This is the reply I received from Elka when I inquired as to why they would put a 850 lb spring on their VFR800 shock.
"The springs on the shocks we originally sent out were very light and had some concerns from VFR riders, however the stock spring rate on the VFR is an 850lb per inch, and the vast majority of motorcycle manufacturers use a spring rate for an average weight rider of 170lbs-200lbs. It was clear to us that the intention of the VFR at that point was as a touring/ sport touring bike, but the major complaints on the OEM shock when we gathered feedback during R&D was that the shocks stock lacked damping capabilities, and heard very little feedback concerning spring rates being too soft. Therefore, the spring rates that we decided to use were benchmarked off of the OEM spring rate for a 170lb � 200lb rider. Unfortunately for us, most people who purchased a shock were using the VFR for more spirited riding than the intended use of the VFR, therefore requiring sag numbers that mere more consistent with sport bikes.
If your riding is as you described � spirited�, then I am assuming that your riding style is probably more consistent with how most sport bikes suspensions are configured, meaning stiffer springs to achieve sag numbers anywhere between 28mm-32mm of sag, rather than the typical 45mm of sag you find on touring bikes.
If you prefer, measure how much sag you currently have with the spring that is on the shock. E-mail me the loaded and static sag numbers and I can help you determine if the spring rate is indeed too soft for your riding style.
A replacement spring will cost approximately $110.00"
"The springs on the shocks we originally sent out were very light and had some concerns from VFR riders, however the stock spring rate on the VFR is an 850lb per inch, and the vast majority of motorcycle manufacturers use a spring rate for an average weight rider of 170lbs-200lbs. It was clear to us that the intention of the VFR at that point was as a touring/ sport touring bike, but the major complaints on the OEM shock when we gathered feedback during R&D was that the shocks stock lacked damping capabilities, and heard very little feedback concerning spring rates being too soft. Therefore, the spring rates that we decided to use were benchmarked off of the OEM spring rate for a 170lb � 200lb rider. Unfortunately for us, most people who purchased a shock were using the VFR for more spirited riding than the intended use of the VFR, therefore requiring sag numbers that mere more consistent with sport bikes.
If your riding is as you described � spirited�, then I am assuming that your riding style is probably more consistent with how most sport bikes suspensions are configured, meaning stiffer springs to achieve sag numbers anywhere between 28mm-32mm of sag, rather than the typical 45mm of sag you find on touring bikes.
If you prefer, measure how much sag you currently have with the spring that is on the shock. E-mail me the loaded and static sag numbers and I can help you determine if the spring rate is indeed too soft for your riding style.
A replacement spring will cost approximately $110.00"