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What spring rate did you get on your forks?

60 posts Started 29 Aug 2016 Last recovered post 4 Apr 2017 Wayback Machine snapshot 5 Jul 2017
#1 swimmer Thread starter

For anyone that has installed aftermarket springs on your forks, what spring rate did you get and what is your weight?  My Traxxion kit came with 1.1kg which, based on my un-geared rider weight of 155lbs seems a little high compared to what I think I have seen others post.  I've never really been happy with my traxxion kit which I've had for about a year and I'd like to work on getting it dialed in whether that means changing fluid level, fork springs or whatever...

#2 Yokel

That does seem high.  I got 1.2kg/mm from Traxxion by way of Penske, based on a geared weight of 275lbs riding hard.  Haven't installed yet, but should be about right based on the folks I've talked to.

I'd think at your weight geared up, with 1.1kg springs, you might not even get sag...

Maybe someone closer to your size will chime in...

#4 VFROZ

That is too hard.

I weigh 165lbs without gear and have 0.95 springs.

I only need 0.9, but went a bit harder as I tour 2 up a lot and ride fairly hard.

#5 Cogswell

I would agree.  I had Jamie Daugherty rework my forks and shock.  I weigh 205 (no riding gear) and ride moderately, sometimes aggressively hard.  He put .95 kg/mm springs in my forks - I find that it works well for me. 

#6 lshark

Jamie did my forks too, i'm 265 lbs, he put 1.1 kg/mm springs in....right on the money....only had to add one turn to preload adjusters to get sag settings perfect

#7 swimmer Thread starter

So it seems like my casual observations are correct, that I got too stiff springs.  I emailed Traxxion early today to confirm what my spring rates were and told him of my concern that I may have too stiff of springs and he said they user somewhat stiff springs because of the forward weight bias of the vfr1200, same as the C14 he said.  He offered to swap out one of my springs for a 1.0 springs giving me an effective rate of 1.05. That seems not significant enough.

I trust what Jamie does since he has so much experience with this motorcycle and a lot of satisfied customers.

#8 Cogswell

Just noticed this is in the 7th gen forum - mine's a 6th gen if thst makes a difference.   Maybe drop Jamie an email and see what he has to say.  

#9 veeefour
11 hours ago, swimmer

For anyone that has installed aftermarket springs on your forks, what spring rate did you get and what is your weight?  My Traxxion kit came with 1.1kg which, based on my un-geared rider weight of 155lbs seems a little high compared to what I think I have seen others post.  I've never really been happy with my traxxion kit which I've had for about a year and I'd like to work on getting it dialed in whether that means changing fluid level, fork springs or whatever...

Well, 11N spring is what I have chosen for me(not installed yet because it will be full Ohlins) and I'm well over 240 lbs. Waay too stiff for you my friend.

#10 Switchblade

I installed(DMracing) the .95 and they went flat after 9 months, if you ride hard alot I would install the 1.00.

#12 swimmer Thread starter
1 hour ago, Switchblade

PS I am 200lbs with gear.

Your profile suggests 6th gen though.

#14 swimmer Thread starter

That kit looks nice but after having bought the traxxion kit I'd like to get that to work.

#15 veeefour

Eric,

I will be upgrading my front suspension shortly. I'm considering Traxxion as a first choice, ohlins as a second.

Please tell me, does your Traxxion kit has a compression adjuster in one fork leg and rebound adjuster in second fork leg? Or there's only rebound?

Ohlins cartridge is adjustable just like that. Maybe you can even take some pics for me?

P.S

I might take your 1.1 springs as this is correct value for me  :wink:

#16 swimmer Thread starter

Yes, rebound adjustment in the right fork, compression in the left.  Not much to photograph though as the OEM fork caps are retained.  I had one issue (I think) with the install which I can describe later. 

#17 swimmer Thread starter
13 hours ago, Cogswell

Just noticed this is in the 7th gen forum - mine's a 6th gen if thst makes a difference.   Maybe drop Jamie an email and see what he has to say.  

I contacted him this morning. Jamie suggested 1.0kg.  That also seems higher than what people here are suggesting.  Hard to dismiss his suggestion though.

#18 veeefour
55 minutes ago, swimmer

Yes, rebound adjustment in the right fork, compression in the left.  Not much to photograph though as the OEM fork caps are retained.  I had one issue (I think) with the install which I can describe later. 

Oki doki - seems that it would be Traxxion for me. Any feedback on these? Besides way too hard springs if you can tell something at all at this condition?

