how to modify standard fork valves

Can anyone help, I need to replace the fork springs in my fv, they are way too soft for my weight, (90kg).
It would appear that here in the uk, we can only get fork springs as a one spring for all, so could i mod the standard rebound and comp valves to help the situation, I'm short on cash at the moment, so if one of you guys, could help with advise,I would be most greatfull.

thanks

kevin

I can't imagine you can only get one rate spring from the suspension tuners in the UK. If you are looking at progressive springs (like Hyyperpro) then yes, I think they only sell a one size fits all spring for the RC36. But others like Wilbers, Eibach etc. have multiple dual rate or single rate springs. Another option would be to install 5th gen springs as they are a bit stiffer. If money is tight you can start by reducing the air chamber and see how that works out for you. I don't know about revalving, maybe Jamie Daugherty can be of advice here.

Hi V4 Rosso,

Thanks for the reply, I also looked at ohlins springs, but they don't list the fv,
By 5th gen, do you mean year 2000 bikes, I was'nt aware that you could install those springs.
When you say oil chamber, do you mean reduce the oil volume, increasing the air chamber, I do have them set at standard oil height.
thanks again for your help.

If you are looking to add stiffer springs, check out www.sonicsprings.com

You can get them in variety or straight rates.  I've used them and recommend their service.  When in doubt just pick uo the phone and give them a shout and they will set you up witht he correct spring.

[image: View Post]kblackburn, on 05 April 2010 - 02:57 AM, said:

When you say oil chamber, do you mean reduce the oil volume, increasing the air chamber,
:laugh: Ha, I meant to reduce the air chamber or increase oil level but mixed it up in writing :biggrin: edited in original post.

When using a 5th gen spring you may need to cut a custom spacer which can be made out of some thick walled PVC tube.

I added some more spacers this morning, as after my last, ride the zip tie on the fork slider, was nearly touching the lower triple clamp.
The spacer I fitted was approx 25mm, on top of the one fitted by honda, it was a struggle to refit the top caps,I have the preload with 4 lines showing, static sag approx 10mm and rider sag 35mm, now the bike appears to handle a bit better, doesn't run wide in corners, but it now feels a lot higher, is there a ride height figure that honda state as standard.

[image: View Post]kblackburn, on 05 April 2010 - 01:43 PM, said:

I added some more spacers this morning, as after my last, ride the zip tie on the fork slider, was nearly touching the lower triple clamp.
The spacer I fitted was approx 25mm, on top of the one fitted by honda, it was a struggle to refit the top caps,I have the preload with 4 lines showing, static sag approx 10mm and rider sag 35mm, now the bike appears to handle a bit better, doesn't run wide in corners, but it now feels a lot higher, is there a ride height figure that honda state as standard.
You can change the height by moving forks up or down in the tripples.

Hi, stock height is 39mm, for the fv, I have mine at 44mm at the moment, I have read that raising past the 10mm drop causes problems with ride height and handling, head shakes and alike.
What do you guy's recommend for the springs, liner or progressive, I have searched many threads on different forums for this, and many say that progressive cause problems for rebound damping ?.
Maybe, on of the suspension tuners could shed some more light on this ?

[image: View Post]kblackburn, on 05 April 2010 - 02:29 PM, said:

Hi, stock height is 39mm, for the fv, I have mine at 44mm at the moment, I have read that raising past the 10mm drop causes problems with ride height and handling, head shakes and alike.
You can probably go up to 12mm. As for problems this may cause, not really - all it does is reduce the VFRs neutral handling, it doesn't turn it into a tank-slapping monster. The geometry is still very 'relaxed' like this.

If you aren't troubled by increasing the seat height - forget raising the forks in the triples, and get a shim or two between the shock top mount and the frame. 2-3mm is probably comparable to 8-12mm at the front, and you don't lose groundclearance.

Back in the day, lots of 4th Gen owners reported good experiences from swapping to the VFR800 springs (1998-2001).

I have replaced the rear shock with a 929 shock, to give me more control over compression and damping at the rear, so the rear is already raised, used a 40mm spacer on the shock, which has now shown the front end problems.