Ok i would like to know for those of you using the race tech springs, are you happy with them? Are there stated spring rates accurate?, wish you had gotten a softer(lower) rated spring? I'm tearing the front end apart this w/e and before ordering a wanted some feedback on the race tech's or others.
Sorry for the million ?'s but i want to make the right choice.
thx
Gary
:beer:
Phil Douglas at www.aftershocks-suspension.com uses them - he put them in my fork legs when I sent them to him for his revalve/spring job. Phil's endorsement is a good one - he's one of the best suspension guys in the US. He checks the spring rate before installation. He put .95's in my 2001 as I recall. I weigh ... uh ... 185 lbs ... 200 lbs with all the gear on. I'm happy with the spring rate - don't wish I'd have gotten softer. Handles just right for all conditions. Of course the damping is involved too - if the damping isn't good then even the right spring rate won't ride well. Phil did his revalve job at the same time.
I used Lindemann Engineering for my suspension and I couldn't be happier. My bike soaks up bumps way better than stock and handles excellent. :beer:
I'm not doing the valving just the springs though. Would you guys still recommend the race techs? As a side note i had my pre load adjusters cranked right down so they were level with the fork cap!!!!!!!! I did this to achieve my 35 mm sag setting. I was sure my springs would be toast but they arent. They are 15 in in length with new being 15.07 and the service limit being 14.76!!! WTF?
Any ideas as to why i had to crack the preloads? when everyone else is showing 2 / 3 lines on there adj?
thx
Well if the forks have been apart perhaps the spacers are wrong, or the oil lock piece is missing? I mean an average sized rider should not have to crank all the preload on to get 35mm of sag? If you dont weigh more than 210lbs you can probably get away with longer spacers, if your a big guy then stiffer springs will be better. The oil lock piece is about a centimeter in length if thats missing then no wonder, perhaps your just too big for the stock springs.
Race tech springs are single rate springs, if you put in stiffer springs your valveing is gonna be all screwed up. rebound is dependant on spring rates, with stiffer springs mine were overdamped, had to go from the stock 10 w oil to 5 w oil to compensate, but finally vavled them properly. the 5 w made it behave better with the stiffer springs. I have race tech 1kg/mm springs the stiffest they sell I come in about 230 these days, but was 255lb when I put them in.
Slammer thx for the info.... I'm not a big guy at all. 170 max so i was sure the springs were toast. I'll have to look for the oil lock piece. I didnt take out the cartridges although maybe i should at this point and inspect that. thx Again
I went with race tech springs and valves and it is probably the best thing you can do to a VFR. Getting the bike sprung for your weight allows max suspension travel and valves control the way the springs react. I have a fox twin clicker on the rear that was recently rebuilt by Lindeman, they are gods! Steve
dude, Feb 28 2005, 10:39 AMSlammer thx for the info.... I'm not a big guy at all. 170 max so i was sure the springs were toast. I'll have to look for the oil lock piece. I didnt take out the cartridges although maybe i should at this point and inspect that. thx Again
Dude, you have to fully disassembly the forks to see if the oil lock piece is there.
I was wondering if maybe you might be having a problem with checking the Sag correctly ? :unsure:
No BR i dont think so. There was/is a how to section, but this problem is a little perplexing in that the springs seem fine. I would doubt new fork oil would solve much ? or would it.
Keep the comments coming though.
I ordered new sterrign head bearings too, mine were done like dinner.
dude, Feb 28 2005, 11:45 AMNo BR i dont think so. There was/is a how to section, but this problem is a little perplexing in that the springs seem fine. I would doubt new fork oil would solve much ? or would it.
Keep the comments coming though.
I ordered new sterrign head bearings too, mine were done like dinner.
I think you could come up with a free length measurement that would tell you if that that spacer was missing and if it was it would actually compress the spring more, because it would shorten the free length of the forks.
No the oil will no effect sag either.
Did you measure the pre-load spacer's to see if they have been shorten or something ?
Maybe someone installed softer springs ? :huh:
Strange my friend ! :unsure:
strange indeed BR. I have no way of knowing what the stock spacer would be though. I'm going to check to see where the tubes where in the triples. Shite i'm not sure what to do :( Well at least the steering head bearings where toast, wish the springs were too.
Springs don't really wear out, unless perhaps they are excessively old which yours aren't.
Since you are in Canada, you might want to check with Dynamo Humm (Quebec) or RMR Suspension (Alberta) regarding best options for your bike. Both of these shops have done work on VFR's with good results.
As far as spring rate, given your weight I don't think I would go more than .85 or .90 for the street.
You might also want to check out HyperPro - they make a progressive rate spring.
Begs the question progressive springs Vs linear springs?
My (limited) opinion is that if you are going to race and want to know exactly what the spring is going to do so you can set up the shock valving etc etc to suit individual tracks = Linear.