I also thought they offer some nice custom fork caps? Any input appreciated.

#19 bayarearider
10 hours ago, swimmer

I contacted him this morning. Jamie suggested 1.0kg.  That also seems higher than what people here are suggesting.  Hard to dismiss his suggestion though.

I don't mean to skew the consensus here much but riding at close to 195lbs geared up, a Givi V47 box and V35 sidebags (rarely),

I'm riding on Öhlins 1.1kg springs with Andreni valves. They feel pretty good to me and even better two up.

My question to the crew that went the DMr route, for the OE shock rebuild, Any feedback on the rebuild feel and adjustment availability would be appreciated.

I currently run just a few clicks before full lock clockwise-solo, and full lock when two-up.

I know that the  Öhlins HO013 recommendation from Kyle Racing would solve the problem. I want to know if DMr's solution is viable at 1/3rd the cost.

Btw-Kyle does Not recommend rebuilding the OE shock and don't believe they offer that service. Decisions...

#20 swimmer Thread starter
6 hours ago, bayarearider

I don't mean to skew the consensus here much but riding at close to 195lbs geared up, a Givi V47 box and V35 sidebags (rarely),

I'm riding on Öhlins 1.1kg springs with Andreni valves. They feel pretty good to me and even better two up.

Mine also feels better when riding 2up.  I think I am going to go ahead and order the .95kg springs.

#21 lshark

i did the DMr fork upgrade on both my VFR and my Valkyrie......the results are beyond my expectations....if i didn't have an Ohlins in the VFR already, i wouldn't hesitate to do Jamie's rear shock upgrade

#22 Duc2V4
42 minutes ago, lshark

i did the DMr fork upgrade on both my VFR and my Valkyrie......the results are beyond my expectations....if i didn't have an Ohlins in the VFR already, i wouldn't hesitate to do Jamie's rear shock upgrade

Although he seems to work more with Showa than Ohlins, I'm sure he can tailor the Ohlins to suit you. He rebuilt my Penske that I have on my 5 Gen and I'm very happy with the results.

#23 Rogue_Biker
10 hours ago, bayarearider

I don't mean to skew the consensus here much but riding at close to 195lbs geared up, a Givi V47 box and V35 sidebags (rarely),

I'm riding on Öhlins 1.1kg springs with Andreni valves. They feel pretty good to me and even better two up.

My question to the crew that went the DMr route, for the OE shock rebuild, Any feedback on the rebuild feel and adjustment availability would be appreciated.

I currently run just a few clicks before full lock clockwise-solo, and full lock when two-up.

I know that the  Öhlins HO013 recommendation from Kyle Racing would solve the problem. I want to know if DMr's solution is viable at 1/3rd the cost.

Btw-Kyle does Not recommend rebuilding the OE shock and don't believe they offer that service. Decisions...

I have a 6th Gen and I had DMr rebuild my stock rear shock.  Since I only just did this 400 miles ago, my memories of the old shock are still fresh so here goes.

OLD OEM Shock:

I had my preload usually adjusted to the #2 position with the rebound damping about halfway.  This gave me a comfortably firm ride and damping.  This setting was very comfortable in the freeway until you hit big bumps, wherein the shock took two cycles up and down to settle.  Big enough and sharp enough bumps  will often kick me off the seat.  I could soften the shock settings up to take away the harshness but it compromised fast riding in the canyons too much.  So I kept it at this setting.  But even here, the rear end would wobble a bit when ridden aggressively, at high lean angle, with bumps.  Hit a big enough bump when leaned over and the bike transmitted the harshness of those bumps direct to me and it was usually enough to tense me up and upset my groove.   This did not inspire confidence at all when the roads were twisty AND bumpy.  Smooth roads, it was just fine though.

DMr Rebuilt SHOCK:

The preload position is set to #1 (softest) and the rebound damping still at halfway.  This setting is comfortably firm just like the stock.  But hit some big bumps and the suspension soaks it up with no harshness.  The rear also recovers very quickly from any movement.  So in the freeway, even those with uneven joints, the bike remains calm and controlled with no hobby-horsing effect.  The lack of any harshness when I hit a big bump has taken away the “cringe factor” I had with the stock suspension.  Since I no longer anticipate that harshness, I’m more relaxed.  This makes it much easier and more fun to  ride the bike hard and fast.  I specified to DMr that I did sporty rides on my VFR more than anything so my suspension is tuned more to be sporty.  The shock raised the rear a bit and now the bike turns in quick and linear whether I’m on the brakes or accelerating.  This consistency in steering feel no matter what I was doing, along with the quicker response to my input, as well as the fast recovery, takes away any worry when I’m about to hit the apex at higher than normal speeds.  The bottom line, I feel like I can ride the bike to MY LIMITS and it will consistently deliver what I expect it to, whether it’s a smooth road or a bumpy road.           

