Author Topic: need new front end suspension (Read 5745 times)

rino · « **on:** March 30, 2005, 02:07:57 PM »

I have a 96 600 and the front end is not good. I need to upgrade badly. It just rides extremlely rough. I am 165 lbs. I was wondering if there is any aftermarket preload adjustable set or if maye the forks off of an sv would fit.
I would really like to just swap it with sv if possible because it is less time consuming and I dont want to go through the trouble of rebuilding the front end if I dont have to. Please let me know what my options are. Thanks

rino · « **Reply #1 on:** March 30, 2005, 02:27:18 PM »

does anyone know if I swap an sv front end if the bandit wheel and fender will fit on the sv forks?

Red01 · « **Reply #2 on:** March 31, 2005, 01:33:27 AM »

IIRC, the SV adjusters will fit the B6 forks.

Most B6'ers are happy with aftermarket springs though.

chupacabra · « **Reply #3 on:** March 31, 2005, 08:03:15 AM »

If its riding rough, maybe you need thinner fork oil. If you take off the caps and find PVC then try cutting the PVC down some, 1/4 inch at a time till you find the right ride.

tacoman · « **Reply #4 on:** April 01, 2005, 01:42:03 PM »

When you say rough, do you mean stiff? The B6 has extremely soft springs stock but if you only weigh 165 they may work. I would say the fork oil is the culprit. It has probably gotten old & contaminated and won't flow right. Change out the oil and put in a some quality stuff and I bet you'll be pleasantly surprised.

97RedBird · « **Reply #5 on:** April 05, 2005, 12:21:16 PM »

If I hit (accidentally of course) a big pot hole with my stock 96 B6 it feels like my front forks compress all the way the bottom out. I would also like something more than just progressive springs.

On the highway it isn't so bad, but could be better. on choppy roads I don't know how to explain it, but you feel like it wants to buck you off if you aren't paying attention. I seems like you feel everything, but the springs are to soft. Oil weight is stock weight. I checked the level and it is good for a week or so small leak needs to be fixed soon, but I don't want to spend money on forks I may more than likely replace.

Is that what you are feeling "Rino"?

Red01 · « **Reply #6 on:** April 05, 2005, 08:18:16 PM »

Nathan, I think you might see a significant improvement if you just put some aftermarket springs in there when you put new seals in. Seems to make most people happy.

PitterB4 · « **Reply #7 on:** April 05, 2005, 09:27:42 PM »

Not sure the SV is gonna get you much. That's usually one of the first things SV guys upgrade, too.

tacoman · « **Reply #8 on:** April 06, 2005, 01:50:50 PM »

With progressive springs and fresh fluid the B6 forks work pretty well. You'll be right around $100 for cost (springs & fluid) and no hassles of a swap. I went with Bel ray 15 wt but at your weight you may want to stay with 10wt especially if you're running the stock rear shock.

rino · « **Reply #9 on:** April 08, 2005, 12:37:03 AM »

ok so I replaced the seals and put 15 wt oil in the forks and the bike feels great. I think it was just a little low on oil and the old oil was heavier. It honestly feels like a new bike.

Red01 · « **Reply #10 on:** April 08, 2005, 12:42:17 AM »

tacoman · « **Reply #11 on:** April 09, 2005, 03:35:17 PM »

Glad they're working. When fork oil goes bad it really does a number on the damping. If anyone with a bike over a few years old hasn't replaced their fork oil, do it. A few dollars and some time with the wrenches does wonders.