So, after reading all about the potential fork upgrades for the SV, I decided to do something a little different....
A ZX6R F1 hybrid! I chose these forks as they're cartridge forks and I can't find a bad review on handling.
The Idea is that the ZX6R forks have 41mm fork tubes and cartridges that fit, so ideally, I'll be able to drop the cartridge into the SV fork leg and then use the ZX6R fork tube for the top, meaning I can keep the same wheel, speedo drive, brakes and fender but have sports bike suspension for the fraction of the cost of GSXR forks! (Similar to the CBR F3 concept)
I'm not after an extra second off on lap times, just better road handling and less diving!
Now I'm no master mechanic, I've only really done a few minor things on bikes including fork oil change, brake rebuilds etc all with the help from this fantastic forum! So hopefully you lovely lot will be able to help me on this project
Found a pair on ebay in ok nick (not really cosmetically bothered) slight pitting but no leaks amazingly!
I'm hoping to document it all on here for others to use incase they fancy a go themselves, and for help from you guys!
So to start with...
Hoisted up the bike using some ratchet straps and started to get the forks out.
Made sure the brakes where tied up (using the very latest technology in torn plastic bags)
Now here's the first hiccup. Bloody alan bolt holding the front fender stripped (made of brie)
So decided to drill it out from the other side, easy peasy!
After all this some clever sod forgot to loosen the top caps, remember to do this before you start! Only half a turn or you'll cause problems when you lower them off the yolks. I just put them into the lower clamps and did it, made it easier anyway as the wires/cables were in the way at the top yolk.
Ok so just to visualize for later, the ZX6R forks are slightly taller than the SV forks, only by 25-30mm, so if you want to keep a similar geometry, raise the forks by 25-30mm through the top yolk when they go back in.
(SV left, ZX6R right)
Before I started dismantling the forks, I made sure all the setting where set to the standard stated here -
http://www.sportrider.com/motorcycle_suspension/
Im not to sure if the compression damping adjuster will cause problems when they slot into the SV fork leg, I can only imagine it'll just have no adjustment, if I'm wrong and it's going to create hell, stop me now!
Now same as with the SV forks, I stuck them in the yolk, and got the top cap loose.
Took them out and started to drain the old fork oil, my god did it stink! Nice and black as well!
Now here comes the second problem that has stopped the project until a solution is found.
I've loosened the alan nut under the ZX6R fork leg to remove the cartridge.
I've definitely loosened them both, but they aren't coming out? and I cant remove the cartridge at all?
They both turn with a little force but I can't get them out for the life of me!
Any Ideas?
Any other tips, ideas, comments are welcome!
Tune in next week for more updates!
