Need spacer measurements for Sonic Springs

[craigs449]

Maybe I am an idiot, but I don't quite get what the instructions for the spacer measurements for these Sonics.  Can anybody on here that has installed a Set of Sonic Springs tell me how long the spacer needs to be, or give a little better explanation than what is on the paper.  I bought .90 springs, bike is an 01 GS500.

Thanks in advance

[adidasguy]

#5224

Generally, with fork extended, the spacer would be no lower than equal to the top of the fork or up to an inch above. When  you put in the cap, that would give you 1.5" preload or a little more. Instructions should have been in the box with the springs.

Use a PVC pipe cutter tool - not a saw. A saw leaves lots of plastic bits. The PVC pipe cutter is clean and takes 2 seconds to do. They're like $10 at a Homor Despot or elsewhere for a cheap tool.

[craigs449]

Thanks for the clearer explanation. Will pull them apart this week.

[RichDesmond]

#5224

Generally, with fork extended, the spacer would be no lower than equal to the top of the fork or up to an inch above. When  you put in the cap, that would give you 1.5" preload or a little more. Instructions should have been in the box with the springs.

Use a PVC pipe cutter tool - not a saw. A saw leaves lots of plastic bits. The PVC pipe cutter is clean and takes 2 seconds to do. They're like $10 at a Homor Despot or elsewhere for a cheap tool.

Don't do anywhere near 1.5" of preload, that's waaaaay too much. No higher than even with the top of the fork tube.
Tubing cutter is the preferred tool, but a hacksaw with a miter box does a good job also.

How deep is the fork cap? I.e. how far does it extend into the fork tube when it's screwed in?

[adidasguy]

#5243

actually I was guessing on the ruler thing. I was correct on cutting it even or a little above the top of the fork.

A fork cap is 3/4" so really I mean to say "about an inch". The "inch and a half" was just a guess thing. So if you cut even, which is what I said, and is really 3/4".

Hope that clears it up.

[Janx101]

  (runs out the door screaming) adidas guessed adidas guessed?!?!adidas guessed!!!?? 

[slipperymongoose]

Yeah when I had my sonics in I ended up cutting my spacers flush with the top of the fork fully extended and it gave me perfect sag for street riding.

[RichDesmond]

#5243

actually I was guessing on the ruler thing. I was correct on cutting it even or a little above the top of the fork.

A fork cap is 3/4" so really I mean to say "about an inch". The "inch and a half" was just a guess thing. So if you cut even, which is what I said, and is really 3/4".

Hope that clears it up.

If the cap depth is 3/4" then flush or recessed a couple of mm is good.