hello guys, i want to upgrade the suspension on the old blade, is there a certain brand that works better on the fireblade?? cheers
Old blade, what year? Had my forks serviced on the 2007 with 45k mile as don't think it had ever been done, and seal had started to leak. Whilst they had it apart got them to fit k-tech springs to match my 15st weight (was an extra £80 I think, but whilst apart might as well!). Psychologically feels much better, but still need to get it setup properly. Rear is a new standard, is all good enough for me!
I had my suspension upgraded with k-tech parts. I've only used it once on track since then and not on the road but I was really pleased with the difference. I'd recently changed the oil, seals and bushes on the front but was otherwise standard but the back had never been touched. This is on a 2007 bike. This feels a lot more consistent in its feel. I'm not a fast rider but it gave me more confidence. What was done on mine was... KTech fork piston kit, KTech flow control valve and new bushes oil etc for the front and a Shock piston kit and Shock service for the back. Came to roughly £700 with setup etc.
K-Tech are a bit cheaper than Ohlins and suspension place said the springs are very similar quality - so why pay more! Think mine was about £270 with return postage (full service, seals, bushes, oil, K-Tech springs). I used FTR and they were really good - just need to go back now and get it setup, hurry up summer!
James from https://www.jamespackwoodracing.co.uk/ did mine. He does bike setups on the days for Combe which is how I met him. Would recommend him if you're anywhere near.
I managed to get an Ohlins piston kit for half price from eBay, having it fitted this week before Silverstone next Monday.. I'd imagine the difference for us average riders between Ohlins, K-Tech and Mupo etc is hardly noticeable between brands but defo better than stock...
I had Ohlins TTX on my old blade, was taken from a brand new SP, it wasn’t as big as leap forward as I was expecting even after setting up. It was the later model with upgraded Showa shock. It was definitely better. But used a K-Tech DDS pro on the Ducati 959 and that was a bigger transformation and felt plusher all round. Definitely pays to shop around.
no matter what you fit If you do not do your homework and set it up you will not get the benefit, suspension is a black art that takes a lot of time and research to master but is worth the work
As said above, it’s pointless fitting quality suspension and not setting it up correctly, companies like Kais do a ride in and setup for about £50, one thing with buying quality parts is you can easily sell them on at a later date.
K-techs for me too. OEM I found a little harsh. With the upgrade of valves and a softer rate springs used it was as plush as on UK roads, never got to use in anger on the track though
Hi Slick, Any chance of giving your weight and new spring weights, I also find the OEM springs a little harsh even after adjusting, I am about 85k fully kitted. I just would like to know if it gets a bit bouncy when going fast over the bumps. looking at the charts I am not far off oem but I also think they will take 2 up on the same springs. It would be good with peoples feedback when changing springs etc
https://www.1000rr.co.uk/threads/k-tech-internals-upgrade.15009/ Details above plus a quick review, at the time I was about 67kg but plus leathers, rucksack laptop and a belly full of burgers so closer to 80Kgs. OEMS I could never dial in, preload made no difference to sag, with the K-tech I made full use of travel without bottoming out, braking in particular was spectacular and that was on an ABS!
