Tweet
hey friends, was wondering if anyone would have any information to assemble the Fz16 forks onto an RD350.
-
-
Topic Approved and MovedThe Wheel was a great invention; Two Wheels with a Motor in between was even better!
BMW Motorrad Days 2011
Xbhp's Indo-French Kashmir-Ladakh Tour -
you would have to mod the handlebar T to accomodate the thicker forks.But the problem would be the fork gap and everything would be skewered, so you would need a custom cut axle, and then mate the wheel etc, and see if it fits.
Or cut out the neck of the RD chassis, and install the neck of the FZ ( TIG welding and major alignment work involved here ), and simply fit the front end of the FZ.
My offerings to the gods of speed -
- KTM Duke 200
- Yamaha RXZ 5 speed
Comment
-
please dont cut the headstock from the rd frame. there is a very slim chance you will be able to weld a new one with any accuracy.
all you need to do is use the fz triple clamps at the top and bottom. and you may have to make a new steering stem (the thing fixed to the bottom triple clamp, which goes inside the steering head.) in order to run the rd steering bearings.
and thats it.
if i was in your place and realized i need a new steering stem, i would make one for for use with taper roller bearings instead of the stock steering bearings.
ask "atul astro" about it. i think he has done something like this of some rd.Last edited by braindead; 10-31-2009, 08:35 AM.AbhishekComment
-
^^ that would also need if not greater, the same amount of accuracy, though it would be much much easier. yes!
My offerings to the gods of speed -
- KTM Duke 200
- Yamaha RXZ 5 speed
Comment
-
very much doable. you will need to get a few bushes made on the lathe and modify the tank a bit coz the forks will touch the tank. all the best with the project83' RD350 HT
96' RXG
97' RXZ
91'RX100>09'RX165
2010' HH ZMR
Comment
-
FZ forks
Before going for any change I think u should check few points...Originally posted by crankpin View Post
1. travel of both the forks.
2. pitch of both the springs.
3. thickness of the spring.
4. oil level of both the legs.
5. Diameter of both the springs. (ID / OD)
Since Fz has short length spring than RD
forget about structural differance.
for switching the fork assembly mods are too high...But you can try RE Electra gabrial forks which are suitable for disc brakes.
Correct me if I am wrong...Comment
-
why would the spring comparo be required?
why would the oil qty be important here?
why would it make a difference if the FZ spring is shorter than the RD? If the FZ fork has more travel than the RD ones? Care to explain?
Can you please explain what "high" mods would be required? apart from the stem bushing which is a 25 min job on the lathe. I wonder
and if you're not all for the FZ forks why the RE forks? Isnt the weight distribution of the RE different from the RD anyway? Doesnt your so called oil quantity, spring dia etc come into play here?
Reply anticipated
Cheers83' RD350 HT
96' RXG
97' RXZ
91'RX100>09'RX165
2010' HH ZMR
Comment
-
^^ maybe he is trying to suggest what effect the change in fork damping would have on the handling, and how the FZ forks would behave under the added weight of the RD350.
Guess that will have to be something to be tried out and figured out, but i feel it will/should improve the handling and braking of the RD.
My offerings to the gods of speed -
- KTM Duke 200
- Yamaha RXZ 5 speed
Comment
-
exactly..it didnt take a rocket scientist to figure that out now did it
simple reasons why i would choose FZ forks
1. They are better tech than RD's old kayaba forks
2. They will improve braking as well. [disc>age old drum]
3. They look hot
Cheers83' RD350 HT
96' RXG
97' RXZ
91'RX100>09'RX165
2010' HH ZMR
Comment
-
But for me the turning radius will be reduced if you add the fz front end on an rd, may be i am wrong..
"Engine tuning is not an exact science, but with some practice and patience you'll get comfortable with your skill and be able tune for any conditions mother nature throws at you"
Still the Boss -- RX 135Comment
-
yes..the stock front end will retain that advantage
83' RD350 HT
96' RXG
97' RXZ
91'RX100>09'RX165
2010' HH ZMR
Comment
-
Hello..well the problem i see is maybe the bike, if assembled with the FZ16's forks might look a bit nose-dived. My experiment primarily aims at improving the handling of the RD. Atul, if not too much of a problem, can you please post images of the bushings you fabricated ?
I too agree that cutting/welding the chassis will not exactly be a v good idea..what say?Comment
-
Any Updates?I think the upgrade will cost around 15k, Is it worth the money?With FZ one can't use front fender, spokes, head light and blinkers, Look of the bike will be compromised.Won't it be better to weld calipers on existing forks? Or get US yolk.Comment
Comment