#24 lshark
4 hours ago, Duc2V4

Although he seems to work more with Showa than Ohlins, I'm sure he can tailor the Ohlins to suit you. He rebuilt my Penske that I have on my 5 Gen and I'm very happy with the results.

my Ohlins is fine, what i meant is that if i still had the OEM shock installed, i would have had DMr revalve it....his work is right on the money....he does do Ohlins in a few years when it's time to overhaul the shock, i'll send it to him.......i took my bike to a local racing shop and had the sag and damping settings done.....BTW, the VFR forks and shock are KYB

#25 swimmer Thread starter
veeefour, 8/30/2016 at 11:43 AM

Oki doki - seems that it would be Traxxion for me. Any feedback on these? Besides way too hard springs if you can tell something at all at this condition?

I also thought they offer some nice custom fork caps? Any input appreciated.

Prez,

I ordered new springs and I will update my impression of the forks/cartridge kit once I get those installed next weekend.

#26 Duc2V4
1 hour ago, lshark

my Ohlins is fine, what i meant is that if i still had the OEM shock installed, i would have had DMr revalve it....his work is right on the money....he does do Ohlins in a few years when it's time to overhaul the shock, i'll send it to him.......i took my bike to a local racing shop and had the sag and damping settings done.....BTW, the VFR forks and shock are KYB

Ah, they are Showa on the VFR800. Bad assumption on my part.

#28 swimmer Thread starter
veeefour, 8/30/2016 at 10:26 AM
#29 swimmer Thread starter

Yes, they are Showa.

#31 lshark

Daugherty says KYB too

#32 swimmer Thread starter

And the maintenance manual  calls for KYB fluid.  When I was researching my fork up grade last year I was coming across everything indicating it was Showa.

Anyway, my new springs are going in next weekend.  Got .95kg/mm.  Hope it works out.  Dan at Traxxion said he would refund the spring purchase if I like the new set up better and send my 1.10kg springs back.

#33 veeefour

When I stripped my OEM shock's preload adjuster the markings indicated Showa as well. I also know how Kayaba and Showa forks looks like because I worked on both and forks definitely looks Showa to me. No difference for me tho as they will be swapped anyway  :wink:

I'm still torn between Traxxion and Ohlins. I'm definitely going to order a cartridge conversion - not interested with re-valving(not worth it IMO) and a new forks for couple of grand.

Traxxion is 20mm, stock adjusters retained - not sure there's an option to install Traxxion caps in the VFR1200 forks. Price just slightly above 1 grand USD.

Ohlins NIX is 30mm, Ohlins caps as standard, custom Kyle's kit for VFR1200, price around 600 SD more. Ohlins caps are around 200 USD tho but the price is still way higher.

Opting for Ohlins for now but funds will have the last vote I guess.

#34 lshark

DMr revalving did the trick in my forks.....under $500.....i couldn't imagine them being any better

#35 swimmer Thread starter

When I was shopping for my front suspension upgrade I made my decision to go withe Traxxion kit due in a very large part because I didn't need to have more than a weekend of down time on my motorcycle as I could install the kit myself. I ride/commute year round and didn't want to be stuck driving my car to work for 3-4 weeks while I waited to get my forks done by DMR or somewhere else that required me to send them in.   And when you include the back and forth shipping of the both complete fork legs the price difference came down to a few hundred bucks.

If having some down time on your motorcycle is not a major consideration it would be hard not to give DMR a serious consideration considering how many people are happy with the results.

#36 Duc2V4
30 minutes ago, swimmer

When I was shopping for my front suspension upgrade I made my decision to go withe Traxxion kit due in a very large part because I didn't need to have more than a weekend of down time on my motorcycle as I could install the kit myself. I ride/commute year round and didn't want to be stuck driving my car to work for 3-4 weeks while I waited to get my forks done by DMR or somewhere else that required me to send them in.   And when you include the back and forth shipping of the both complete fork legs the price difference came down to a few hundred bucks.

If having some down time on your motorcycle is not a major consideration it would be hard not to give DMR a serious consideration considering how many people are happy with the results.

