03 RX-1 front suspension upgrade?

[ELIMINAT0R]

Riding home yesterday, hit something covered in the snow. Bent upper and lower control arms, also bent the spindle. OK i can live with fact that i bent this stuff. Now the real question is replacement. I thought some of the newer yamaha front ends had better front end geometry. Witch model would you guys use for replacement? I know i would have to replace both sides, but i figure it would be worth it. Thanks for any help/advice. Ron.

 

[LazyBastard]

You'll never get your money's worth on that "upgrade", but if you insist on doing it, any RS or a 2006 or newer RX with a 121 or 136" track.

 

[ELIMINAT0R]

So i guess you really mean to just replace the one side with stock components. The improvments would be marginal at best?

 

[LazyBastard]

You'll get more bang for the $$ by upgrading swaybar, links, and springs or shocks+springs.

 

[BURMAD69]

LB what shock do you on the front of yours? and what do you think of the fox air shocks?

 

[ELIMINAT0R]

Thanks for the info LB. I already have the links and springs. I guess i'll get a swaybar next. Thanks again. Ron

 

[LazyBastard]

LB what shock do you on the front of yours? and what do you think of the fox air shocks?

I just use the stock shocks with straight heavy springs. Floats are nice, but they're like progressive springs, so its a step backwards in terms of handling.

 

[BURMAD69]

When you say straight heavy spring is that a stock Yammy part or aftermarket???

 

[rxrider]

For nasty trail go with the Fox Floats they work wonders. For groomed trails running with little preload in them they handle like LB says, in those conditions a straight rate spring would work better.

I have my FFs at 75 lbs, the front end is all the way up from the preload in the shocks, too much preload gotta let off to 70 lbs. They will take whatever bump I trew it at with ease, but my turbo sled does not rail in the twisties, I can go fairly fast tho.

 

[LazyBastard]

Right. The floats are great for taking big bumps straight on, but they don't corner very well being progressive.

04+ Yam's come with straight-rate springs, but they're light. I suggest a #140. I think the stock Yam's are #110's. I have #130's, but wish they were a little bit more firm.

 

[kinger]

I upgraded to a full apex front end with GYTR clicker shocks, it handles great but for the money looking back I would have juse powdercoated the stockers and went with springs on stock shocks. Althought I love the clickers the price/benefit is much worse to get them. Your not out a lot of money if you keep it stock and do these upgrades and if you still dont like it they are all very salable and you can then get the new front end.