Fork upgrade? What would you do or have done?

[user 8909]

I'm looking at Traxxion upgrades, complete rebuild with some improvements but haven't decided on going the full monty with the AK20 cartridge$. I plan to ship my forks to them for this work.

Not sure who else is out there that would be a completive choice or has a good reputation. Traxxion does have a good track record with FJR's btw.

I would be interested in advice/opinions from those considering the same or have done similar upgrades themselves or had a shop do it.

How was your GP Group buy experience in Dec. ?

.

 

[escapefjrtist]

Many threads and lots of opinions. You mentioned Traxxion already, KFG / GP Suspension is another place to take a look at. There was a recent group buy for GP components with excellent pricing.

--G

 

[Bill]

A few years ago, I asked the same "Traxxion Dynamics or GP Suspension" question and after doing extensive research and lots of reading...came for this conclusion.

Since there are so many satisfied GP Suspension customers on this and other forums, it made little sense to spend the several hundred extra dollars necessary to purchase the Traxxion Dynamics setup.

 

[RedPorscheKilla]

Well Escapefjrtist said already what I was about to say. Biggest issue should be, what do you want to spend! I've got the KFG/GP upgrade which consist of the GP cartridge on Oehlins springs, a great set up and I'm very happy with it!

V

RPK

 

[user 8909]

Thanks, sure would like to get that group buy pricing, we'll see what they say,

 

[SkooterG]

It's only money! I've got AK-20s and love them. Took out the GP suspension bits when I but the AK-20s in. But I got them used off the forum for a lot cheaper than new.

I love the AK-20s, but they are pricey. My forks and Wilbers shock will be heading to Traxxion very soon for some much needed servicing.

 

[101stpathfinder]

Skooter convinced me that after 130k on my stock suspension that I should think about an upgrade. So I am doing a "Ride-In" for complete services. Going with the AK-20s and Penske 8983 rear upgrade. My first born son was none to happy when I sent him as a down payment.

 

[LAF]

I did the Pensky and 1.1kg springs with spring buffers and new fluid. I did the work myself and it was not bad at all. My plan was to upgrade to the Ak 20 's this year. Well that is not going to happen as money is tight. And I am not sure I ride well enough to know the differance. I am sure I would know but I just do not have the money or need to see.

Traxxion and Lee were great to deal with, picked up the phone when I questioned the new lower oil level in the forks and the setting on the Pensky and sag of the fork springs were right on with the spacer provided. Lee does know FJR's.

Also if I want to upgrade Lee said since I have the springs that will come off the price of the AK 20's.

Comes down to what you need based on riding style and skills, and if you want to do it yourself or have someone do it, and of course ho fat your wallet is.

Traxxion all the way for me.

Top is Traxxion with spring buffers, bottom stock.

 

[SwollenRaccoon]

I know it's not an FJR, but I had RaceTech do my VTR forks a few years back, and was very impressed with the results. Did a track day with stock fork guts, and the next year, same track with the RaceTech upgrades, and it was like a whole new bike. Best mod I've ever done to a bike, and I will be doing it to the FJR in the future.

 

[RedPorscheKilla]

I went back and checked my invoice from KFG Racing, the fork serviced (needed to be done anyway, as my FeeJay was at the 16K miles service) and the GP Kit (Rebound and Compression Kit, 1ea) and Oehlins springs (25.5/260/11/0), ran up about $700.

V

RPK

 

[Auburn]

I went back and checked my invoice from KFG Racing, the fork serviced (needed to be done anyway, as my FeeJay was at the 16K miles service) and the GP Kit (Rebound and Compression Kit, 1ea) and Oehlins springs (25.5/260/11/0), ran up about $700.
V

RPK

You should clarify that included GP Suspension taking them off and putting them back on your bike too. He could save some money if he does that part himself.

 

[user 8909]

Thanks again,

RaceTech was another one I couldn't recall. Visited their site but didn't see a mention of the FJR, the ST but not the FJR

, I'll shoot them a email.

 

[Chiefblueman]

In 2011 I rebuilt the forks on my FZ1 and installed Traxxion Dynamics valving, reb and comp, on the stock cartridges along with their spring and damper set. Also had them rebuild, valve and spring the shock. Superb customer service from Lee and the result was amazing. Shock was set up spot on out of the box and the fork turned out,well, amazing.

Fast forward to Aug 2012. Wanted suspension work for my new to me Gen1 FJR. The stock stuff was amazing-ly poor. Couldn't get a call back from local to me GP so I gave Lee at Traxxion a call. Once again just superb customer service. I purchased AK20's with springs and all the rebuild parts and a Penske 8983. I wanted to take a little trip in 6 days so Traxxion had the fork parts in my hands in 3 days and the Penske in 5 days. Lee kept me updated by phone and email the whole way and provided me with installation info, instructions etc to help me achieve my goal. The result was once again amazing. Like riding a different bike. I highly recommend Lee and Traxxion Dynamics, they know FJR suspension.

 

[Auburn]

Thanks again,RaceTech was another one I couldn't recall. Visited their site but didn't see a mention of the FJR, the ST but not the FJR

, I'll shoot them a email.

I helped a friend put a Race Tech system on his '05 FJR. It replaced most of the internal componets and springs. We had to drill the two holes at the bottom of the inner fork tube with a slightly larger diameter than stock. It is very simple to install, the directions were very good and it comes with the tool needed to hold the cartridge so you can torque the bottom bolt properly. I think it took about 2 hours to do the modifications and rebuild both forks.

I have no riding experience with race tech, but the guy's bike that was done said it is very good. He replaced his rear shock with a Penske at the same time.

 

[jmgrif]

Last year I upgraded to Race Tech, Fork-Gold Valve kit, Fork Spring Kit, and Custom G3 rear shock. Stock bushings were shot and were replaced. Not cheap! I did the re and re on the shock and had a local suspension company do the fork rebuild. In addition to a much better handling bike I now have way more adjust ability when riding with different load configurations. The labour to rebuild the forks was $75ea. plus oil. The shock and fork parts was around $2000.00. It does make a difference in handling!

 

[TheZsdad]

I had brand xyz in the forks but changed out for the AK20's.

With a Penske out back and AK20's leading the way, Life Is Good.

Only regret is I didn't do this first. Your results may vary.

 

[kamal]

I am doing the Traxxion upgrade as we speak. AK-20s, 1.1 springs, Penske 8983 shock with Hyperco shortened spring. $US1730 inc. shipping and insurance to Sumas, WA. I think that's a very reasonable price, I was expecting 2K +.

No idea how it will work, but it can only be better - can't it?

Good luck.

Al

 

[SkooterG]

I am doing the Traxxion upgrade as we speak. AK-20s, 1.1 springs, Penske 8983 shock with Hyperco shortened spring. $US1730 inc. shipping and insurance to Sumas, WA. I think that's a very reasonable price, I was expecting 2K +.No idea how it will work, but it can only be better - can't it?

Good luck.

Al

I think you will be very happy.

 

[Chiefblueman]

Same mods I made, 1.1 fork and 800lb/in shock springs. I guarantee you will see a big improvement