So, cutting to the chase: If, just like always, all of the inmates here are so sure that the new BMW fork change is the worst thing EVER, and WP obviously make a 43mm fork already, wouldn't it theoretically be easy to swap out the internals from another 43mm adjustable model that they make and upgrade the F8's fork that way? It doesn't seem like it should be much harder than the conversion that -- W -- and Gangplank did on theirs. Not to mention that, comparative merits of the Zokes and White Powers aside, all of the Orange-riding, Beemer-hating mob on the site should LOVE selling their parted-out spares at a premium to the "Café Crowd" F8 riders who want the better ride ...to say nothing of the endless insults afterward.
Edit: Sorry, got the name mixed up. [FONT=verdana,sans-serif] [/FONT]Hi Patrick, You are right, my observations so far are purely based on the outside view of the parts, not having seen the internals, not having ridden the forks, not having read a comparative review. I am however pretty familiar with WP forks, both the open and closed cartridge designs, having disassembled/revalved/<wbr>resprung/rebuilt/modified in travel/length, a few dozen of their road racing as well as offroad and MX forks. What I see used on the 2013 BMW appears to - on the outside at least - not have anything to do with WP Suspension technology/design/parts (which always offers at least external rebound and compression adjustment, some also preload), but rather the same fork as previously used, with a different sticker on it because it's produced in a different plant. Many people don't know this but WP is a completely separate manufacturing company that for example also produces radiators not just for KTM but also BMW, Triumph and Ducati. I am interested to see the first pair of these stripped down to have a look at the internals, maybe the gentleman below? Any chance your buddy could snap some pics when they strip them down for seal replacement, that would be great! I've got about a dozen sets of WP forks here, both 43 and 48mm. If somebody takes apart a 2013 BMW fork to get some dimensions, I will do the same with the adjustable cartridges so we can get some idea if this upgrade will be possible and what it will take. First thing to check is the fork cap thread size and pitch, if that doesn't interchange it will be a huge pain in the ass because the outer tubes won't have enough material to be be re-threaded in another size.
Thanks for the answer and additional information! I'm very sure that if these were replaceable w/ adjustable components that would be a HUGE selling point for many folks. Like many have stated, adjustable provides some great flexibility and would make the decision to purchase a BMW a huge plus. Fine with the stock fork, no problem. Want to play a little, change components. Want to play more, change the entire setup. If I knew there was a concern about components, I would have asked the shop guys to snap some pictures when they were in there to replace the seals. Since they couldn't replace the seals and apparently cleaned everything up and reassembled... no more leaks. Almost (not quite, but almost) want a bit of seepage/leakage so I could take it back and get some pictures of them working through it. But if it happens, glad to try and get more pictures.
What I can already tell you is that the axle clamps will need some machining for sure, they need to be bored out in order to fit the compression holders. This thing: Needs to go in here: Hopefully there is enough meat in the BMW axle clamps to bore them out that much? What would also be helpful to get an idea of the feasibility is if you could measure the thread size and pitch of your fork caps. You can easily remove those by simply loosening the upper triple clamp pinch bolts and then turning the cap with a socket. You don't even have to take it out all the way, just enough to check the threads. I'll do the same with my KTM WP parts and a set of 08-12 BMW fork caps.
Jeez, I was kinda' enjoying my 2012 F800 until started reading all these posts about how inferior my forks are... now I feel like a bought a piece of Sh$%t.....:huh
Ha ha.... no worries mate..... Just close your eyes, and enjoy the ride..... They don't suck all that bad......imho.... well... except if you tends to go through things....rather than around them.
Hi...will you guys hurry up and solve this problem please:) I pick up my 2013 F800GS in 4 weeks. I am trading my 09 F800GS. I have arranged with the dealer that I can keep my bike for one week to swap over all my accessories, and, if it fits, my suspension. I have H/D springs, and some extra work done on the internals of my forks. I was just going to swap over the internals. But....maybe I am better off just swapping over the whole fork and keeping the 45mm fork. For the record, if the forks are different, it is news to my BMW dealer, and his service guys. They have promised to have a close look and have an answer for me when I go and see them on Saturday. So....a 45mm Marzocchi....or a 43mm WP. Whats the better base to build a fork from? Im a 110kg, commute every day, but do a weekend in the high country every month, and at least two 5 day trips a year. I bolt on a set of 17"/19" tubeless wheels with conti attacks on them for the commute, but Off road is more important than on road to me.
Does anyone have experience with this product? I ordered the rear Ohlin's and for the front I purchased progressive springs w/heavier oil. All will be installed next week, but now I see Ohlin's has a cartridge kit.
I see that Emig racing does a top clamp, and steering damper for the f800gs. If he is already jigged up for that, I cant see it being that difficult to make some triple clamps, grab 48mm WPs from a 950/990, swapping the feet for the bmw ones, machined of course, and then keeping the bmw front wheel, brakes, calipers.....