SFF AIR vs duel chamber spring fork 2016 RMZ

Badd127
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Badd127
Last year I started racing again after not having a bike for 6 years, I bought a RM250 for my come back, but after two days riding I realised I'm in no shape to keep that thing on the pipe for 20mins plus, so I traded it for a 2013 rmz 450 with the SFF spring fork, which I thort wasn't as bad as everyone said.
Now I have just snapped up a 2016 rmz 450 with 20hrs on it, for a song.
Now for the question, I have the option to keep the fork as is, I will re-valve it but still using air, do the air to spring conversion, or swap out the forks for an older style duel chamber spring fork.
I have only put a few laps in on the air fork, and wasn't that impressed, it felt like it rides very high in the stroke, and doesn't turn in as easily as the 2013. And I really don't like the idea of checking fork pressure throughout the day.
If anyone has done the conversion I'm interested to hear your thort. Cheers.
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RussB
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RussB 1/5/2017 12:40am
1/5/2017 12:40am
Same story as most 15+ RMZ450 owners. The air forks are terrible in stock form and are a lot more bearable once re-valved by a reputable tuner. I went from hating mine, to being comfortable riding on them and after a lot of testing, I eventually found a setting that worked decent on most tracks. The constant air pressure checking is a ball ache but you get used to it.

However if you can go to spring, I would highly recommend it. I managed to grab a 2nd hand set of A-Kits for a great price. As I plan on keeping my 15 for a few years it has made it a worth while investment, and I know that in a few years time they will sell for a similar price to what I paid for them.

My advice would be to get the SFF TAC re-valved and set for you, but then constantly keep an eye out for a spring fork, they do pop up quite often. Ohlins also make a great fork for the RMZ. There are plenty of options about.
Badd127
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Badd127 1/5/2017 12:52am
1/5/2017 12:52am
I do have an option to buy some showa B-kit spring forks, basically standard stuff with coatings, valving, anodised lugs ECT. ..

But I was wondering if people had got their air fork to work well with the spring conversion.

The B-kit will cost about $450 more to buy than doing the conversion and revalve on the air fork. But I guess like you said I could sell them for maybe a little less than I got them if it doesn't work out.
RussB
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RussB 1/5/2017 1:21am
1/5/2017 1:21am
In theory, the spring conversion for the SFF TAC should make them just like the '13 spring SFF forks. But I am no suspension guru so there may well be differences between the 2 (hopefully someone can clarify?)
But if you liked the '13 spring SFF fork then I would have thought you will get on fine with a re-valved and setup up spring converted SFF TAC fork.

An A/B Kit or Ohlins is probably still a better option, but $450+ is a lot of money saved. Either option will still leave you with a better front end than the stock SFF TAC.
I guess it comes down to how much you like to spend on your riding and how long you plan on keeping the bike.
paddyB745
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paddyB745 1/5/2017 10:34pm
1/5/2017 10:34pm
I went with the race tech spring conversion on my 16 kawi 450. Best money I've spent on the bike so far.

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Bruce372
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Bruce372 1/5/2017 11:44pm
1/5/2017 11:44pm
Revalve the tac air fork. It's good once revalved. You can also add skf fork seals and glide kit to make the action really super smooth.

Check out the for sale section for a bunch of rmz450 hop ups or message me

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