Brake or Suspension Upgrade. Cafe Racer Build

  • Mr Christopher
    Mr Christopher
    6 years ago
    I’m currently turning my 2015 Sporty into a Cafe Racer. The engines been upgraded 1250SS Holigan Bigbore Cam Kit, Heavy Breather, Fuelpack, VH 2:1 Upsweep. Need to now upgrade brakes and suspension. Question is should l upgrade the suspension or brakes next. I would love to do both but money only grows on one tree and that ain’t my style. 
    Suspension:Looking at Progressive 970 piggyback shocks for rear and progressive mono tube fork cartridge for front 
    or 
    Brakes: Performance Machine 4 caliber direct bolt on brake Kit front and rear and floating disk. The 2015 has ABS and l assume the PM upgrade won’t effect it? 
    Any feedback or recommendations would be appreciated.
  • Bonkerz
    Bonkerz
    6 years ago
    I'm no expert (not even close) but unless the bike is off the road when ur doing it all I'd always go brakes first - since stopping good can save ur life.  That's not to say suspension doesn't play a part in that, but passable suspension and great brakes is better than great suspension and passable brakes in my books.
  • tussuck
    tussuck
    6 years ago
    Suspension first (include a steering dampener as well).... The existing brakes should be able to pull up a Sporty in short order so make sure the 4pots are not a case of over-braking the bike.
  • Bonkerz
    Bonkerz
    6 years ago
    See, I live and learn.  I guess it depends on how shitty those brakes are.
  • Baloffski
    Baloffski
    6 years ago
    Now I  with tussuk, light weight ya don"t have to get your ya yas out like heavy models, and suspension improvements will add too your confidence, and not have to utilise brakes as much. From ova 45 years of riding two wheels has told me. 
    But that"s me, every one is different.
  • Mr Christopher
    Mr Christopher
    6 years ago
    Thanks for the responses all. I was considering suspension first also as l to believe a better handling bike makes for better riding. The stock brakes are ABS and are enough to pull it up at present. I may just change out the pads to a softer compound and will concentrate on upgrading the suspension. I have been ordering my parts through Revzilla as its a flat rate shipping fee and no hassle returns, however if possible would prefer to buy local if possible. I live N/E Suburbs in Melbourne so any suggestions on where l can purchased the parts locally would help. ( except from the HD Stealer )
    Progressive 970 piggyback shocks.
    Progressive mono tube fork cartridge for front.
    Drag Specialty Steering Damper Kit.
  • Mr Christopher
    Mr Christopher
    6 years ago
    Cheers for the advice. I have decided to upgrade to the progressive 970 Piggy back on the rear and the Racetech spring and gold valve setup on the front. I have decided to go this way as Racetech and Progressive have lifetime warranties and are both customized to my weight range. Once fitted and dialed in l will report back. Looking at around $3K fit and setup, but Ive spent more on girls with Daddy issues....and this will probably be a better ride.
  • tussuck
    tussuck
    6 years ago
    So long as your happy that you will never get the money back if you sell the bike.  
  • Mr Christopher
    Mr Christopher
    6 years ago
    Just did the Brighter days run from Melbourne to Bright. ( includes 70Km of mountain road ). I may not get my money back but l don’t care the suspension upgrade was worth every cent. Had it custom designed and preset to my height and weight and l can honestly say it allows me to brake later, dig deeper ( had to buy custom footpegs to avoid scrapping ) and it now corners like it’s on rails. Huge improvement at high speeds ( 150km + ) and as advised by others l use my brakes a lot less. Highly recommend Racetech Custom springs and gold valves, high quality fork oil ( motul expert) on front and progressive 970 piggy backs on rear.