RRW 98 Blade suspension/brakes - oh and tyres...

5155 Views 16 Replies 8 Participants Last post by bladeracer, Jan 17, 2010

chakraist

Discussion Starter · Jan 15, 2010

Hi guys- couple of things.

Had the blade for about 4 months now, it's all going rather swimmingly after a rec/reg change and a few tweaks to the suspension, preload set etc. But the bike still feels unstable in the corners - partly due to the set of Dunlop Neverwarms (pre-qualifier D208 front D209 rear) I have on there which are heading off a bit, starting to square. They also have no feeling from the front at all (had another similar set with the same problem), and that's bad news for me.

Just wondering what you guys think it's worth doing with the suspension. New springs and oil perhaps? I'm 17 stone (220 odd lbs) and 6' 6" so maybe the bike is a little undersprung for me, but I didn't really have this problem with my SV with GSXR front end. I definitely need to alter the front rebound as it feels like it's washing out mid-corner and pushing on exit. So I have down to do, new fork oil, check the springs and maybe replace them (I'm taking it it's not a cartridge fork in there, right?).

Then I need to start working on the brakes. There's new discs and fairly new pads in there (sounds like HH sintered which is nice) and they do stop, but quite erratically and combined with the front end feel (or lack of) it's a bit hair-raising sometimes. When the brakes don't get used for a while and it's cold, I have to put them on really hard when I stop or pump them a bit until I have any noticeable feel to them- they're really on and off, it's either a tiny bit of speed goes or the bike's about to stoppie. I used to be able to brake very hard with confidence (and trail to the apex) so it's a bit annoying, to say the least. Any ideas? I'm thinking a bleed and new fluid perhaps.

Finally, the tires need changing- I have a 16" front wheel so am limited and can't stick PR2s on it (which I absolutely love even though it's a bit of a harsh slide, so much feel). I'm looking for something that heats up quickly and gives excellent feel on the front end. Any ideas? I'm happy to have a rear sport-touring tire on as I've heard this can be a good idea.

Sorry about the massive post, and sincere thanks in advance.

Conrad

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saxonblade

· #2 · Jan 16, 2010

I have a RR-R (94-5 Foxeye) and weigh in at just under 13st.

chakraist said:
it feels like it's washing out mid-corner and pushing on exit

Is how my blade felt with a 16" front wheel - but good news is it feels stable and planted with a 17" front rim....

chakraist said:
I have a 16" front wheel so am limited

17" front rim gives you options... I have always run Pirelli Corsa's in the various versions.... well the TT guys can't be wrong....:huh:

But now I use Racetecs and they are great...(on a 17" front rim") :evilaugh: :evilaugh:

So.....

I would suggest trying a 17" front rim... :thumb:

Before you buy check out this forum to find the correct 17" front rim, as the very early and later blades did not run the same front rims as the 94/5 foxeye....:idunno:

See if someone more local can "lend" you a rim for a trial run (or a bike that has been converted)

Good Luck :hmm:

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saxonblade

· #3 · Jan 16, 2010

chakraist said:
I'm thinking a bleed and new fluid perhaps.

I would do this with any new (second hand) bike....***

***Cant comment on rest as I have no real suspension tuning experience...

Good Luck :hmm:

bladeracer

· #4 · Jan 16, 2010

chakraist said:
Hi guys- couple of things.

Had the blade for about 4 months now, it's all going rather swimmingly after a rec/reg change and a few tweaks to the suspension, preload set etc. But the bike still feels unstable in the corners - partly due to the set of Dunlop Neverwarms (pre-qualifier D208 front D209 rear) I have on there which are heading off a bit, starting to square. They also have no feeling from the front at all (had another similar set with the same problem), and that's bad news for me.

Just wondering what you guys think it's worth doing with the suspension. New springs and oil perhaps? I'm 17 stone (220 odd lbs) and 6' 6" so maybe the bike is a little undersprung for me, but I didn't really have this problem with my SV with GSXR front end. I definitely need to alter the front rebound as it feels like it's washing out mid-corner and pushing on exit. So I have down to do, new fork oil, check the springs and maybe replace them (I'm taking it it's not a cartridge fork in there, right?).

Then I need to start working on the brakes. There's new discs and fairly new pads in there (sounds like HH sintered which is nice) and they do stop, but quite erratically and combined with the front end feel (or lack of) it's a bit hair-raising sometimes. When the brakes don't get used for a while and it's cold, I have to put them on really hard when I stop or pump them a bit until I have any noticeable feel to them- they're really on and off, it's either a tiny bit of speed goes or the bike's about to stoppie. I used to be able to brake very hard with confidence (and trail to the apex) so it's a bit annoying, to say the least. Any ideas? I'm thinking a bleed and new fluid perhaps.

