Bandit Alley

MODEL SPECIFIC => BIG BANDIT BANTER => Topic started by: rino on March 30, 2005, 02:07:57 PM

Title: need new front end suspension
Post by: 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

Title: need new front end suspension
Post by: rino 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?

Title: need new front end suspension
Post by: Red01 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.

Title: rough
Post by: chupacabra 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.

Title: forks
Post by: tacoman 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.

Title: need new front end suspension
Post by: 97RedBird 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"?

Title: need new front end suspension
Post by: Red01 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.

Title: need new front end suspension
Post by: PitterB4 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.

Title: forks
Post by: tacoman 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.

Title: need new front end suspension
Post by: rino 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.

Title: need new front end suspension
Post by: Red01 on April 08, 2005, 12:42:17 AM

:congrats:  :bigok:  :beers:

Title: oil
Post by: tacoman 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.