Who's done spacers on the stock springs

[soccerspawn]

Hey guys, I have one of these nylon tubes for this mod. http://gstwin.com/making_fork_spacers.htm
I'm sure progressive spring mod is the way to go, but I was thinking it would be cool to see if I could stiffen a little (no dirty jokes please) with just some tension on the stock springs.  Any major reasons not to do this?  If you have done it, how long should they be, the directions are really clear.  I'm about 200Lbs and don't want them too soft.
Thoughts?

[PatheticPuma]

I am 6'2" 240lbs and had the same concern, so I made mine 32mm long (just over 1.25"). They feel noticeably stiffer, but I have yet to ride with them so I cant speak as far as how it feels on the road.

I decided Im just going to get a set of sonic springs after hearing all the possible problems you could have from the spacers.

[weedahoe]

I have not done this because I have Sonic's but I have done something similar in vehicle applications.

Overall, when you ask how much, we'll there is a number (31mm) used in that link and Pathetic Pump says he used 32mm. The more you compress a spring, the more stiff it becomes because there is already stored energy in its compression and it's degree of travel is already limited more than it is than when not compressed. Obviously at the same time you don't want to over do it with the spacer because you do need some "spring" left for suspension and not a solid rod.

Stick around and you will find Sonic's and Progressives come available from time to time

[PatheticPuma]

My diameter is 31mm just like the link shows him using with a length of 32mm. I followed the tutorial but he doesnt mention the length, so I just guessed haha.

[Slack]

This explanation of preload might help:

Preload adjusts the amount of force needed to start moving the spring.
If for example you were using a 100 in/lb spring your spring would move 1 inch if 100 lbs of pressure were applied, 2 inches under 200 lbs, etc.
But if you add 1 inch of preload then you could put up to 100 lbs of force on the spring and it wouldn't move at all.  Once you put over 100 lbs it begins to move; at 200lbs of pressure it has compressed 1 inch, at 300 lbs 2 inches.
If your getting the concept then you guessed what happens with 2 inches of preload: the spring can take up to 200 lbs without compressing and will then only compress 1 inch at 300lbs.
The amount of preload you want depends upon your weight, the spring rate in your front fork, the terrain you normally ride on, your riding style, personal preference, etc.  With that being said most people looking for a softer plusher ride are somewhere in the 10-15 mm, most folks are happier at 20-25 mm, and track stars often run 30-40 mm.
If you really want to tune your fork you can make a few different sized spacers and try out different preload settings.

taken from  this thread : http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=58762.msg668479#msg668479

[Funderb]

keep in mind, you're reducing your allowed fork displacement as well. Replacement (non-stock) springs either racetech/sonic or progressive may be better for you.

[amkluttz]

I actually decided to try spacers while I had the caps off changing fork oil.  I read somewhere on this board that 1/2" PVC would work.  I'm not sure if my bike's suspension is a one-off because the PO decided to mess with it or if the metal dampers are stock but 3/4" PVC fit perfectly inside the dampers.  This means you have to make them just as long as stock dampers (7-8 inches or whatever stock is) plus whatever you choose to add.  I added 3/4" as spacers as well as going to 15 weight oil.  My forks are so stiff I can't jump on them and make them move.  I have heard 3/8" is the appropriate amount to use for spacers.

This is just my experience. 

-Andy

[yamahonkawazuki]

I have not done this because I have Sonic's but I have done something similar in vehicle applications.

Overall, when you ask how much, we'll there is a number (31mm) used in that link and Pathetic Pump says he used 32mm. The more you compress a spring, the more stiff it becomes because there is already stored energy in its compression and it's degree of travel is already limited more than it is than when not compressed. Obviously at the same time you don't want to over do it with the spacer because you do need some "spring" left for suspension and not a solid rod.

Stick around and you will find Sonic's and Progressives come available from time to time

yuppers. parts DO show up here. and usually cheaper than ebay , i think if my memory somewhat serves me, i bought a set of forks for my first gs here in 2003, IIRC for 100 or 150 shipped or something. whereas ebay they were going for that amt each