Tbh I made it the size it is so I had some scope to chop it around too. For guess work it's never needed and changes and as I said before it gets used often for all makes and models of forks..
That'll make it an educated guess then mate Got to love it when you can make a tool that comes in handy so often. I'm going to make 2 of these as the material is there anyway, and I don't think my mate would be too happy if I didn't make him 1 up while I was at it.
I've just read your thread from start to finish col, this rebuild is a credit to yourself and shiny, aswell as all the others who are supplying information.. Can't wait to see it fully operational with all it's tasty bits attached to it, hell you could even pop in for a cuppa, your more than welcome as I'm only 20 mins away. Im feeling a good summer coming on, Ross.
Thanks Ross. All going well I should get the bike out for its first run next weekend. The bike really has been great to work on, and I've learned loads in the process. Here's hoping for some sunshine mate
Defo bud, mine goes in for it's first service on the 23rd, getting them to take the Dunlop quailes off, I've got pirelli Diablo supercorsas coming in the post My mate sold his sp1 not long ago, he owned it for 6 years and done everything himself, he misses that bike and I told him that would happen if he sold it... so think twice on which bike goes to make space lol, the sp1 is a beauty! Talk soon bud...
Here's some more pics of the fork compression tool, before I paint it. First things first though it time to get the fork springs changed.
Well I decided to try out the fork compression tool that I manage to russle up, and I've got to say I'm so happy with it. Simple engineering and made the job so easy it unreal. From a 2 hour job to a 15 minute job. Love it. So anyway the plan was to get the forks stripped and cleaned and fit new spring and add fresh oil, but my sis needed her car sorted, so I gave my mate Shiny a hand to fix that, and then we stripped the forks down in prep of finishing them tomorrow. Here's a couple of pics of the compression tool in work.
Today I managed to get a few hour in the garage after work, where I fitted the new springs and put fresh fork oil in the forks. One of the forks was completely blocked up with gunk, which would explain why it was pittering around the bends, as there was no flow of oil. I bought these. Hyperpro Progressive Springs It was then time to put the forks back together, again using the trusty compression tool I made, and get them back in the bike. And fit the front wheel and mudguard. Once it was all buttoned up, we set the sag, compression, and rebound. I have to say that even just sitting on the bike the suspension feels so much better, and when I pushed down on the front and back of the bike they both moved evenly, and the front feels plush as, to compliment the rear shock. With the rain we've had over the last day or so, it has washed the roads nicely. Its all falling in place now for a ride out on the beast this week.
Time to blow off the cobwebs tomorrow and take this bike out for it's first run since doing all the work to it. Hopefully I've remembered to tighten all the bolts up I'll try and set up the GoPro to get a vid of its maiden voyage.
Woohoo. Managed a decent run out on the SP1 today with my mate Craig on his new GSXR750. Unfortunately I forgot to charge the GoPro for some footage. What I can tell you though is that the suspension is so much better now, it's like another bike that actually wants to turn and search for the next corner to smash its way through. Also Craig will no longer be trying his hardest to keep up with me on the blade, as his GSXR looks pretty damn quick compaired to his SV650 (not that we ever doubted that). Unfortunately we didn't get a chance to swap bikes for a comparison as my bike decided that it didn't like the look of my number plate and began eating it, which ended up with me having to remove it and travel back home without the plate. (can only imagine what the plod would have to say about that) A few pics
Tell you what Ken, this bike is far more enjoyable to ride than I would ever have thought. You honestly wouldn't think it was a 12 year old bike. To top it off I honestly don't find it uncomfortable, which I found odd as all I've ever heard about these bikes, is the exact opposite.
I did struggle to get comfy on it when I tried one, but tried not to care. The noise and the tree stump pulling torque just made me feel like The god of thunder. I did feel cramped on the Ducati, but that was diddy anyway and even on the blade I have a time limit before I start getting uncomfortable. Although I'm a short arse at 5' 8", its mainly legs, 33", so on the blade I'm balls to tank just to reach the bars but I can still nearly rest my elbows on my knees when I'm riding it. I posted a picture earlier of Bridge Motorcycle's 'not for sale' unregistered SP2 that they keep in a glass case. I drool over it every time I'm there.
Bike looks stunning mate! Glad all the hard work has paid off and it's also living up to the hype. Big shade of green here dude lol
The god of thunder. Ha I'm stealing that 1 Ken There really is something special about these bikes. I know it's not the quickest, nor the lightest bike out there, but there is just that something that I can't bring to words about it. It may be down to the fact I've spent so much time getting it to where it is, or it may just be the bike itself. Either way I'm loving it.
Thanks Jimbo. All the work has been worth it and more. Nothing to be jealous about mate, you have a NC30 sitting in your garage waiting to be fettled with
