Could this be the holy grail of fork upgrade!!

Paulie Myrus

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Hey folks, after months of looking at race tec springs emulators etc.. plus lots of other brands! I also considered old R6 forks.

I was chatting to a suspension specialist in Dublin Ireland and he mentioned "had I not heard of" Andreani cartridge forks for my FZ6. I didn't think ANYONE made cartridge forks for the FZ6. well f*ck me, me ordering these!! :rockon:

Andreani Group sito ufficiale

Anyone have these? or even heard of em, apparently they are very good ;) next down from Ohlins I was told.
 

FinalImpact

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Do it! Report back how the install goes and how they behave.

Be sure to ask about spring rates for your needs and combined weight of bike, gear, & rider....
 

FinalImpact

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When you buy them, ask if you can customize the damping velocity. I'm not asking the controls you adjust from the outside, more so the shim stack inside that controls how the oil flows. As in high speed blead so if set firm it doesn't rattle your teeth out on rough roads.

If they work well that will be good to know but I picked my R6 forks up for cheap. Axle, fender kit, forks for less than $280 USD. So, there is that.
 

FinalImpact

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When you buy them, ask if you can customize the damping velocity. I'm not asking the controls you adjust from the outside, more so the shim stack inside that controls how the oil flows. As in high speed blead so if set firm it doesn't rattle your teeth out on rough roads.

If they work well that will be good to know but I picked my R6 forks up for cheap. Axle, fender kit, forks for less than $280 USD. So, there is that.
 

major tom

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Please post comments, feedback, specs,(springs, oil viscosity) your weight, riding style,etc after using for a time.
 

Paulie Myrus

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When you buy them, ask if you can customize the damping velocity. I'm not asking the controls you adjust from the outside, more so the shim stack inside that controls how the oil flows. As in high speed blead so if set firm it doesn't rattle your teeth out on rough roads.

If they work well that will be good to know but I picked my R6 forks up for cheap. Axle, fender kit, forks for less than $280 USD. So, there is that.

The chap suggested I use .90 springs, I am 104 kg so my thoughts were .95 springs, The guy is an Ohlins specialist in Ireland, so ill take his advice. He said he will set it up for me when installed, I will ask him about the shim stack! cheers man.

I will report back as soon as the mod is done guys.
 

darius

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[MENTION=27430]Paulie Myrus[/MENTION]
Any luck with the install?

I am sick of getting knocked around by the cratered streets around here and pulled the trigger today. I should have the set within a couple of weeks from Italy.

This ebay seller appears automated to counteroffer $530 and no lower:
Andreani Misano Fork Cartridge Kit 105/Y09 Yamaha FZ6 - FZ6 S2

The US distributor (Fast Bikes) wants $600 by comparison. It might be worth a call to ask if he'll price match.
 

darius

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I asked for a PDF of the install instructions to read up ahead and determine if special tools are required, new seals to order etc., but no dice- have to wait for the hard copy.

Could a mod rename this thread to "Andreani Misano Fork Cartridge Kit"? I think that would be helpful.

I'll scan the instructions and post here when I get them.
 

FinalImpact

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Hey Chris, long time MIA. I hope all is well.

Some things to keep in mind when dialing in the suspension..
attachment.php


Although changing the physical settings will be different, here is some insight towards getting it setup for you.

Bike setup vid w/ Dave Moss.... Bike Setup, SAG, Comp, Rebound Damping

Bike Setup Tech article....
Motorcycle Suspension Set-up

Tire wear patterns.... Race Track Motorcycle Tyre Wear Guide - Types and Causes
 

darius

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Thanks Randy [MENTION=15974]FinalImpact[/MENTION]. I'm doing great. How about you?

I didn't get much riding in last year, but off to a good start for 2017. 20 practice rides and coming up to 500 miles so far.

Great post there. I actually just changed the balance of the bike. It felt too much nose down and over steering slightly. Bumps were harsh through the bars and scoot me forwards on the seat.

I'm still running the hyperpro spring kit with the stock forks raised in the triple slightly. I took out all the preload in the shock and now it feels more balanced, easier to corner with neutral steering. The bumps are also not as bad, getting scooted forward less.

The bike feels "springy" right now, but not too bad otherwise. So I should be adding rebound dampening right? But that's not going to happen without upgrades and that brings us to this thread..
 

FinalImpact

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I'm good. Got in 100+ mi in the woods Sunday...
I will add that the R6 gang continues to wreck at an alarming rate and there are plenty of R6 forks on there...
For 3 to $400 a rider could have adjustable forks, an axle, install kit, maybe extra or potentially less....
Most will need fresh oil and maybe seals. I was into mine for $350 total, best money I ever spent.

Bottom line is once you get fully adjustable suspension you need to set the sag and play with damping settings until the bike works well for you in your environment.

I made some minor changes in setup this year and I'm very happy. It's forgiving, compliant, and predictable... Not bad for a budget build. Turn in is quick, all but the biggest of road imperfections is absorbed without changing my line so it really rides as it should.

Keep us posted on how this works out. Good to see you're still out there!
 

darius

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Should be getting the kit on Monday. Not bad for "free shipping" from Italy to PNW USA!

The stock forks on the fizzer feel adequate in a straight line but they're far from confidence inspiring leaned over if the road surface is less than perfect.

Looking forward to getting the instructions in hand to order up any additional bits I need. I'm expecting it's going to require full fork disassembly which will be a new experience for me.
 

darius

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Fork kit arrived. Here's a scan of the instructions for anyone else considering.
The recommended fork oil was Ohlins 01309 with an oil level of 125mm from top.

p1.jpg
p2.jpg
p3.jpg
p4.jpg
 

FinalImpact

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Hmm... you have a lathe and can "throw out" the upper bushing grove...
Yikes! Ask once. Cut once....
 

darius

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After much grinding, filing, sawzalling, and hammering, I have managed to gut and rebuild the stock Fizzer forks with the Andreani cartridge kit.

Unfortunately the kit was sent with the wrong springs. The stock springs are 14" and I was sent 10.5", plus the new spacer is an inch shorter as well so there's all this empty free travel.

Looks like I'll be trying out the kit with my existing springs until this can be sorted out and the forks will have to come out again.

Oh well, at least I should be able get riding with what I have.

Edit: Omnia Racing assured me that the spring length is correct and to complete the install.
 
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darius

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It's not going to be possible to reassemble the forks by hand anymore with this upgrade, not even to simply change out fork oil.

A fork spring compressor is absolutely required. The fork cap cannot be screwed into the rod without one.

Bike will be out of action for the best part of a week until I get one shipped to me. I called the local bike shop to see if they'd lend out, but no dice.
 
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