I've recently put an Ohlins shock (DU8440) on my 748E and after having it set up at a trackday it appears the front is now causing me a problem as I've run out of adjustment. It was recommended by the suspension guy that I replace the standard springs with properly sized Ktech jobbies and change the oil weight, which is a good idea as they were last serviced in 2011. The question I have is is it worth putting in a SSK piston kits as well, is there an option of fitting a front end from another model, should i just go with the original advice? Cheers in advance.
A 748R (996R etc.) front end will fit but you will need the complete front end if you want to do the job. This includes forks, bottom yoke, discs and preferably the calipers as well which will give better braking, if they are the P4/34 type. After that you can use Ohlins Road and Track forks, none of this will be cheap so just upgrading the forks via someone like K Tech, Brooks or Reactive Suspension is probably a cheaper option, as they can modify your current forks.
Thanks, I already have the upgraded 4 pad/piston callipers (make a massive difference) and I'm not looking to throw loads of money at it as the bike is already worth less than the some of its parts. Is it worth paying the extra for the SSK piston kit or will a spring & oil change suffice?
I think a change of spring and oil viscocity is a cost effective start. I have a Ktech replacement spring pair and a service on my 748R and the change was remarkable. Cheap enough to do and not be enough to be worried about if it's wrong but you should be pleasantlr surprised. Andy
If u want adjustability the SSK valves may be worth it, I had them out in my Daytona 675 a few years back which already had better stock forks and the difference in 'plushness' was noticeable even on top of fresh oil as I didn't change the weight.
Yep, best value route is just to have your current forks re-sprung and valved for your weight etc. Because if you think about it. If you bought alternate forks you'd want them set correctly too anyway.
What are you using it for? Road and a hot of track...mostly track and a bit of road..all track...racing A well set up std set of forks are pretty good and good enough for most imho
track only. after a quick google it looks like a spring/oil change is approx £250 with the valve kit being about £500. Changing the front end looks to be a lot more money and grief. Am happy to pay the extra £250 for the valve kit if it will make a marked difference but am just your average trackdayer not a racer.
As above, valve and springs plus oil set up will be more than enough. You could just try with springs for your weight (if they are not) and oil change/gap setting. If its not enough, then go get some valving done
If it really is track work and not road then consider 'SSRK' as they are the track versions with much more track orientated set up. For a bit of both u still want 'SSK' mine were about £280 from memory but the forks have to be stripped out anyway so added nothing to the labour. Might be worth allowing for new bushes while the forks are apart to ensure they aren't just about to cause issues and then u find your expensive new set up keeps blowing seals!
I had Ktech re-spring (9.5n) and fit the SSK valves to my 916 forks and it was a big improvement over the standard setup which was way too hard & harsh. I have since swapped them for 1198S Ohlins forks (also revalved/sprung by Ktech) and these are even better but the cost was significantly more. I am now using the 916 forks on my Monster and they work very well on that too, although needed lighter springs (9.0n) for the lighter bike...
does the 748E have the same forks as the 916/996 etc? if so these are good forks and just a re-spring and service will work wonders maxton charge £390 + vat to service, re-spring and re-valve a stock set showa forks if you can stretch to the k-tech piston kits it is well rated by those who have installed it
Well I'm fortunate enough to have full ohlins on my SPS. But a k-tech re-spring and valve transformed even those. Never need to change more than a couple of clicks depending on what track. I questioned going to a bigger full cartridge kit and was told unless you're flat out round the TT the extra oil volume wouldn't make a difference for the 20 minutes or so per hour you're out on a track day.
Thanks again, definitely going for valves and springs. Question now is who to use? MCT, 100%.... Am based in Stamford.