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Is it possible to convert earlier N29 Forks to later type?

Posted: Thu Jan 15, 2015 7:00 pm
by marty400
Hiya All,

Happy new year! Here is a question!

Is it possible to convert an earlier N29 Fork (with Preload Only) - into the later Version? (Ie into Forks with also REBOUND and COMPRESSION Adjusters)

Are the fork lowers the same, and just the internals different? (Including the shorter spring and Stanchions)

I'm looking at a CBR600f next to my NC29. I see where the 600f has the compression adjuster at the bottom back side of the Fork. Looking at the NC29, there is a blanking bolt there, where the adjuster screw would sit....

If not possible, what are the cost effective alternatives, to upgrade the suspension?! Sure, can stick race tech emulators at the top of the forks, but would just thinking outside the box on what else can do!

Hope you can advise 8)

Best wishes
Martin

Re: Is it possible to convert earlier N29 Forks to later typ

Posted: Thu Jan 15, 2015 8:09 pm
by richyrd5
Im not absolutly sure on this but i think you can change the bottoms to nc30(so you get to use the 4 pot nissins)but not sure about using the internals....if you can use nc30 forks then you might be able to have yokes reamed out to accept them....

Re: Is it possible to convert earlier N29 Forks to later typ

Posted: Fri Jan 16, 2015 11:37 am
by tanuki
richyrd5 wrote:Im not absolutly sure on this but i think you can change the bottoms to nc30(so you get to use the 4 pot nissins)but not sure about using the internals....if you can use nc30 forks then you might be able to have yokes reamed out to accept them....
yokes reamed out, why would you need to do this?

NC30 for lowers are the same, the forks over all are a bit too short.

if you have all of the parts required, internals, adjusters, endcaps etc then there is no reason I can see why you couldnt convert your forks.
You can fit NC30 lowers but the NC30 brakes wont massivly out perform a set of fully serviced NC29 brakes, if however its a bit of bling you want then hunt down a set of NSR MC21/28 fork bottoms then you can fit the gold/silver nissins

Re: Is it possible to convert earlier N29 Forks to later typ

Posted: Fri Jan 16, 2015 12:10 pm
by JZH
The early and late NC29 forks are different types--damping-rod vs. cartridge. I suspect that the stanchions are too different to allow the swapping of cartridge internals into damping-rod type forks.

It would probably be easier to swap the complete front end from a more modern bike, like the CBR600F4i, if you want a significant upgrade.

Ciao,

Re: Is it possible to convert earlier N29 Forks to later typ

Posted: Fri Jan 16, 2015 2:41 pm
by richyrd5
If the cbr yokes are smaller then to accept the vfr forks(complete)then ream out yokes.not difficult!

Re: Is it possible to convert earlier N29 Forks to later typ

Posted: Sat Jan 17, 2015 10:24 pm
by dunkenb
As it happens ive recently done this to my nc29.
I used nc30 fork caps and rvf400 cartridges , and you need to file the end of the fork stantion a little to get the valving out of the bottom so that the cartridges fit. Bish bash bosh ...jobs agood un! 8-)

Re: Is it possible to convert earlier N29 Forks to later typ

Posted: Sun Jan 18, 2015 10:08 am
by richyrd5
I have spare set of fork caps if you need them!

Re: Is it possible to convert earlier N29 Forks to later typ

Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2015 3:58 pm
by marty400
Hiya All,

Many thanks for the info :grin:

My own finding so far:

David Silver:
The fork lowers are indeed the same part number for Type R and Earlier 1992 bikes

However... damper rod unit not avail....
Also rest of parts, fork tubes etc.... flipping expensive!


RE:MCT suspension
Tyre R nc29 never had compression screw at bottom, only rebound at top.
Best, cheapest way for effective results:
race-tech emulators (Need proper installation)
correct oil
get it all done in a service



My own - more - research:
Yup, Haynes - micro fishe - no bottom compression adjuster on type "R" Forks... Doh!
race-tech emulator - plus good suspension set up - does look the most cost effective, easiest way to go - for a non mechanic person!


Cheers
Martin

Re: Is it possible to convert earlier N29 Forks to later typ

Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2015 8:57 pm
by dunkenb
I used rvf cartridges but cbr600 cartridges would work as well and are probably cheaper.
The ride is so much better after the conversion 8-)

Re: Is it possible to convert earlier N29 Forks to later typ

Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2015 9:18 pm
by marty400
dunkenb wrote:I used rvf cartridges but cbr600 cartridges would work as well and are probably cheaper.
The ride is so much better after the conversion 8-)

Oh cool!

That's an idea, cartridges from other Hondas 8)

imagine the cbr600 ones would be easier to get.

which years would fit? 8)

...and thinking about it, what about the compression dampener at the bottom of the CBR600 forks though?


Cheers
Martin