First mod of 2013

[nurse]

Bright and early start tomorrow, RPM fork valves and springs going to be fitted at long last (i have only had them since the start of November. HID headlight also going in at the same time!!

Very excited.  Weather is far too wet to get a true idea of how much difference they make but hopefully should get some idea of what the dry spring/summer will hold in store.

[keand3]

How did it turn out?

[nurse]

How did it turn out?

If you are sitting comfortably then I shall begin........

It was a cold wet night when two men venture into a dark and draughty garage (that does read a bit gay actually!) but I needed the use of both the tools and expertise of someone who's enthusiasm doesn't outway their ability... Are you scared yet! 

We followed Randys instructions and all went well until trying to sort the spacer length at which point it all went a bit pear shaped!  We could not make the figures work for love nor money!  So after a number of hours and much swearing later we downed tools and left it for a day or so as we both had family commitments.

At this point I should extend HUGE thanks to Randy who responded quickly and concisely to the emails sent in my hour of need!  Haven't had the chance to say thanks in person (or by email at least - but I know you will see this!). Also thanks to those who have posted up their journey of modding their forks as the figures you folks had basically when used with randys clear concise and simple instructions showed the way!!

Somehow or another we (by we I mean my little helper) had cocked up the measurements! Fortunately we hadn't cut the spacer material we intended to use just a spare piece we used to mock it up.

Well job is now done as of 30mins ago and its dark late cold and im knackered so I literally rode 100yds down a flat piece of Tarmac and back to make sure nothing fell off so can't comment on the difference but I will feed back on that ASAP! 

Thanks again to all who answered questions.  For reference my spacers ended up at 145mm.  If your numbers are way out then you have not done something you should or your tape measure is too long!  We won't blame user error!  Poor workmen always blame their tools!

Have fitted the HID but need to connect it to battery, as soon as that is done I will add this on!

[nurse]

Well got home from work half hour early and took the bike out.  it was dark so it was a fairly sedate affair.  The new HID is fantastic! Vision is now really good, I'm very impressed.

So first ride out was very good, the bike no longer nose dives under braking and inspires confidence of braking much later into corners and even whilst in the corner (cardinal sin I know but worth the experiment). The bike is now much improved over poor road surfaces.  There is one particular bump just before I get home that tries to throw me out the saddle just before I get home each time, but today this was not the case.  The actual ride was much 'stiffer', the previous sponginess was gone.  It's funny how having been used to it you are surprised it is no longer there!
I'm sure if its me but I'm sure I could feel a vibrating or pulsing as I traveled.  Not sure if its me being paranoid of if its just highlighted the next week link in the chain that needs to be addressed?  Could just be that I need to grease the mounts!

I will feedback when I have more time on the street with it!  So far quite pleased all being said!

[Mike Ramos]

Good (West Coast) afternoon Nurse,

Nice review on the Fork Valves. Your initial impressions mirror my experience over many a mile.

The vibration is real. You will find that the Valves are very receptive to fine tuning via the spring pre-load. Once the pre-load is set to your liking, it will truly be a set up for a wide variety of road surfaces and conditions.

The only "weak link" that you mention will be the added stress on the front end, which will be minimized by the Fork Brace. The Brace will optimize the whole set up, small diameter axle, skinny fork tubes and conventional (not upside down) forks notwithstanding. As far as the FJ is concerned it is hard to surpass.  However, if you have a pink stripe you are screwed...!

Now, the only limitations will be the rear shock, especially if it is stock. But rumor has it that the gentleman from R.P.M. is addressing that situation as well... along with new headers & exhaust at al...

Ride safe,

Mike Ramos.