When on the street the roads on which you ride, the load you are carrying and your style of riding are all going to vary on a day to day basis, you are also not going to want to adjust all the suspension settings on a daily basis to compensate = Progressive.
I'm sure there are differing opinions!!!!
:)
vfrgreg, Mar 1 2005, 11:48 PM When on the street the roads on which you ride, the load you are carrying and your style of riding are all going to vary on a day to day basis, you are also not going to want to adjust all the suspension settings on a daily basis to compensate = Progressive.
Probably the best argument for progressive springs right there.
dude, Feb 28 2005, 06:05 PMstrange indeed BR. I have no way of knowing what the stock spacer would be though. I'm going to check to see where the tubes where in the triples. Shite i'm not sure what to do :( Well at least the steering head bearings where toast, wish the springs were too.
You don't need to know the stock spacer length to determine if your spacers are correct. Just follow the instructions in the directions for new spring install that Traxxion makes available on their web site for determining the appropriate spacer length. The VFR uses a conventional cartridge with external top-out springs. This is pretty much the process that anyone must follow if you replace stock springs since replacement springs are never the same length. Either your current spacers are good or you can make new ones from PVC.
Linky (
Traxxion Spring Install)
SAFE-T, Mar 2 2005, 09:09 AMProbably the best argument for progressive springs right there.
So race tech springs not recomended for the road, or eibach for example?
The only makers of progressive springs for my 1994 is - wait for it - Progressive Suspensions.
http://www.progressivesuspension.com/springs.htmlVFRFUN thx for the suggestion. Something is definitely not right with my suspension , with 25 cm's of snow so far this week i have time on my side anyway.
Ill check their website for info.
Thx to all who responded to my questions too btw
:beer:
I recently dropped 40 lbs , to 160 , and thought that I 'd have my suspension reset to by a expert .
I was surprised to find that with the precompression set at the standard setting I had 45mm of sag at the front.
The forks also rebounded back to the top before settling back.
I couldnt get 35mm by adjusting the precompression, so I changed springs, to HYPERPRO progressive .
Hyperpro supplied 15 wt oil which cured the rebound problem, and the springs were set to 35mm sag.
Sad to say but I preferred the soggy, underdamped old suspension.
My local roads are bumpy goat tracks, I use my brakes in emergencies only, and I try top ride " THE PACE" as much as possible.
What I am trying to say is , just dont get too concerned with achieving some figure set by some expert somewhere.
It is possible to have a fine handling bike which is a long way from the "correct" settings.
I got the RaceTech 0.95kg springs for my '93. I wanted to get the 1.00kg springs, but RaceTech was backordered, and I was anxious to get them built. So, I took the .95s.
On Miguel's advice, I used the RaceTech synthetic 5W fork oil. I installed stock-length spacers and set preload for sag.
I really like the result. Previously, I had progressive Suspension springs, and I read all of the holy wars on progressive vs linear rates here and elsewhere. The ride I get with the .95 springs is really good, and I can't tell teh difference over progressives.
Beemerboff, Mar 3 2005, 04:57 PMI recently dropped 40 lbs , to 160 , and thought that I 'd have my suspension reset to by a expert .
I was surprised to find that with the precompression set at the standard setting I had 45mm of sag at the front.
The forks also rebounded back to the top before settling back.
I couldnt get 35mm by adjusting the precompression, so I changed springs, to HYPERPRO progressive .
Hyperpro supplied 15 wt oil which cured the rebound problem, and the springs were set to 35mm sag.
Sad to say but I preferred the soggy, underdamped old suspension.
My local roads are bumpy goat tracks, I use my brakes in emergencies only, and I try top ride " THE PACE" as much as possible.
What I am trying to say is , just dont get too concerned with achieving some figure set by some expert somewhere.
It is possible to have a fine handling bike which is a long way from the "correct" settings.
Go back to 10w that 15w is way too thick!
I've read HS's write up on his complete upgrade with Race Tech parts + F3 internals.
Has anyone mixed progressive springs with a valve upgrade? Or will one negate the other?
:beer: Thought i would post the results of my perplexing front end saga.
I poured out the reddish colured oul from the forks. Not sure what it was, but anyway, i got about 250 ml NOT the recommended 450 ml. Free spring lenght was within spec, spacer was correct , oil lock piece was in place.
Now i replaced fork oil,, going with the 5.1 in from top level guide rather than the 450 ml but it ended up taking about 450ml anyway.
Put everything back on the bike. Backed out my preload adj so it was showing 2 lines. Measured sag!!!!! 25 mm i need to back out my adj another turn or so. Wooooohooooooo, now with my new ALL BALLS steering head bearings and my now properly adj fork set up, i'm sure it is going to feel a whole lot better, i.e NOT falling into corners so much.
I have never been happy with how the bike felt, as many of you know after my numerous posts on this.
