JamieDaugherty

I think the answer is clear - use a matched triple clamp set. I've not seen anyone try to use an RC51 lower with a CBR upper as you are trying to do. What is the purpose for this?

Here is a table that I've made using the calculations I've come up with: Rider Weight Range vs. Shock Spring Rate (lb/in) 110-145lb = 1100lb/in 145-180lb = 1150lb/in 180-210lb = 1200lb/in 210-245lb = 1250lb/in 245-280lb = 1300lb/in To be specific, a 250lb rider calculates to 1270lb/in. Since you can't buy a spring with that rate, you have to select the closest one available. I typically go up, in this case to 1300lb/in. There are other factors that play into it as well. Hopefully this gives you an idea!

I've been doing that for almost a year now. The cost is $270 which includes the conversion to the 929 shock to make it fit the VFR plus a new spring (the 929 spring is too soft, by the way). This is a modification to the shock itself which makes it a bolt-on replacement for the stock unit, not a separate bracket. PM me if you would like more details!

The actual bolt needed is an M10x1.25 hex head bolt 20mm long. This is a fine thread, so don't try forcing in a course thread bolt! Here are the detailed instructions for installing a top end oiling modification, in case anyone is interested: http://www.daughertymotorsports.com/pdf/V4_Oil_Line_Instructions.pdf

Wow, you're fabricating a tank too!?!? You sure are a glutton!

That total really doesn't look too bad. The CNC parts are the biggest chunk, which I can respect. What impresses me the most is the dedication of time that it takes to think out, try, revise, try again, etc. a project like this.

Thanks man, I really appreciate that! Back on topic: any idea of how much money you will have invested in this project? I'm sure there is a lot of time too, but sometimes that's more difficult to determine. I think trying to quanitfy some numbers would help others gain a better appreciation for exactly what you are doing here.

I had a expert looking over my shoulder when I ran the test bead. He said "There, you got it" and walked away. That when I started having problems. No worries, I lack this little thing called 'talent' anyway. Another reason I'm so impressed with what Redmarque can do!

Tried my hand at TIG welding today. Just walked up to the one in the Maintenace area and started blasting away. Put a really nice bead on a practice piece, then tried it on the real thing that I was working on. It turned out horrible. Oh well, I hoping that I could be lazy and not have to practice but it appears to not be the case.

Man, I really need to learn how to TIG weld (aluminum). I was looking over a guy's shoulder last week and it didn't look hard. People who are good at stuff often make it look easy, I'm sure that I would screw it up. Redmarque - do you do your own welding? I'd say you'd have to be awful confident in your ability to make a motorcycle frame. That first ride is a leap of faith!

I knew there was something about you I liked!

Sometimes it boils down to what grade is commonly available in the size/shape you need. In this case, 4130 is nomally what you can get in thin-walled tubing. 4140 is supplied in bar stock for machining use. Because of the lower carbon carbon the 4130 is not as strong but is also more ductile (less brittle) than 4140. Try checking for a Metal Supermarkets in your area. I love that place!

Any concerns about debris getting kicked up with that radiator being so low?

Hey Redmarque, it's been a whole day and no updates? You aren't being a slacker are you?

SolidWorks is head and shoulders above the rest. I think it's funny how people claim "it's a lot like SolidWorks" when SW will blow it away. Catia is in the same category as ProE - they are dinosaurs*. The only system comparible to SW is SolidEdge. There are some things like I better about each, but overall they are equivalent. Systems like Catia, ProE, etc have some neat functionality but considering how much of a pain they are to use they just don't stack up. What takes me 10min on ProE would take me about 2min on SW or SE... literally. Add that up over a day and you can see my frustration. Redmarque - don't forget to keep those updates coming! * ProE is what I use at work now and it's horrible.

That is oh, so sweet! It looks like you have a bunch of individual sections. Have you thought about making some a continuous piece? I'm particularly talking about the longest horizontal bar. It looks like it's not straight, but it would seem to be easier to bend that part and use it as the base to weld everything else from. Keep us up to date on your progress!

What about DOT and legal ramifications?? Keep in mind that when it comes to indicators, especially the color of the lights, you cannot just do whatever you want. There are laws that spell out what the lights are supposed to do and when, be prepared for a "conversation" between yourself and your local law enforcement officer if there is any question about how your bike is acting!

Hey Jamie, I used Motul Factory Line 7.5wt last time. The bike shop nearby also has 5wt, but no mention of the cST rating? Any ideas? [edit] just found this very useful chart on the Motul site: Oil viscosity chart Thanks for the link. My chart lists dozens of oils but only shows the Motul 2.5w and 5w grades. One of the nice things about the Motul fluid is the small change between grades, as you can see.

Trying to reshim using the stock valves is not advisable. The stock valve pistons have too much high speed damping because of their restrictive flow characteristics. The stock rebound valves can be used with an adjustment to the stack, but you really need to replace the compression valves for best performance. Shoot me a PM with your weight and I can make some suggestions for you.

You'll want to use 5wt fluid with a viscosity of 15cSt with the Ohlins valves. I use Honda Pro Oils 5wt but there are several others that work as well. Let me know what you are planning to use and I can double check it for you.

Maxima 165/150 fork oil is 32cSt. It's pretty similar to the SS08 actually, especially when you consider they both are way too heavy. I don't ever run anything nearly this heavy in forks, only certain rear shock applications use fluid with this high of a viscosity. I guess the point that we are all trying to make is that fluid weight can make a big impact in the fork operation. Most valving applications have been designed around a certain fluid weight. Deviating from that puts you out on your own and you would have to work out the trial-and-error process for yourself!

Interesting. Does it specify SS08 or does it just say "10wt"? Forks normally run fluid in the 15-16cSt range, the SS08 is 37cSt. That's boucous heavy. The stock F4i forks that I've used didn't seem to have that heavy of fluid in them. It would be interesting to know if that's really what comes in them new. I wonder if that's what is in my stock 1098 forks. That thing has way too much compression damping, something that I'm trying to sort out right now.

He's absolutely correct, the term "5wt" doesn't really mean much. For example, Silkolene 5wt is almost the same viscosity as Maxima 10wt. There is a measurement called centistokes (cSt) that suspension tuners use that allows us to compare fluids on equal ground. I install Ohlins and RaceTech valving and both use 5wt (15-16cSt) fluid, for whatever that is worth.