XB12R Fork Swap

[Lordfenwick]

Hi,

I've recently started using my 'bolt on the track a lot more and finding the front forks and brakes are starting to limit my enjoyment. I'd like to swap the front end for something more tasty.

Does anyone know of a front end that will just slot in without getting involved in machining fork hangers etc? Someone suggested a Suzuki GSXR750 would fit but the 07 I looked at had different mounting diameters and spacing.

Thanks for your help,

Richard

http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/2018_20080619050159_L.jpg

[mrdozer2you]

So what's so limiting? Is it not feeling solid?

[LeFox]

i would either go with other forksprings & oil together with racing brakepads or just buy a complete öhlins setup.

or if you want a front fork & brakes from another bike, i would suggest getting the one from the yamaha r1, which are way better than the suzuki's.

[Lordfenwick]

Couple of problems really.....despite fairly exhaustive experimentation with settings, i'm still not happy with the way it feels coming off the brakes and tipping it fast into a tight bend. The bike will initially fall into the turn and only really settle mid-corner. I also feel the bike is 'pushing' the front, particularly in fast sweepers.

Brakes suffer from a lot of fade and ultimately do not have the feel and power of the twin rotors I have used in the past.

I'm going to change the rear shock to a Penske/AST, increasing the ride height a touch while i'm at it. The idea behind the fork swop came from a racer who spent a lot of time and money trying to achieve the perfect set up only to give in and fit an R1 front end with superb results.

[LeFox]

did you try ceramic brake-pads? they actually perform better the hotter they get.

the falling into a corner is also a consequence of the rake angle and is a charactaristic of the buell.

[BuellPartsGuy]

Buy the XBRR/1125R front caliper, a radial brake master cylinder, and either a XBRR front rotor or wave rotor.

On the suspension, buy gold valve emulators, better springs for your weight(whatever brand), and step up to a Screamin' Eagle Extra Heavy Fork Oil(p/n-99909-93R)

[Lordfenwick]

Thanks Guys,

Whilst searching for a RaceTech dealer in the UK, I came across a suspension set-up company located in the middle of deepest darkest rural Hampshire only minutes from where I work. He specialises in off-road but deals with all the main suppliers and also sets up bikes for a couple of road racers. He also loves Buells!

Taking your advise, I have Gold Valve emulators, Ohlin springs, oil, wave disks and pads on the way. I'll step up to the new caliper when the funds permit if necessary.

I'll let you all know how I get on.

Thanks for your help.

Richard