Thx to all who gave input into my problem.
Now if only it would stop snowing i have to get this puppy out of storage and ride.
:beer:
Thats the good news, the bad news is i got so involved i missed the damn daytona race. :joystick:
dude, Mar 13 2005, 06:59 AM
Thats the good news, the bad news is i got so involved i missed the damn daytona race. :joystick:
Don't Worry Dude Miguel Won!!!
And Rich that was Miguel Duhamel!! :goofy:
vince
Blue Viffer, Mar 13 2005, 10:12 AM
Don't Worry Dude Miguel Won!!!
And Rich that was Miguel Duhamel!! :goofy:
vince
Your just doin that, arnt ya! But the Rolex would'v looked better on the Spamer :lol:
richmerrill, Mar 13 2005, 09:18 AMYour just doin that, arnt ya! But the Rolex would'v looked better on the Spamer :lol:
I bet you could use a good watch also. Those nail guns and jack hammers must beat the heel out of your watches.
vince
Blue Viffer, Mar 13 2005, 10:30 AM
I bet you could use a good watch also. Those nail guns and jack hammers must beat the heel out of your watches.
vince
Never could wear them! I have been following this thread to ck on Dudes progress as I am going to make some front end changes myself soon. Dude didnt seem to like the way his bike would dive or fall into a corner and I have just a bit of that myself. I think maybe a little more damping would be in order. 10 wieght oil?
Rich the first thing i would check is the distance from the top triple clamp to the top of the fork cap. !.5 " is spec and go from there. Traxion dynamics site has a how to on spacers and proper setup too. Check it out. pm me or post if you need more help.
:beer:
dude, Mar 13 2005, 03:50 PMRich the first thing i would check is the distance from the top triple clamp to the top of the fork cap. !.5 " is spec and go from there. Traxion dynamics site has a how to on spacers and proper setup too. Check it out. pm me or post if you need more help.
:beer:
OK , I finaly had a little time in the shop tonight. The top cap hieght cks out and so does tyre presure. I dont have a real problem and to be honest its probable me and my lack of style. Once I am settled into a line this thing is on a rail. I'm just a little imprsise on entry. I allso noticed tonight that my chicken strip is maybe 1/8" on the left and 3/4" on the right!??? The roads here have a bit of banking due to the heavy rains. The thrid picture in my gallery show a typical set of twistys. On a fast right your looking way down in the ditch!
richmerrill, Mar 14 2005, 11:45 PMOK , I finaly had a little time in the shop tonight. The top cap hieght cks out and so does tyre presure. I dont have a real problem and to be honest its probable me and my lack of style. Once I am settled into a line this thing is on a rail. I'm just a little imprsise on entry. I allso noticed tonight that my chicken strip is maybe 1/8" on the left and 3/4" on the right!??? The roads here have a bit of banking due to the heavy rains. The thrid picture in my gallery show a typical set of twistys. On a fast right your looking way down in the ditch!
I wouldnt worry too much about strip sizes, as the season progresses you will feel more comforable with one side over another, me I switch sides sometimes I flip and cant lean as well to the left. I think it has to do with the 1000 foot drops on those mountain passes :goofy: But really if your that concerned I would look for a local track in your area, trackdays can do wonders for your confidence, going over the same turns over and over can help with nagging issues with rider postion. If not just because you get to do them over again and try somthing a bit different till you feel better about it. Me I peak right around July and then my skills fade as the weather gets colder, I cant ride for squat when its cold.
HispanicSlammer, Mar 15 2005, 12:13 AMI wouldnt worry too much about strip sizes, as the season progresses you will feel more comforable with one side over another, me I switch sides sometimes I flip and cant lean as well to the left. I think it has to do with the 1000 foot drops on those mountain passes :goofy: But really if your that concerned I would look for a local track in your area, trackdays can do wonders for your confidence, going over the same turns over and over can help with nagging issues with rider postion. If not just because you get to do them over again and try somthing a bit different till you feel better about it. Me I peak right around July and then my skills fade as the weather gets colder, I cant ride for squat when its cold.
What may be happening is the result of me being tenative due to the ability to see further ahead in a left than sharp right. Its amazing what the farmers and loggers leave on the roads :unsure: That and not having a sweeping flow to the entry. The front dives a little more than I would like and I am a ring and a half now. Once a line is set...its perfect! I have experienced a tiny bit of pogoing on irregular surfaces on exits. Its not uncommon for me to reach the apex and realize I could be going 10 or 15 mph faster! I need more work than the bike does! :( Just THINKIN of a track day makes me all wet! Would be a dream come true. Portland is 100 miles to the north, near as I can tell there is only one right hander. Wonder what gear is required. That would be good fodder for a new thread?
End of thread · 30 posts recovered Wayback Machine snapshot 22 Mar 2005