Suspension question number 2

I got alot of great information last time I posted now I am just trying to figure out one last thing. I am replacing my stock springs in the front forks with 1.1 kg springs along with the seals and oil. I chatted with Jamie Daughtery of Daughtery motorsports and I am trying to figure out what I should do. While he offers a great price on rebuilding the entire shock including a new spring, money is tight. Will I be happy with just a new spring set for my weight and leave the shock alone? My riding is typically laid back, I like to hit the twisties, but I stay at a pretty safe pace. I'd love to rebuild the shock along with the spring and I may be able to do so if the stars align themselves properly, but if I am not able to, I want to know if it's just a waste of time to do only the spring, or wait until I am able to do the entire package. Thanks again for any advice.

Hi BF,

I'm assuming your pretty heavy thinking about using 1.1 kg fork springs?  If your not over 250 + they will be very Stiff IMO. How much do you weigh again?

Personally I would Not install springs that stiff w/o changing the rear spring also unless you only commute or something as the bike will feel pretty bad IMO. The stiff front springs will transfur a lot more weight to the already soft rear end making it feel much worse and what I found was under these same conditions the front will just bounce accross small bumps instead of moving with them. The only place this Front Only change will feel better is under hard front braking. IMO the rest will feel worse/harsh.

I would see what it takes to run a CBR 929 shock on your bike and just slap a spring on it to match the front and running a 1.1 kg front would require something over a 24-25 kg rear spring to maintain any balance.

BR

I am planning on changing the rear spring as well, I am wondering if I can get away with just changing the spring and not the shock?

Again what do you weigh?
The stock shock won't take a large rate change very well, that's why I suggest you hit ebay for a 929shock. At least it has some comp/rebound adjustments to try and compensate for a stiffer spring.
BR

I tip the scales at around 300.

OK  then, again I would shop eBay for a 929 shock( avg $50) and have a 1400lb+ spring installed then adjust full rebound and soften up comp. There's a thread on rear shock mods for your gen, I think you'll need a spacer of some sort.  At least the 929 shock will let you attempt to adjust for the stiffer spring, no hope with a stock shock.

BR

Yeah, you're gonna need some suspension upgrades.

And an updated rear shock and spring are in order, you will feel much more secure on the bike when it's set up for you. Handling and braking will be worlds better.

Be careful on buying your rear shock from ebay because many of the people confuse cbr 929 and 954 shocks. If you look for the 929 shocks with the white spring you can be sure that it is the correct one. The 954 shock fits but the compression adjustment is impossible to get to.

Jamie is an awesome guy to deal with, he even dealt with me while I was deployed a year and a half ago. I had the ebay seller sent the shock right to him so he can modify/rebuild it for me. He also sent me a set of custom shimstacks for  my forks to go along with my springs and they worked out great. Everyone in this thread is right and on the same page, if you want results on a tight budget Jamie does great work.

I think to answer your original question directly: no, you won't be happy long term with just replacing the fork springs.  The shock spring is equally as much off the mark.  Something that I did not see mentioned above is upgrades to the stock shock.,  Frankly, if you aren't a real aggressive rider you won't need the added performance and adjustability of a 929 shock.  With a new spring and revalve you will have a great rear suspension without breaking the bank.  In fact, dollar for dollar it could be the best value in rear upgrades.  What you save back there can be put toward the front to round out the setup on your bike.  I think you would be really happy with that.