Posted on Saturday, September 04, 2010 - 05:56 pm:
It was Catalyst Reactions in northern California.
Really good shop, Jim did the work but his coworker Dave Moss is a big name in the area for working on AFM (club) and even AMA race bikes.
I asked for details (my father took bike in and told Jim to do whatever he recommends, I am not in town to do anything with bike) and will let you guys know exactly what was done.
I found it interesting that the rear shock spring wasn't replaced but maybe valving was all it really needed, I asked Jim about that as well.
Posted on Saturday, September 04, 2010 - 11:24 pm:
I will be re valving my front forks with Ohlins valves, and will be doing it all on camera, so you can learn to do it too! We will shoot next weekend I think... I'll keep you posted!
Jraice, can those guys tell you the free length and spring rates for the stock springs (fork and shock)? I have the same bike as you and haven't found that info yet. I'll be interested to hear the details!
Just talked to dad (I am in SoCal he picked bike up from shop for me)...
He rides Harleys so he doesnt have much experience with sport bikes but he always used to rave about how my old R6 was so stable feeling at higher speeds (90mph +).
He said besides the vibes that the Buell now feels like that.
So excited to get out on the street on this thing in two weeks and then the track in a month!!!
Well, today is the big day! I am going to change the valves in my front cartridges. I am looking forward to it because I get to be hands on, and I get to do it on camera so you all can learn how to do it yourselves too. When the video is edited and posted on youtube I will post the link!
So........what if you used one fork to control compression damping, and one for rebound? Take one set of valves out of each fork (less weight), and be able to change the fork oil viscosity for that racing/riding application?
So........what if you used one fork to control compression damping, and one for rebound? One of the tuber Buells (that I know of) had that set up. I never figured out why that would be better.
One less set of valves per fork leg. Also, the oil can be varied for the dedicated suspension action (not that it's that critical on the street). Less moving parts, etc. Modern forks are pretty darn good as is. The new MV Agusta F4 uses this also. Just curious as to weather it can be carried over to our forks.
I'm glad you asked, GUNUT... Ohlin's newest technology that is all over the winner's circle right now is their 30mm cartridge system, that handles compression in one fork leg, and rebound in the other. This is an advantageous set up because it allows for better tire to road contact, the more contact our tires have with the ground the better we can maneuver, the better we can maneuver the faster we can ride.
With traditional forks there is a condition called hysteresis. This is simply the lag in response between compression and rebound due to the differences in pressure on either side of the appropriate valve. When the compression and rebound actions are separated from eachother there is no lag time. Not only do you achieve better handling, but also better comfort due to the front wheel being able to keep more constant contact with the road.
I am trying to get Ohlin's to "modify" a couple of parts on their 30mm cartridge system, with dedicated comp and reb, for the XB's. It is simply a matter of turning down a fork cap and cutting the threads to fit our legs. They want to know what the interest is before they would go through with it.
Posted on Wednesday, September 15, 2010 - 06:20 am:
That was the "pilot" video. When I changed the valve and piston in my cartridges over the weekend we filmed that too, all we have to do now is edit and post. As soon as that happens I will post for you all.
Posted on Thursday, September 16, 2010 - 08:44 am:
What I put in my bike over the weekend was the Ohlin's 20mm valve/piston kit. It fit into my stock cartridges. As of right now there is not an Ohlin's cartridge kit that will fit any of the XBs because of the size of the fork caps. I am trying to find out how much interest there is for high performance suspension, and then I will report back to Ohlin's, and hopefully they will start making something. But, if you, or someone you know, has a machine shop, you could definitely turn down the caps yourself and cut new threads and make them work.
Posted on Thursday, September 16, 2010 - 12:52 pm:
Tepiddeath, what do you expect you'd gain from a 25mm or 30mm cartridge kit for street riding that the valves alone wouldn't give you? Or are you racing?
Ohlin's might not have something out but can't you just revalve/spring the Showa 25mm kit and get better performance than the Ohlins valves/pistons?
Posted on Thursday, September 16, 2010 - 11:17 pm:
Jraice- unfortunately, no, I do not race, but a girl can dream! The most noticible improvements with the 25 or 30 mm ohlin's cartridges comes when you buy the kits that have dedicated fork tube for compression separate from the rebound. What happens in forks that share compression and rebound, is a lag between the compression and the rebound, and vice versa. The lag is not long, simply the amount of time it takes for the fluid to stop flowing one way and to start flowing the other way. Think of stiring a bowl of liquid in one direction, then suddenly changing direction of the stir. This is a bit dramatic, because the real time change in fork fluid is much quicker, but it works for demonstration purposes.
I have good news!!! I spoke with a representative of Ohlin's today, and he said they are developing a better set of springs for our bikes!!! They will more than likely be a longer preload spacer, shorter spring, and straight wound, not progressively wound! I will keep you all updated as soon as I hear more!
Posted on Wednesday, September 22, 2010 - 02:19 pm:
I too have an 04 and would like to rework the front forks. Will be interesting to hear what will fit the early XB's as far as options. Erik Buell Racing has the 1125 shocks already reworked but it requires the change of the triple clamps..
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