Howdy,

When folks get the new fork springs, is it one size and rate that fits all, or are you getting different spring rates for different sized riders? Do you have to adjust the spacers in the forks? Does anyone mess with the fork oil weight to change the damping characteristics? I don't know what the designers were thinking when they settled on the OEM springs for the forks?   Even a 100lb rider would have no trouble bottoming them out! Since there is NO adjustment, how do you ensure you have the proper sag after getting new springs? I'd like to set the bike up for a 130 lb rider (I'm not even close to that weight   ).

You kinda adjust the spring rate by the preload you put on with the spacer. Longer the spacer the more preload and better for larger people. Smaller the spacer less preload and better for lighter weight.

Progressive Suggests a .75" spacer, I am near the weight your looking at setting the springs up for an .75" was just fine for me.

The higher weight oil (15w) increases the dampening. I used the stock oil and did it the quick and easy way. Wasnt worth the turkey baster method or removing the forks etc.

Howdy,

Are you using the stock spring with a different spacer? I was under the impression that doing this would reduce the available travel of the front suspension. Thus you would need to get springs suited for your weight and then "tweak" them with a spacer to get the sag just right.

Nope using the progressive springs. They suggest the .75" spacer.

I had the stock springs, didnt bottom them out but I never tried.

Howdy,

When you bought the progressive springs, did they recommend any particular spring rate based on your weight? When I put the Race Tech in the front of my VFR's, they recommended a 1.0 spring rate based on my weight, riding style and the bike. So I'm wondering if the same process applies to the GS, or if it is one rate fits all and the spacer size is based on your weight, etc,...?

Progressive springs are a progressive rate spring so there isnt a set rate for weight, you just increase the spacer for more weight. Racetech and other ones or a linear rate springs so they do spring rate per rider and style etc.

Progressive springs cost less money and arent made for racing but spirited riding is fine.

The linear rate springs are for racing and will be much stiffer and harsher than progressive ones as they are the same rate all the time while progressive are somewhat soft at first and get firmer under more load.

Howdy,

Well now. That certainly makes more sense! Thanks.

The paperwork with my Progressives said that if your fork caps go inside the forks, their length acts as a spacer itself.  The caps on the GS screw in about a half inch or so.  I didn't put in any additional spacers and mine rides just fine.  I weigh 225 lbs.

I have Progresives and i have 3/4 Inch spacers, but im thinking on getting extra tube caps then drill and taping them for Bolts, then using 2" long bolts to push on the spacers, Poor mans adjustable preload.

i used .75" spacers with my fork springs, but also shifted up to 15wt fork oil instead of the normal 10.  mine work great for me.