46mm R9T fork vs 43mm R9T Pure fork

673 Views 16 Replies 13 Participants Last post by Baloo, 14 d ago

boskobird

Discussion Starter · 16 d ago

46mm R9T fork vs 43mm R9T Pure fork. Will I notice a difference in ride quality, compliance at moderate speeds?

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Chris<CJ>

· #2 · 16 d ago

boskobird said:
46mm R9T fork vs 43mm R9T Pure fork. Will I notice a difference in ride quality, compliance at moderate speeds?

"Compliance", is a function of fork internals and is a subjective assessment.
"Fork size", is a factor in steering geometry and chassis rigidity.

Yes, the forks on the R9T Classic vs. the forks on the R9T Pure, are better.
Yes, the ride quality of the R9T Pure with after market cartridges in the forks give an extremely good ride.

But wait, that is only half the story!

Ride compliance and quality also depend on the rear suspension.
Both models have the same.

Tons of info on ,"suspension" available on this forum.

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Chris.

· #3 · 16 d ago

Yeah; allot of info on the forum about suspension.

But i would start with only upgrading your rear shock. I went for a Wilbers and left the front stock on my 2018 Urban. Im happy.

Reactions: 1

boskobird

Discussion Starter · #4 · 16 d ago

boskobird said:
46mm R9T fork vs 43mm R9T Pure fork. Will I notice a difference in ride quality, compliance at moderate speeds?

Thanks for the replies, but, I'm asking about the forks as they come from the factory, not after market possibilities. Does the 43mm soak up small bumps as well as the 46mm at moderate speeds?

3570

· #5 · 16 d ago

boskobird said:
I'm asking about the forks as they come from the factory, not after market possibilities. Does the 43mm soak up small bumps as well as the 46mm at moderate speeds?

No. The 46mm forks are shared with the S1000R and are beefier for a reason, they're simply better components.

That's not to say that the Pure forks are bad - one of my buddies has a Pure and loves it, and there are probably more 43mm fork owners on this forum than 46mm. I'm not sure if the 43mm forks are adjustable for compression/rebound damping like the 46mm are either, maybe someone else will chime in with that info.

Noel61

· #6 · 15 d ago (Edited)

I was blown away how good my scrambler forks (43s) "became* with springs, yss emulators and 7.5w fork oil.... about $500 aud and easy to do yourself.... and off course... a new rear shock as well.... I went Nitron

The yss emulators sort the high speed compression dampening (high speed refers to fork travel speed.... not bike speed.... think sharp edge bump)

TimC

· #7 · 15 d ago (Edited)

The stock 43mm forks on the R9T lineup are non-adjustable. The 46mm forks on the standard R9T were non-adjustable the first few years of manufacture, but since then they've been adjustable.

I think in general the 46mm forks are better.

They'll be stiffer due to the increased diameter, but for soaking up bumps I don't know how much difference the average rider can tell.
Inverted fork legs means less unsprung weight, which is always good.
The 46mm inverted fork on the standard R9T has radially mounted brake calipers. Both forks have 4-piston brakes, but radially mounted calipers are generally preferred.
Lastly, the beefier fork with the more modern, high performance design looks better to my eye, not that looks would be the deciding factor for me.

As for the 43 mm forks, as @Chris<CJ> said above, if you buy an R9T model with the 43mm fork, you can upgrade the internals if necessary. Personally, I swapped out the stock springs for a set of RaceTechs for my higher weight, and I'm pretty happy with them. That being said, I may eventually upgrade to the company's Gold Valve Emulators, or to an adjustable cartridge kit from Ohlins.

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gene_apodaca

· #8 · 15 d ago

@boskobird are you asking because you are trying to decide which bike to buy? If so, test ride both and decide for yourself. Keep in mind, the larger forks are higher quality, but both are adequate, and as mentioned above, more of us are using the smaller fork since more models are equipped with them. Also, as mentioned above, there is a ton of info on suspensions on the forum. Adjustments and tweaks can be made to both forks allowing them to be perfectly good for most riders.

