So would fork spacers be sufficient (like the ones explained in the modifications page on this site) or should i go the progressive route. Price vs. result = which one.. (meaning for a couple of bucks would the stock springs + some spacers be good for the price vs. progressives for their price) if that makes sense?
- Jordan
Depends on how much you weigh, what is your current sag, and if you plan to ride in the rain. Also, what do you want out of your suspension? Do you want it soft and compliant? Or, stiff?
As a benchmark, if you're over 130lbs and ride aggressively, you may want the Progressives. If you ride in the rain you'll want the springs to be a little softer to be able absorb any 'give' and not push out the front tire (unless you like sliding the front in the rain).
What about 165lbs, no clue, and yes... :dunno:
I edited my previous post.
Does the front end dive too much for you? If so, that's another reason to purchase the Progressives. I see that you're 165lbs, and that would certainly qualify you for the Progressives, even for riding in the rain.
Setting sag: the reason for setting the suspension to settle at this point in the travel is to ensure that the tire will stay in contact with the road. On our bikes the ideal Rider sag is 1.4-1.55 inches, or for simplicity's sake, 1.5 inches. You can start by putting a zip tie around one of your fork legs and pushing it down on top of the dust seal. Then suit up in your full riding gear and sit on your bike, without bouncing, in your riding position with a freind holding the bike verticle. Then get off the bike, again, don't bounce the bike, and measure how far up the zip tie has been moved. You want it to only move 1.5 inches from the suspension being fully extended, so at this point, grab the handlebars and pull the front tire off the ground using the sidestand and rear tire as the pivot points, and have your freind measure the distance from the top of the dust seal to the bottom of the zip tie.
Here's what got me started: http://www.peterverdonedesigns.com/introduction.htm
Full disclosure: I'm an avowed cheapskate and weigh around 200#
Fork spacers made a difference for me, I don't have that bottom out slam when I hit my driveway curb . I also changed to 15 wt fork oil at the same time.
I ride like an 80 yr old on a battery powered scooter so I can't testify to the performance issues.
You can add some spacers in like 30 minutes with little effort and expense. If they don't do what you want then go with the progressives.
try spacers first with 15 grade fork oil, then if no change try the progressives, at least the money is saved if it works, i used two 5/8 sockets i had lying around, but i have progressives in now and there is a considerable difference, no dive 8)
Yeah... I'm poor... And I drive in a few neighborhoods where the roads look "post-war." I hear that *TONG* and get my teeth rattled at least twice a day...
As for the suspension performance issues... :dunno: I've never ridden a moto with "good" suspension. :? I definitely don't want something super stiff though. :dunno:
In that case, try just adding washers or spacers to your existing ones.