Just asking the pool of knowledge if it's worth changing to BPF or getting something like Ohlins, K-tech re-valved and spring change to my 13 stone in bike gear on my 09 std forks? If to change forks, do 2012 fit straight into my yokes? Cheers guys
I found the BPF to be a good upgrade on my 2011 blade. The forks were brand new and cost £600 much the same price as fitting a K-tech piston kit in your old forks. I took the view that I could always sell on the BPF and refit my original forks when I sell the bike. Once you have modded your own forks they might not suit someone else. Ride wise the BPF are much better than the stock 2008-2011 forks. They have a strange clonk every now and then but they have good feedback and the bike goes where you point it. I had mine serviced by K-tech in November and they feel even better with some good quality fork oil in them. They are a direct replacement for the original forks so no worries there. No doubt some Ohlins cartridges or K-tech goodies would be better but do you need them on a road bike - probably not.
Depends on whether the OEM spring rate is within range for your weight. I’m less than 70kg and found the OEM springs too hard. My main use is road riding/commutting with the odd track day thrown in. As Red said buying a set of BFPs is about the same as getting your pre 2012 revalved and sprung, but you do end up with a spare set, difference is the second option will be bespoke to you. The big question is which is better, an upgrade of the pre 2012 internals (not talking cartridges mind) or correctly set up BPFs? When I asked my local specialist they recommended the former, but I guess it all depends on your weight and application. My forks needed a new seal and service anyway so went the K-tech route.
That's why I'm in two minds as either option seems the best one. What weight is the 2012 BPF set-up for ?
I had my forks fitted with the piston kit and springs for my weight and have to say it was night and day to what they were. It's what I would do without a doubt. That way it's set for you.
another consideration is the condition of your current forks. If your stanchions are worn/pitted and outers corroded I wouldn't bother upgrading the internals. I paid £600 for the fronts to be upgraded( this was ride in ride out), lower rate springs (95Nm) no5 ktech oil and comp/rebound valves, was it worth it oh yes!! It just inspires so much more confidence, I can brake harder, drive harder thro corners and flick the blade with thought alone!. my original thoughts are here: http://1000rr.co.uk/index.php?threads/k-tech-internals-upgrade.15009/ Previously I was skipping all over the place, regardless of settings, never really using all the available travel. Now I use all the travel without bottoming out. Feed back is excellent and bumps are just soaked up. I remember the picking up the bike after the upgrade and instantly feeling the improvement even in torrential rain!. Read Shiney/ Colins sticky on upgrading the forks, if you are up for it it will save you a wedge! Can't really afford to get the rears sorted but have just bought a brand new OEM shock of another member ( my OEM has done nearly 40K). But there are new Nitrons (race spec) on ebay for about £600 fecking bargain!
Funnily enough I feel the standard OE suspension on the 08-11 is pretty poor imho... Like you say it skips about too much despite being fettled twice by KAIS... Bumpy roads make me nervous. Never had the issue on my old R1 that was also on standard kit.
Have a look at the Racetech web site in the USA. You can put your weight into their spring rate calculator then compare it to the spring rate of the OEM spring. From memory the stock spring was good at about 13 stone. I changed my spring for a lighter spring rate as I'm only about 11 stone. Having the correct spring is key when it comes to setting the correct sag on the bike. The stock BPF is miles better than the unmodified 08-11 fork - have a chat with Ktech for an unbiased opinion.
Link to Rachtech http://racetech.com/ProductSearch/2/Honda/CBR1000RR Fire Blade/2012-13 Looks like it's closer to 14 stone for the road and 13 stone for road race on the stock BPF spring.