Reactions: 1

UGS_Tom

· #9 · 15 d ago

3570 said:
No. The 46mm forks are shared with the S1000R and are beefier for a reason, they're simply better components.

Exactly the reason why the new R12 nineT comes with them

(or RR?) as everybody cried for better suspension.

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tarby

· #10 · 15 d ago

I have a Pure. No probs for my talents. There is a ton of info on here about suspension.

BlitzSchnell

· #11 · 15 d ago (Edited)

Wow … this kind of information banter is why this forum is so well embraced by our community …….. I learn something everytime I stop to read and catch up with the latest topic. There are some really smart / sharp riders among these zero’s and one’s ..👍🏻 @gene_apodaca hit the nail on the head (again) with observing the fact that the question and the answer at hand are completely subjective and the only way to truly arrive at any conclusion or answer is to test one against the other real time with a test ride on each set-up… I’d talk with someone who owns the suspension you don’t have, perhaps a willing dealership ..and ride both across a designated area you picked out and ride frequently. Do it several times and at similar speeds……. There’s your definitive answer …… turns out it’s a very personal thing “ride” and the consensus is there’s no consensus …….. terrain, speed, rider weight all play-in to the choices …. Then ask yourself the question … are you sight seeing or trying to get to the checkered flag? Ride it then decide ……………………………………….. ViveLaDifférence ………………………………. Blitz

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Baloo

· #12 · 15 d ago (Edited)

I have bikes with both. Splitting hairs in my opinion. Installing a cartridge set in either and just enjoy the ride is the ticket. For my weight a suspension upgrade is a must and my riding style is leaning to the more laid back long rides. Im happy with standard fork with a cartridge upgrade.

Reactions: 1

tarby

· #13 · 14 d ago

boskobird said:
Thanks for the replies, but, I'm asking about the forks as they come from the factory, not after market possibilities. Does the 43mm soak up small bumps as well as the 46mm at moderate speeds?

Have you got a R9T? Are you thinking about swapping out the forks?

Chris<CJ>

· #14 · 14 d ago

boskobird said:
Thanks for the replies, but, I'm asking about the forks as they come from the factory, not after market possibilities. Does the 43mm soak up small bumps as well as the 46mm at moderate speeds?

"Small bumps at moderate speeds" with an average-weight rider, is what both the 46mm and 43mm forks are able to manage.
"Manage" is subjective, so take a ride on both the Classic and the Pure and then decide on a choice.

Reactions: 1

Tim 2154

· #15 · 14 d ago

I have a 2017 Classic with the adjustable 46mm forks and I’ve been quite happy with them. I view my R9T as a sports bike and I think they deliver a very good comfortable, controlled ride.

Some people seem to want a plusher more comfortable ride, which is not unreasonable given the style of bike but I’m very happy with it.

The rear shock on the other hand could be better even if you’re average weight and expecting a fairly sporty ride.

Bobber101

· #16 · 14 d ago

boskobird said:
46mm R9T fork vs 43mm R9T Pure fork. Will I notice a difference in ride quality, compliance at moderate speeds?

The solution as gene_apodaca has noted is to test ride both and decide for yourself.

Reactions: 2

Baloo

· #17 · 14 d ago (Edited)

Bobber101 said:
The solution as gene_apodaca has noted is to test ride both and decide for yourself.

Yeah what Gene and Bobber said.
Also, ask yourself what are you really intending to do on the bike. Are you going to tear it up at the track? Are you going to have good casual rides with commuting in mind ? When I say casual , I do not mean slow and frumpy. Are you going to use it for multi day trips?
Or are you going to bling it out simply for the accolades of the masses and look pretty cool in front of a coffee shop?
These are serious questions that you have to ask yourself.

P.S. There is no wrong answer.

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