This thread is part of a series, you can find the list of all other threads related to my overall restoration here: ColtMax's 1997 Restoration thread
PARTS SELECTION STRATEGY:
Requirements
I use my Vmax as a cruising bike, although I like to twist the throttle a lot, I want this bike to be comfortable for long rides (8+ hrs). I also ride with my wife a lot. Our combined weight is nearing 400lb once all geared up.
The roads up here in Quebec are pretty bad, crack bumps, hole... you name it.. it's there. For this reason I would like to have a front suspension that rides smoothly while providing proper support for riding with passenger. I would also like to limit the nose dive when applying front brakes aggressively.
Budget
Obviously, this is a 28 years old motorcycle with 144,000km (90k miles), I want to restore it, but I would like to keep the overhaul budget to something reasonable.
All in all I would like to keep the front fork rebuild under 500CAD$ which is nowadays approximately 20USD$
Seriously, this is around 350USD$ at time of writing this post.
Options:
1 - Progressive Suspension Springs + Stock Fork Rebuild (SELECTED)
2 - Race Tech Front Springs
to be completed
3 - Gold Valve Cartridge Emulator
to be completed
4 - Fork swap to an inverted fork
to be completed
PARTS:
I have ordered the following OEM parts to perform this task:
View attachment 96465
UPGRADE
As an upgrade, I am installing the Progressive Suspension spring 11-1144
View attachment 96466
DISASSEMBLY
The disassembly process was pretty straight forward, thanks to Seans's video.
Here is how my bike sits now:
View attachment 96463View attachment 96464
PARTS SELECTION STRATEGY:
Requirements
I use my Vmax as a cruising bike, although I like to twist the throttle a lot, I want this bike to be comfortable for long rides (8+ hrs). I also ride with my wife a lot. Our combined weight is nearing 400lb once all geared up.
The roads up here in Quebec are pretty bad, crack bumps, hole... you name it.. it's there. For this reason I would like to have a front suspension that rides smoothly while providing proper support for riding with passenger. I would also like to limit the nose dive when applying front brakes aggressively.
Budget
Obviously, this is a 28 years old motorcycle with 144,000km (90k miles), I want to restore it, but I would like to keep the overhaul budget to something reasonable.
All in all I would like to keep the front fork rebuild under 500CAD$ which is nowadays approximately 20USD$
Seriously, this is around 350USD$ at time of writing this post.Options:
1 - Progressive Suspension Springs + Stock Fork Rebuild (SELECTED)
Pros:
Can accommodate a wide range of riding conditions,
Can accommodate a wide range of riding conditions,
Simple to install
Within my budget
Cons:
Might not offer the best performance riding experience
2 - Race Tech Front Springs
to be completed
3 - Gold Valve Cartridge Emulator
to be completed
4 - Fork swap to an inverted fork
to be completed
PARTS:
I have ordered the following OEM parts to perform this task:
View attachment 96465
| Item | PN | Description | Qty |
| 15 | 4V4-23188-L0-00 | O-RING | 2 |
| 19 | 3LR-23149-00-00 | WASHER, SPRING UPPER | 2 |
| 9 | 3GM-23173-00-00 | SPINDLE, TAPER | 2 |
| 6 | 4PU-23144-00-00 | SEAL, DUST | 2 |
| 4 | 4PU-23145-01-00 | OIL SEAL | 2 |
| 7 | 4V4-23146-L0-00 | WASHER, OIL SEAL | 2 |
| 5 | 5EB-23125-00-00 | METAL, SLIDE 1 | 2 |
| 12 | 4V4-23158-L0-00 | GASKET | 2 |
UPGRADE
As an upgrade, I am installing the Progressive Suspension spring 11-1144
View attachment 96466
DISASSEMBLY
The disassembly process was pretty straight forward, thanks to Seans's video.
Here is how my bike sits now:
View attachment 96463View attachment 96464