Finally, the tires need changing- I have a 16" front wheel so am limited and can't stick PR2s on it (which I absolutely love even though it's a bit of a harsh slide, so much feel). I'm looking for something that heats up quickly and gives excellent feel on the front end. Any ideas? I'm happy to have a rear sport-touring tire on as I've heard this can be a good idea.

Sorry about the massive post, and sincere thanks in advance.

Conrad

I haven't ridden the 98/99 but my 929 is incredibly vague after coming from years of GSXR's. It took me a very long time to decide that you can still push it as hard as the GSXR's, you just don't get the same feedback from the front of the Blade.
Have you ridden other 16" Blades to see if yours is any worse than others?

Hondasrule

· #5 · Jan 16, 2010

I have a 17" front wheel if you are interested, It's a polished PM chicane. Pm me for info

bladeracer

· #6 · Jan 16, 2010

Hondasrule said:
I have a 17" front wheel if you are interested, It's a polished PM chicane. Pm me for info

As a new member it's not possible to PM you.

saxonblade

· #7 · Jan 16, 2010

Replacing the head race bearings (I used Taper Roller Bearings) also made a difference to the handling of my blade...

I'd check these are in good condition and freshly greased first....

I'd also check that the brakes are clean and "free", ie are not dirty and sticking in any way....

But for me, after all that, the 17" front rim made the significant difference...

I would check out other blades and a converted blades before going through the hassle and expense though... (perhaps some test rides from dealers....)

Good luck

Junkie

· #8 · Jan 16, 2010

I'd try a set of BT016s, I love them on my 929.

stevecbr1000

· #9 · Jan 16, 2010

Junkie said:
I'd try a set of BT016s, I love them on my 929.

lus1:

cbr lonner

· #10 · Jan 16, 2010

+2 on 016's got them on my 12r superb.

i have a new pair of avon viper sport's on the blade 95s model and there good too

if the bike is washing out try stiffer springs ideally but more preload + more comp and less rebound may help matters as its sounds as though its rather soft at the front.

your quite heavy so a good set of matched springs plus a good set up and decent new shock if your on original will transform your bike.

chakraist

Discussion Starter · #11 · Jan 16, 2010

Thanks guys - that's all awesome ideas. I was thinking BT016s as well, maybe 016 front with an 021 rear or both 016. The brakes I will take off, clean and bleed, but they're feeling better with harder use. Fork springs upgrade I reckon with 7.5 wt oil. I'm thinking a longer preload time (set higher I believe? as the front is coming up too fast in corners) and slightly softer compression with a tad more preload will fix things up a lot.

The rear feels fantastic and I did a bit of a slide under power this morning in the wet and it wasn't particularly unsettling, it was quite nice actually.

Will check the head bearings too, but there's no play at all. I'd prefer to keep the 16" and fix the problems with suspension settings but does anyone know what wheels will fit? VFR750 I heard goes on pretty good.

Thanks again guys.

Dangerous Des

· #12 · Jan 16, 2010

I have an RRW and like you am about 17st but not as tall - 6ft.

I can't say I have the unstable feeling in the corners. My bike came with Ohlins fork springs and rear shock, having never ridden it with the original suspension I can't say if it is down to this.

As for tyres, I currently use Pirelli Diablo front and Diablo Strads rear which works well for me.

I thought about a 17" front conversion but it's not a simple swap on the RRW/X - unlike earlier Blades there's a bit more to it - spacers I think. Apart from limited tyre choice I have no problem with the 16" front so I decidednot to bother.

bladeracer

· #13 · Jan 16, 2010

Destructo said:
Apart from limited tyre choice I have no problem with the 16" front so I decided not to bother.

I agree, the 16" works just fine.

Hondasrule

· #14 · Jan 17, 2010

bladeracer said:
As a new member it's not possible to PM you.

You can email me at [email protected]

Thanks Jim

chakraist

Discussion Starter · #15 · Jan 17, 2010

Jim- There's no real way for me to get the wheel over to the UK, I'm afraid, so I'll have to pass.

Right, so I think I'll stick on the 16" wheel, get some 016s on there, get some Ohlins front springs, braided lines and see what happens. Will start tweaking sus today as it's a pretty nice day!

Hondasrule

· #16 · Jan 17, 2010

Yes getting it over to you would be a huge pain, I run 016's on my bike and love them. Best of luck on the project
Jim

bladeracer

· #17 · Jan 17, 2010

It's actually no big deal shipping stuff internationally.
From Canada I've bought a pair of GSXR wheels with tyres and discs and also bought my full Akrapovic system. From the US I've bought a complete 954 engine, two sets of forks, three cylinder heads, 1000RR wheels, 1000RR swingarm - and those are just some of the big items off the top of my head. Delivered right to my door.
I will say though, _NEVER_ use UPS or FedEx. USPS is the way to go every time.

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