Front suspension upgrades?

I've a K5 and am very pleased with it but for the awful front end,can anybody give me the definitive answer on upgrading,which is best,Racetech,Ricor or Traxxion?
Also,if funds allow,I may replace the rear too,again,which is best bearing in mind cost of course?
Ta very much.

[yorkie_chris]

AK20 front or GSXR forks, penske or ohlins rear. Not sure which is best on rear for pointy.

AK20 being the Racetech emulators from PDQ?the rear though will be telephone numbers,those are high cost brands!

[yorkie_chris]

No!
AK20 are the "cartridges" that the "cartridge emulators" try to emulate!

Full GSXR front end is good.

I went the Ricor route for the front as the Intiminators were a cheap option at half price when they first came out. I've been more than happy with them - simple to fit but no adjustment other than preload. That said you can play around with the air space to stiffen the shock a little. So far I have never felt the front has been overcome by anything I've come across on the road. The front is really planted, doesn't bang and clunk and doesn't dive like mad on the brakes. The rear shock is another story and bounced around when hard on the gas and was easily overcome on fast dips and rises. I went for a Nitron Sport - the quality is amazing and it can be rebuilt/regassed etc by the manufacturer for around £80.

At the end of the day for road use my setup is more than adequate - yes it would have limitations on the track - cartridge conversions and Ohlins or Penske will cost you a small fortune. Best of luck...

[yorkie_chris]

I dunno about cheap!

Those emulator copies from states are best value for money and best supported as lots of people are familiar with them.

The thing was when they first came out to sell a few units they were only half the price they are now - plus the exchange rate (dollar/pound) was better than now. So for about £100 plus some fork oil the front end was sorted. No need to change the springs or strip the lower forks and open up oil ways etc. It only took about 2hrs to complete the job. Support from the guy at Ricor is very good also.

[yorkie_chris]

I do not believe that would be effective in comparison to emulators.
Stock springs simply do not provide enough support to brake properly.


Also you playing about with air gap will stiffen it, but only at end of travel, you want it to work for full stroke.

If one went the front springs replacement route only,would it be a good improvemnt on stock installation?

[yorkie_chris]

Yes, huge. biggest step improvement you can do for money.