magg wrote:What specifically is wrong with the OEM fork tubes and also what is lacking in your existing setup.

My original ones are bent !
The chinese replacements I have seem to be early type tubes, which are not compatable with the later type cartridges ...
My existing set up doesn't seem to have enough damping ... I have upgraded springs (for 85kg rider) from RO ... all good with preload & sag... but I don't seem to be able to adjust to get right comp & rebound balance ... I'm having to adjust in the corner too much ...this is probably just due to the fact that there is just the single adjustment and it's as good as it gets !!

Assume OEM tubes are too bent to be straightened. You could inquire with a machine shop the cost to have your replacement tubes shortened at the lower and matched to the OEM design.

The damping issue with the OEM design is IMHO, as you suggest, the adjuster. It affects both compression and rebound resulting in too much rebound for the correct amount of compression or too little compression for the correct amount of rebound. I can find no good engineering reason for what Honda has done, although it would make the marketing department happy. Perhaps someone can offer a reason.

One approach would be to set it closed and simple rely on valving shim and oil changes to get the desired result. At least it would be predictable and consistent.

I suspect that suspension shops change the rebound piston to make the adjuster rebound only and then setup the compression valve to suit. At least with such an arrangement the compression and rebound can be altered by a combination of oil and rebound setting changes to achieve the desired outcome.

I have spare tubes to suit the later model forks but I felt they needed rechroming. This can be done for around £150 but at least you'll know they are oem tubes. In the end I bought some used forks as it was cheaper. I have them here if you want them.

Ouch just seen where you are though!!!