Race Tech suspension check on my 83

[Tranesong2]

Hey, does anybody know anything about having Race Tech analysis done on a bike of this vintage? My Ducati dealer in Michigan has just sent two of their techs to the west coast for the training. I know a bit about suspension tuning, but this seems like a pretty professional approach. I know this company is pretty active with newer bikes. I'm just not sure how much it would help. Anybody ever had this done on any bike?

[squirrelman]

upgrade yourself to a better bike like '86/'87 VFR series instead of buying a jogging outfit an your old granny....surprising how reasonable you can get them!

with the good quality bikes you have, why waste money on this old, inferior beater anyway??

[JamieDaugherty]

RaceTech does not offer parts for your bike. What I have done is adapted a different set of Gold Valve Emulators and made them fit the VF700/750 forks. You can see details on my site.

This is very much worth the effort. I've found the GVE's to totally transform the action of the forks. If performance is what you are after then this should something on your TO-DO list.

[Sebspeed]

If you're willing, I just recently found out that a 1994 CBR600F2 has everything you want for your bike. It was the last year of the F2, and has cartridge forks that are internally the same as the F3, and still has the speedo drive at the wheel, AND has floating rotors to boot!

(and you can then get the gold valves for it, instead of the emulators)

Unfortunately, I found this out after getting a set of VF1000R forks for my 83. (They're 41mm, and Racetech does make a set of GVE's for it).

The F2 front end would be so much easier, as you can just bolt the entire front end on, then add an F2 rear wheel for a great tire combo to boot.

[JamieDaugherty]

Actually... no. The F2 forks will not work on the VF700/750/1000's. Those forks are are way to short, if you tried to use them they would allow the front tire to hit the radiator and/or cylinder head when compressed. In case you are wondering, there is not anything newer/better that is long enough either. You are pretty much stuck with the forks (or VF1000 ones, as you mention) and modifying as necessary.

[Sebspeed]

Not sure what these are(maybe gsxr parts?), but I've grabbed images of a few 750's with this same front end, it sure does look the part...

[JamieDaugherty]

That looks like s SuperHawk front end. See how close the fender is to the radiator? It's not uncommon to see people just throw a front end without fully checking things out. Momma told me "Just because it's on the 'net don't make it right!"

[fabinator]

I dunno, the travel may be short enough. It doesn't look much closer that the original forks. It's something I would be willing to try, but I'm kinda set on keeping my bike as close to stock/HRC spec as possible.