retain your speedo mount. $150-$200
    Wheel: VFR or F3 with axle and spacers. $40-$60
    Disks: I think that F2 and F3 will both work. $50-$75 depending on life left.
    Brake calipers: Stock nissins off an F2 or F3. $50
    Brake lines, steel braided: $25-$50
    New master cylinder w/lever: $25-$50

    So we're looking at about mid $300's for an inferior front end, but definitely an improvement over stock.

    I've purchased a complete '03 stock GSX-R 750 front with carbon fender earlier last year for an FZR400 project bike - that cost me $600. I don't know how it compares to the F4i's front end, but I'm sure that the GSX-R has better brakes, and are more lateraly stiff, plus a bit more blingy (USD). The guy's F4i front end will probably work better - sprung and revalved, and will be lighter. My guess is that that F4i setup is a good bargain (as I've felt that my front end was a good bargain).

    If you're planning on doing a respring and revalve from pros anyway - I think that you could save a whole lot from the F4i deal assuming that it is set up for someone of your weight.
    It's scary how slow I am!

    '88 HawkGT - crashed as all hell - Hiperform subframe, VFR rear wheel, F3 front end, Penske shock.

    '05 Ducati S2R - Monstrack mirrors, CRG levers, Evoluzione clutch slave cylinder, ProItalia tail chop, Arrow damper, Nichols flywheel, Suburban Machinery bars

    Comment


      #3
      There is a stock F4i front clip on ebay right now, I am going to keep my eye on that too. It is only my first race season so....

      USD forks would be cool (I was looking for an RC51 set) but I don't think I NEED them.

      Good point on the set up for someone my weight.

      I will ask that.
      BIKES: Honda: RC31 Racebike/ NT650 Streetbike, DUCATI: None at the moment.
      Former MSF Rider Coach / Trackday Instructor/ Expert Roadracer #116
      "I'd rather ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow."

      Comment


        #4
        My complete 01-03 GSX-R600 front end (forks, wheel, brake system, lower triple and stem) cost me $350 on eBay. It's RSU and stock, so nothing showy, but Max McAllister of Traxxion Dynamics said in Roadracing World that it was the best conventional front end he'd ever seen on a stock bike. And then everyone went to USD stuff, so I extrapolate that means this front end is THE BEST CONVENTIONAL FRONT END IN THE HISTORY OF PRODUCTION MOTORCYCLES!

        Or something. <ahem>

        Braided lines, two discs, rebound, compression and preload adjustable. Very rebuildable and highly ubiquitous. I'm pleased, and I haven't even set the sag yet.

        FYI and all that...
        I'll think I'll go for a life of sin followed by a last minute, presto-change-o deathbed repentance. -B. Simpson

        Alex

        Comment


          #5
          Well I got that front end today. I think it looks good and bolted right up. It is drilled EVERYWHERE for safety wire already!

          I probably could have got it a little cheaper but maybe the "Nicky Hayden" tubes will bring me some luck.

          Thanks for the info guys. I'll keep you posted on how the setup goes.
          BIKES: Honda: RC31 Racebike/ NT650 Streetbike, DUCATI: None at the moment.
          Former MSF Rider Coach / Trackday Instructor/ Expert Roadracer #116
          "I'd rather ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow."

          Comment

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