98 R1 fork swap

Discussion in '5th Generation 1998-2001' started by I0seb, Feb 28, 2017.

  1. I0seb

    I0seb New Member

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    Hi all,

    Making a new thread for my fork swap for ease of navigation. I will try to include as many details as possible so anyone who wants to attempt this in the future can refer to this thread.

    The reasons I went with this specific year model R1 are as follows:

    - Price and availability, got them for a steal
    - 35mm offset, only slightly less than the stock VFR forks which combined with the R1 forks slightly shorter length, should result in largely unchanged rake and trail values
    - Bottom steering bearing is the same, top can be replaced with one that is reasonably common (30x47x12mm), I got mine here:

    http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Tapered-...610520?hash=item43dc3a3318:g:nrAAAOSwrklVS-pW

    - They are nice and pretty and gold

    To maintain handle bar height, I will be using a set of Renthal Ultra Low handlebars and 35mm RHK risers which I’ll bolt through the R1 top triple. The height comes within millimetres of the stock clip-ons (88mm for stock risers vs aprox. 80-85mm for Renthals). I’ll be making up custom length front brake lines once they are fitted and I can measure the length needed, I estimate around 800mm.
    Things that have been done so far:

    - 929rr rear shock swap
    - Front brake system removal/brake delink
    - Fit R1 forks, lower triple tree and new top bearing
    - Filled indicator holes with body filler and sent the fairings off to be painted
    - Fit stock bar weights to Renthal bars (VFR ID is 17mm, Renthal is 14mm)

    Things left to do:
    - Mount R1 brakes and master cylinder and top triple
    - Make new brake lines
    - Install new handlebars
    - Powdercoat wheels

    I am waiting on the arrival of the top triple, front brakes and front axle from the US, R1 wheel should arrive in the next few days.

    Pics of the build so far:

    Before work began:

    [​IMG]

    Headers after buffing and then coating:

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    CBR shock bracket fabricated and mounted:

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Front brake system delinked and removed:

    [​IMG]

    Indicator holes filled:

    [​IMG]

    R1 forks and new bearing fitted:

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Ghetto mount bar ends:

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
  2. RVFR

    RVFR Member

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    And the fun has gotten into high gear I see, Nice.... Now keep us up to date please ;)
     
  3. duccmann

    duccmann Member

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    The Mans got a plan, good job. Can't wait to see it finished.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  4. CandyRedRC46

    CandyRedRC46 Member

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    Very nice! My kind of thread. A yellow 99? Never seen that before, very cool.
     
  5. safetypro10

    safetypro10 New Member

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    You're following my path. But I did mine to a 93 VFR.

    I used RC51 SP1 upper and lower triples. The head bearings fit the VFR frame. Had to move oil cooler to avoid interference. Went with a 86 3 row cooler.
    I used the R1 front fender and calipers. R1 rotors are 200mm, my VFR rotors were 199mm. No biggie.

    Don't now about a 5th gen, could be close. I do know the new 4 pot calipers were much better. I used EBC pads.

    Good luck, post pics.

    Larry
     
  6. CandyRedRC46

    CandyRedRC46 Member

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    R1 rotors should be around 320mm and VFR around 296mm.
     
  7. I0seb

    I0seb New Member

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    From memory the R1 rotors are 298mm and the vfr ones are 296, I decided to just got an R1 wheel as one came up very cheap in good condition with rotors, saves me the hassle of having the axle turned down and getting the right spacers etc.

    Also does anyone know why I'm not getting emails notifying me of replies?
     
  8. Diving Pete

    Diving Pete Member

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    I'm curious if this can work on a 6th gen. Just been offered a complete front end, brakes, wheel, bars, triples, lowers, mudguard from an 06 for £120 and at that price I'm tempted - lol
     
  9. CandyRedRC46

    CandyRedRC46 Member

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    I'm running a 2006 R1 front end swap on my sixth gen. I'm using cbr929 triple trees and 2mm axle and disc spacers. Works very well, with factory bearings.

    Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
     
  10. Sniper

    Sniper New Member

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    Why do you guys swap front ends?
     
  11. CandyRedRC46

    CandyRedRC46 Member

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    For turning

    Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
     
  12. JIMLARCH

    JIMLARCH New Member

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    Because they like to tinker. While I admire their inventiveness I think it's a waste of time and no matter how much of an improvement it may seem, it's still a heavy bike and will never compete handling wise with a sport bike. Just working on the front stock suspension will produce pretty much the same result.
     
  13. I0seb

    I0seb New Member

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    Pretty much this, its also the delinked brakes and bling factor :biggrin:
     
  14. CandyRedRC46

    CandyRedRC46 Member

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    At 460 curb weight, its not bad :)
     
  15. NorcalBoy

    NorcalBoy Member

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    I was going to comment on the 460 pounds, but it really isn't worth it.
     
  16. CandyRedRC46

    CandyRedRC46 Member

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    Well you never had a VFR with a front end swap or much weight reduction so... Lol

    Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
     
  17. I0seb

    I0seb New Member

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    I have to say the difference in weight from the VFR front end is astounding, I should weigh it...
     
  18. reg71

    reg71 Poser Staff Member

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    I thought I weighed my 5th gen VFR once and it was close to 520.
    My memory may be off, though. I have had a lot of ETOH since then.
     
  19. ridervfr

    ridervfr Member

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    I swapped out the stock vfr front wheel for an f3 one, lighter wheel, easier turn in etc. Worked out well.
     
  20. JIMLARCH

    JIMLARCH New Member

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    I think my ,95 vfr750 is a good handling bike for what it is. It's stable, tracks well, a great handler on most roads. I'm tempted to upgrade the suspension every so often, but then I jump on my 2005 gsxr1000, and realise yet again that the VFR is a heavy bike, and no upgrade of the suspension is going to remove that. The Vfr even with its stock sloppy in comparison suspension handles well and I see no point in upgrading unless you like to tinker, or just like the feel of an improved ride.
     
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