FZR
1000 Fork Conversion.
The standard front end on the Fazer/FZX is
well known to owners as being “a bit soft”, and the front brakes
compliment the forks quite well! But this is not surprising considering
these bikes were designed twenty years ago and are sport cruisers not full
on race replicas.
The standard Fazer/FZX forks can be firmed up by fitting spacers on top of the springs to produce some pre-load, this removes the need to use air pressure so the seals will last longer, some heavier fork oil can also be used 15W for normal to moderate use and 20W for more enthusiastic riding.
A better option is to fit a new set of progressive springs and if it’s still not firm enough fit some spacers and some heavier oil as well but to get a real improvement a common conversion is to fit the complete Yamaha FZR1000 front end which bolts straight on and gives 41mm fork tubes, big discs, four pot calipers and a 17 inch wheel which allows a much wider choice of good modern rubber than the standard 16 inch wheel.
PLEASE NOTE: The forks used are from the early Genesis model 87-88 FZR1000.
The standard Fazer/FZX forks can be firmed up by fitting spacers on top of the springs to produce some pre-load, this removes the need to use air pressure so the seals will last longer, some heavier fork oil can also be used 15W for normal to moderate use and 20W for more enthusiastic riding.
A better option is to fit a new set of progressive springs and if it’s still not firm enough fit some spacers and some heavier oil as well but to get a real improvement a common conversion is to fit the complete Yamaha FZR1000 front end which bolts straight on and gives 41mm fork tubes, big discs, four pot calipers and a 17 inch wheel which allows a much wider choice of good modern rubber than the standard 16 inch wheel.
PLEASE NOTE: The forks used are from the early Genesis model 87-88 FZR1000.
The only differences between the
FZR1000 and FZX bottom yokes is the FZR clamps are staggered down
and the FZX is flat and the lock stops on the FZR yoke are closer
together, the bearings are identical.
The FZR 1000 bottom yoke will bolt
straight on to the FZX
headstock.
The original FZR top yoke has nowhere
to bolt on bars as it has clipons fitted to the forklegs, you can
use it and fit clipons or there are various adaptors and conversion
kits that allow bars to be fitted, I have gone for a new billet top
yoke with short risers
The forks stops on the FZR yoke are
closer together than the FZX so they or the steering stop on the
frame or both need to be cut back a bit on each side to get more
full lock, it’s not essential but you will notice the difference
especially in a tight turning area.
The FZR1000 forks are about 1inch shorter
than the FZX but the FZR has a 17inch wheel instead of the FZX’s 16inch
wheel so this cancels that out. I haven’t taken any measurements but there
is no obvious change in the ride height of the front end and the frame
rail under the motor still looks about
horizontal.