Has a final decision been made
No, more answers needed yet....
But I've found out a lot and still doing my research. The issues are:-
a) The standard Showa forks and rear shock are actually good quality components it seems, however they're just set up for riders at much lower weights than me. My bike is 20kg heavier due to farkles, and I'm 102kg riding weight (that's 16 stone) stood on top of it.
b) The standard Showa forks are an Open Cartridge design, which makes them 'plush' so going over rocks and holes is a good experience. Ideal for Enduro or Dual Sport riding like I intend to do. This type really appeals to me as I don't want to lose that plush riding experience, but I just want it more controlled with my weight on top.
c) Most upgraded solutions for the forks (like Touratech and Ohlins) are TC (Twin Circuit) or Closed Cartridge design, which are more designed for MX (big landing hits). So it initially takes some force before they start working, this can give it a 'harsh' impression at slower speeds. Especially over constant rocks or boulders.
d) From what I understand Touratech and Ohlins are pretty much off-the-shelf products (albeit you give them your rider weight, and they send out their standard spring, unless it's way out of range). But what I don't know is if they 'tune' anything else based on the information you give them.... for valving and shim stacks etc. What's turning me off this TC or CC design is that its a sealed unit. I wont be able to service it myself, and it has to be serviced by a professional more often than an Open Cartridge setup.
e) The standard Showa fork on the Africa Twin is apparently a 1980's design resurrected. It's not coping well with the Africa Twin weight, flexing too much, and the lower fork tube is scrubbing the inside of the upper fork tubes causing stiction. It's become a widespread problem. K-Tech can send them off to Japan and have them Kashima Coated and DLC Coated. Which is a hardened coating giving it more lifespan. But it's still not perfect and wear is still being reported (albeit some time later). Ohlins brought out their own seperate Fork System but its been on back order now for over 12 months and orders being refused. It appears even the Ohlins forks are suffering from this rubbing and stiction issue. So maybe a redesign is being done?
The reason I'm still interested in the K-Tech upgrade is that it will be 'tuned' to my exact requirements AND using an Open Cartridge system which is more plush and easier to service myself. The downside, is that they need my suspension for at least 4 weeks putting my bike out of commission. It'll have to be done over winter.
However, if either Touratech or Ohlins will build be a custom Closed Cartridge fork and rear shock based upon my weight AND riding requirements (off-road), then I would be interested in them again. The main thing is I don't want a harsh or hard riding experience over stony trails.
I'll have to speak with them all again later this week.
i used the same method lifting the rear wheel.
