spring rates

TheDude · Posted: May 13, 2008, 3:47 pm Post subject: spring rates

OK, so I'm trying to decide on springs for the front to match my Hammerheads on the rear.

650 central offers two different progressives springs: 25/35 lb and 35/50 lb.

Doas anyone know the spring rate for the mikesxs springs?

How about the rate for the stock springs?

Thanks

royfisk · Posted: May 13, 2008, 4:59 pm Post subject: Re: spring rates

dude what you weigh? Over 180 go with the heavier spring.

TheDude · Posted: May 13, 2008, 8:50 pm Post subject: Re: spring rates

I weigh 185. I'm inclined to go w/ the heavier, but Mike at 650 central warns against the front end being raised too high (not enough sag). I'm wondering if I can get away with lowering the front end by raising the tubes in the triple clamps.

royfisk · Posted: May 13, 2008, 9:40 pm Post subject: Re: spring rates

absolutely, that means if it raises that your finally getting all of the travel the forks have to offer.

xsjohn · Posted: May 13, 2008, 9:40 pm Post subject: Re: spring rates

Would think that the fork tubes riding too high in the lower legs could make them more wobblyand more tendancy to top....a piece of handlebar stock under the cap as a spacer is cheap enough.....inch or so....xsjohn

royfisk · Posted: May 13, 2008, 9:51 pm Post subject: Re: spring rates

no john hes actually dropping the trees roughly a 1/2 inch. So they will be 1/2 inch above the top triple clamp.

xsjohn · Posted: May 13, 2008, 9:56 pm Post subject: Re: spring rates

Understand......so he can increase the preload......spacers increace the preload also.....xsjohn

royfisk · Posted: May 14, 2008, 7:55 am Post subject: Re: spring rates

No John he is increasing spring rate not preload. Yes you can add spacers that compresses your springs, this also causes coil bind and your springs to bottom prematurely. Results are shortening you leg travel. This technique was used allot in the 70's. But is not the cure for suspension performance tunning. It does help on non performance bikes trying to load the springs a little to take up the sag. This application in question is a cafe type bike looking for handling characteristics. Emulators and springs are what is going to get the job done.

xsleo · Posted: May 14, 2008, 12:54 pm Post subject: Re: spring rates

i was readind some where that if you use the emulators ,you should run a straight rate spring, not a progressive. will it matter?

royfisk · Posted: May 14, 2008, 10:42 pm Post subject: Re: spring rates

Well according to race tech they want you to use progressive springs. I went through there tech line when i retro fit a xs-850 fork to my xsl project. There was no emulator listed anywhere for it so I called them. And got a part " and they suggested I use the springs. I didn't use either, the fork is sprung heavier then the 650 fork from the get go and the tubes are 36mm. they work sweet.

What Happened to 650rider.com?

Yamaha xs650