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I sold my '14 350 and I never liked those jackhammers. Now I'm eyeballing a '17 RMZ450 and the rep on these forks are clear. I've never had air forks and setting air pressures at the track wouldn't bother me. So which forks are worse? Should I look for a Yz instead? Need opinions please
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Tac forks are pretty good once setup. In the rmz450, I felt the biggest problem was valving and not the air spring. I ran 0 outer chamber and equal pressure in balance and inner to keep it simple
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Youre gonna get a ton of responses since suspension is preference. Id pick the bike based off everything other than the forks and then have the forks done the way you want. Spring conversions are available.
2009 Kawasaki KX450F
2009 Kawasaki KX250F
2002 Suzuki GSXR 600
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Location: FIN
I haven't rode the 17 RMZ with the TAC fork but the reviews are far from good.
But the 17 RMZ is so cheap(relatively) that a set of Öhlins TTX cartridges could be a really good option for you if you go with the RMZ.
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Joined: 4/1/2008
Location: USA
Motofinne wrote:
I haven't rode the 17 RMZ with the TAC fork but the reviews are far from good.
But the 17 RMZ is so cheap(relatively) that a set of Öhlins TTX cartridges could be a really good option for you if you go with the RMZ.
Dude. You shoulda just stopped at "haven't rode the 17 rmz"
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Location: Utica, MI USA
Motofinne wrote:
I haven't rode the 17 RMZ with the TAC fork but the reviews are far from good.
But the 17 RMZ is so cheap(relatively) that a set of Öhlins TTX cartridges could be a really good option for you if you go with the RMZ.
Bruce372 wrote:
Dude. You shoulda just stopped at "haven't rode the 17 rmz"
I think his post was very relevant to this conversation....
Don't take it personally because you have an RMZ. It wasn't a shot at anyone.
Race Bike: 2018 KTM 350SXF
Other Bikes: 1985 CR80R, 1990 CR250R, 1998 PW80, Specialized Fuse Comp 29.
Sold: 2016 YZ250F, 2012 CRF250R
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4CS was junk. Showa TAC is much better.
Valving and good air and oil seals is key on the TAC fork. Get it valved for your riding style and have the company install the SKF Glide kit and they'll work really well.
Before you ride for the day, set the fork pressure properly (there is a correct order) and bleed the air screw on the damper side.
Don't make the mistake of chasing pressures. Remember that you have many clicks of compression and rebound damping to work with.
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Edited Date/Time:
Motofinne wrote:
I haven't rode the 17 RMZ with the TAC fork but the reviews are far from good.
But the 17 RMZ is so cheap(relatively) that a set of Öhlins TTX cartridges could be a really good option for you if you go with the RMZ.
Bruce372 wrote:
Dude. You shoulda just stopped at "haven't rode the 17 rmz"
Someone woke up with the wrong foot?
Did i say that the TAC is impossible to turn into a good fork? No i didn't.
OP could probably get a brand new RMZ for what, 6k? Add a set of Öhlins cartridges for 1k(or cheaper if you can find a used set) and he would have a very good bike.
Posts: 3730
Joined: 4/1/2008
Location: USA
Motofinne wrote:
I haven't rode the 17 RMZ with the TAC fork but the reviews are far from good.
But the 17 RMZ is so cheap(relatively) that a set of Öhlins TTX cartridges could be a really good option for you if you go with the RMZ.
Bruce372 wrote:
Dude. You shoulda just stopped at "haven't rode the 17 rmz"
Motofinne wrote:
Someone woke up with the wrong foot?
Did i say that the TAC is impossible to turn into a good fork? No i didn't.
OP could probably get a brand new RMZ for what, 6k? Add a set of Öhlins cartridges for 1k(or cheaper if you can find a used set) and he would have a very good bike.
No mate, it's a good bike already without buying the ohlins.... but you wouldn't know that because you haven't ridden it.
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Edited Date/Time:
Motofinne wrote:
I haven't rode the 17 RMZ with the TAC fork but the reviews are far from good.
But the 17 RMZ is so cheap(relatively) that a set of Öhlins TTX cartridges could be a really good option for you if you go with the RMZ.
Bruce372 wrote:
Dude. You shoulda just stopped at "haven't rode the 17 rmz"
Motofinne wrote:
Someone woke up with the wrong foot?
Did i say that the TAC is impossible to turn into a good fork? No i didn't.
OP could probably get a brand new RMZ for what, 6k? Add a set of Öhlins cartridges for 1k(or cheaper if you can find a used set) and he would have a very good bike.
Actually I just saw a dealer 40 miles from me has brand new 17 RMZ450's for $4999
Edit: Just saw an 18 RMZ450 at another dealer for $7399...
2017 RMZ450
2005 YZ250-sold :,(
1998 YZ250
2005 KX250F
80% of the time it works every time
IG @hamdaddyof2 & @2HRacing
Thanks to : Factory Effex, N2Dirt, Acerbis, DT1, Fasthouse, Matix, FMF, ASV, 100% & Mika Metals
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OP, the forks on the rmz aren't nearly as bad as everyone makes them out to be. Especially after you have them set up for your weight. They aren't as good as the kyb's on the Yamaha, but they aren't bad either
2017 RMZ450
2005 YZ250-sold :,(
1998 YZ250
2005 KX250F
80% of the time it works every time
IG @hamdaddyof2 & @2HRacing
Thanks to : Factory Effex, N2Dirt, Acerbis, DT1, Fasthouse, Matix, FMF, ASV, 100% & Mika Metals
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Edited Date/Time:
Considering you even listed a Yamaha as a possible option I say go with that... The Kayaba SSS is leagues above both the 4CS and TAC plus they have outstanding engines. Or try and pick up a '17 KTM/Husky since the AER suspension is also far beyond the 4CS and TAC forks. But personally I'm in love with the SSS suspension and give it a slight edge over the AER suspension plus I love the broad and strong power delivery that Yamaha has built up a reputation for. Just my 2 cents.
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Joined: 5/18/2015
Location: JPN
My experience with Showa Tac (Honda), is they were not good in stock form.
I sent them out for work, including the SKF glide kit, and they are much better.
If I find a decent set of Spring Forks, I will change them over to save the hassle of air folk set up.
"Nothing happens until something moves"
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Location: NorCal, CA USA
I had TBT racing in Az convert my TAC forks to Showa SFF (with all Showa parts) before I even rode them. They work great!!
