RC51 fork mods

[Old Fart Racer]

I am quite sure this topic has been beaten to death, but let me wade in anyway. I'm interested in some opinions about fork modifications for track use. Spending approx $2400.00 for either Ohlins R/T forks (which, BTW still need the addition of the Ohlins Superbike valving kit for another $400.00) or Traxxion Dynamics gas-charged cartridge kit are NOT options. I just don't want to drop that much coin right now. I'm leaning toward either the Traxxion Dynamics AK-20 kit (less than half price) or just changing out the stock valves with Ohlins or Elka valves.

I'm open to all opinions and suggestions, especially from those who use the RC on the track...THANKS!

[RCJAY]

Originally Posted by Old Fart Racer

I am quite sure this topic has been beaten to death, but let me wade in anyway. I'm interested in some opinions about fork modifications for track use. Spending approx $2400.00 for either Ohlins R/T forks (which, BTW still need the addition of the Ohlins Superbike valving kit for another $400.00) or Traxxion Dynamics gas-charged cartridge kit are NOT options. I just don't want to drop that much coin right now. I'm leaning toward either the Traxxion Dynamics AK-20 kit (less than half price) or just changing out the stock valves with Ohlins or Elka valves.

I'm open to all opinions and suggestions, especially from those who use the RC on the track...THANKS!

Why don't you think about the Ohlin's cartiridge kit installed in the stock forks. I think thats cheaper then R/T forks and the valves are bigger in the Ohlin's kit over the R/T forks. But if you're going to buy the forks and the kit then that great and all but too expensive. You don't get the Ohlins look but we perform just as good.

[Ika-kun]

I think most people here will tell you to have your forks sent to Kyle Racing - Roadracing Motorcycles so he can rework them. I have yet to do so because I'm broke, but he's the best bang for the buck...well under $1K including shipping with quick turnaround, from what I hear.

[bensexcessbikes]

Send the forks to be reworked by Dan Kyle for your weight. I have some sprung for a 210lb'r and they are f^kkin' awesome even though I'm a little north of the weight.

[Waldo]

Buy the Springs/valves/shim kits and do them yourself. It is not hard.

[RockyMt]

How much do you weigh, and what have/are you doing with yer shock? (replace, respring, shim..)

-Rocky-

[pannetron]

Send the forks to Dan Kyle. He knows what shim stack to use and other modifications to make to the stock valves to " git 'er done" and also polishes the fork tubes to reduce stiction. His experience is *priceless* yet he charges a very reasonable fee for his work -- kyleusa.com

[Nemo]

Dan did mine for me,sprung for me @ 160 with gear + kyle link + Ohlins rear. This transformed my like into a love affair! uuuugh!! corny but true.

[3stripes]

Originally Posted by Waldo

Buy the Springs/valves/shim kits and do them yourself. It is not hard.

Do tell...in detail please why this is not hard. Serious would like to learn how.

Tai

[wibbly]

i have a set of traxxion reworked sp1 forks sprung for 200lbs if you're interested...

[Old Fart Racer]

Originally Posted by RCJAY

Why don't you think about the Ohlin's cartiridge kit installed in the stock forks. I think thats cheaper then R/T forks and the valves are bigger in the Ohlin's kit over the R/T forks. But if you're going to buy the forks and the kit then that great and all but too expensive. You don't get the Ohlins look but we perform just as good.

I looked into the Ohlins cartridge kit for the RC. Sadly, they don't make one for the RC. It's either revalve or replace the entire unit. To the best of my knowledge (and I'm happy to be proved wrong) Traxxion Dynamics is the only company making a cartridge kit for our bikes. Revalving is a very real possibility and Dan Kyle has been suggested by many folks, along with a few of the responders here. I'm also looking at Superbike Italia (they show up at quite a few STT trackday events) to do a rework. Their feedback, like Dan's, has been pretty positive. THANKS GUYS for the feedback...

[RAZR51]

Dan's prices are closer to $600 than $1000 that was already mentioned.

[RVTMAVERICK]

FWIW and FYI., I think I paid a total of 550 bucks for Dan to work his Magic on My forks,> shipped to Dan Kyle, He did IMHO a Killer job, Ohlin springs for my weight, with Dan reworking the shim stack\valve to my riding style, polished\Honed fork tubes. Reassembled with fresh seals and fork Oil & Cleaned up and to my door....

Let me tell you this much.... I wished I had done it 2++ years sooner then I did (in 2005 I was quoted 440 bucks.. Then I was finely ready to get the forks done Jan. 2008... Sorry but Our prices have JUST Gone Up... So I paid for the Same exact job but 110 bucks more ) LOL Prices go up and I think it had been ALOT of years,.. Dan was doing them for 440... So, I'm happy for him to get a pay raise and I'm Very Happy I finely got them done.
However,.. the reason for me wishing I had done them 2+ years sooner.... wasn't the money,.. for Me, it's just because they're that much Better! Do it, You'll NOT be sorry.


I Hope this Helps

PS> Resale of Dan Kyle forks is quite abit better too... They Sell faster and for more money, as well they Should!.

[mspeedman]

Im racing with stock externals and re valved and re-sprung internals from GP suspension, he will also do the ohlins or stock rear for your weight which is recomended. This can all be accomplished with your budget and will make the bike feel amazing, R/T's are nice but a big chunk out of a race budget and not needed for most

Anyone who knows uses Dave's suspension handy work in the West they also make there own cartridge 25mm kit which I had in my R6 very gooooooood!

[1BadRC51]

I was gonna just get my stock forks worked by DK but he offered me a sweet deal on some pre-owned R&T Forks with Superbike valves. He totally reconditioned the forks and sprung/set them up for my weight for $2k. I couldn't turn it down.

[Blue Balls]

Dan Kyle quoted me 650.00 about three weeks ago. My first RC I had Race Tech revale my front forks and shock and I was very happy what they did. Gonna see how much they will do my 04. Depending on the price is probably where I'm gonna go. Dan only does the forks, Race tech can do the forks and shock.

[wingnutt]

Shipping these off to FIRSTCHEROKEE KID today and the recept doesn't show the ohlins #

[SubSailor]

Originally Posted by Old Fart Racer

I looked into the Ohlins cartridge kit for the RC. Sadly, they don't make one for the RC. It's either revalve or replace the entire unit. To the best of my knowledge (and I'm happy to be proved wrong) Traxxion Dynamics is the only company making a cartridge kit for our bikes. Revalving is a very real possibility and Dan Kyle has been suggested by many folks, along with a few of the responders here. I'm also looking at Superbike Italia (they show up at quite a few STT trackday events) to do a rework. Their feedback, like Dan's, has been pretty positive. THANKS GUYS for the feedback...

Race-Tech also make replacement cartridge kits for RC51.
They are 25mm cartridges vs. 20mm for Traxxion-Dynamics.
However they are around $1400 as opposed to $999 for T-D's.
The kits are not just the cartridges and internals, they also come with springs and oil, and some extra shims.

[PBMW]

Dave at GP Suspension in Portlaand Or. also does RC51 forks. He did mine as well as the Penski shock.
Very high quality work. They machine all their parts in house. Outstanding guys.