USD Forks + Radial Brakes

[Shaane]

Alright All,

I'm currently looking at 2 CBR600RRs, 1 is 2004 and 1 is 2005. The 2005 is fitted standardly with USD forks and Radial Brakes but i don't completely understand what difference both of these would make?

Can anybody please explain?

Thanks
Shaane
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EMRA Roadstock #92 - Paperwork Permitted.
Previous: 1992 DT125R
Current: ~ 2005 ZX6R C1H

[MarJay]

USD forks are stiffer than RWU forks, but also are more likely to allow frame damage in a crash.

When a RWU fork bike crashes, the forks bend at the bottom yoke and you can replace them. When an USD fork bike crashes, it can crack the frame. Personally, I'm a bit of a tart and I'd go for the USD fork bike, but that is just me.

With regard to radial brakes, they are supposed to be very good because the tolerances don't have to be as tight to get the same stopping power as non-radial brakes. This means, in practice, that radial brakes somehow have a magical stopping ability and feel. I've no idea if this actually makes a difference or not as I've never ridden a bike with radial calipers...

If they are the same price, mileage and condition I'd probably choose the USD fork model.
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[chris-red]

To you probably none.


USD forks are the in thing for a few reasons. The are stiffer, less unsprung weight and they look better. The downside is that bikes have a natural Crumple zone in the forks. With RWU forks if you hit something head on the forks will bend and absorb most of the force. With USD forks they will not bend as easily and will be more likely to transfer the force of the impact to the headstock and damage the frame. This will write off the bike rather than leaving you with a bill of a few hundred quid to replace fork stantions and seals.

Radial brakes the sole difference is they are mounted with the bolts bolted inline with the brake disc rather than bisecting it. This is better because there is less movemnt in the caliper when using the brakes (I think)

A radial brake master Cylinder is somethign different it means when you squeeze the brake lever it pushes in the Master cylinder bisecting the handlebar rather than parallel to it. I believe this gives you more braking force.

The bottom line is you probably will not notice the difference go for the one that is cheapest/looks best.
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[Shaane]

Thanks for the fast replies guys. Appreciate the help.
____________________
EMRA Roadstock #92 - Paperwork Permitted.
Previous: 1992 DT125R
Current: ~ 2005 ZX6R C1H

[Acemastr]

my 05 RR has beautiful brakes, strong and solid, I honestly didn't feel much difference between RWU and USD forks though.
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[UnknownStuntm...]

[chris-red]

[UnknownStuntm...]

[bacon]

I thought radial calipers were designed for race teams wanting to change the size of the discs quickly by simply using spacers?