With the DMr fork drop in kit this concern is now somewhat moot. However the rear shock can still be the concern. Although this isn't for everyone, buying a donor shock or even a little more extreme, a set of forks to send back is an option. This is what I did for my 5 Gen and when I got the forks back I swapped them out and then sold my set for what I paid for the donor set. By sheer luck, someone was looking at buying new stanchion tubes and was more than eager to buy the forks I had. I didn't have to wait to sell them and I could still ride all the way up to the installation date!

I have also done this with a set of wheels. Not just for me but for others too. I donated my front wheel to Rogue when he had his newly acquired 8 spoke powder coated, when he got his wheels back, he gave me his front wheel. I'll be doing this again with another friend who wants to powder coat his wheels. Of course this works best if the return item is of equal or better quality than what you have LOL!

#37 Rogue_Biker

When I sent my suspension out to DMr, my bike was out of service for 3 few weeks, but only because I took my time.

4 days UPS transit time to DMr.  7 days to get them back from DMr (I believe that included the weekend).

So realistically, it's a 15 day out of service from beginning to end including the weekend days (remove old suspension, re-install new suspension).  Removing and installing them isn't difficult but it did take me about 1.5 hours each end to remove, and same to install.  Again, I wasn't in a big hurry.  Experience with this process cuts that down time a lot.

#38 veeefour

DMr is probably the best way to do it for the reasonable price. He is a good guy and I'm sure he does his work right but he's just swamped with his work.

I asked him to just send me the kit so I can do it myself as I'm very handy with wrenches and I didn't want to spent 200 bucks just for sending the forks overseas.

He replied after 2 weeks I believe and said "no problem I will sell you the DIY kit and send it with the springs". I asked few more questions - he was replying every 3-7 days.

And after 3 months I stopped waiting and that was in July...and that's the reason I still don't have my front suspension modified so far... sending stuff to him and waiting 2-3 months to have it back? Hmmmm....I'll pass.

Anyways, I just "broke my wallet" and ordered the cartridge kit with 11N springs. Can't wait to install it.

#39 swimmer Thread starter
24 minutes ago, veeefour

DMr is probably the best way to do it for the reasonable price. He is a good guy and I'm sure he does his work right but he's just swamped with his work.

I asked him to just send me the kit so I can do it myself as I'm very handy with wrenches and I didn't want to spent 200 bucks just for sending the forks overseas.

He replied after 2 weeks I believe and said "no problem I will sell you the DIY kit and send it with the springs". I asked few more questions - he was replying every 3-7 days.

And after 3 months I stopped waiting and that was in July...and that's the reason I still don't have my front suspension modified so far... sending stuff to him and waiting 2-3 months to have it back? Hmmmm....I'll pass.

Anyways, I just "broke my wallet" and ordered the cartridge kit with 11N springs. Can't wait to install it.

Did you get the Traxxion or Ohlins?

#41 Rogue_Biker

I never dealt with DMr before last month.  I sent him several emails and he responded within 24 hours.  This was in July 2016 also.

Just saying what my experience was with DMr.  Not sure why your emails were taking 3-7 days to get a response.

#42 veeefour
5 hours ago, Rogue_Biker

I never dealt with DMr before last month.  I sent him several emails and he responded within 24 hours.  This was in July 2016 also.

Just saying what my experience was with DMr.  Not sure why your emails were taking 3-7 days to get a response.

I don't know either but he eventually forgot about me for good and never replied again. That was couple of months ago - maybe he's better now?

Not saying he's a bad guy - I just have not had any luck with him.

Talked with Kyle for a past two days - he seems to be in rush be re replies accordingly. Broke my wallet and ordered NIX30 conversion. He said he will send in early next week with courier so I will have it by Friday.

#43 eastbowl2

My Traxxion forks are at .95kg/mm.  185lb rider.  Just for info.

#44 swimmer Thread starter
1 hour ago, eastbowl2

My Traxxion forks are at .95kg/mm.  185lb rider.  Just for info.

My .95 springs arrived today.  I wonder why traxxion would give me 1.1 springs and you  .95 springs when you are 30lbs heavier.

#45 veeefour

My kit form Kyle is on the way - hope to have it on Monday.  1.1 springs for me - Kyle agreed that is a good choice for my weight - bit over 240lbs.

#47 swimmer Thread starter
1 hour ago, veeefour

Installed!

http://www.bikersoracle.com/vfr/forum/showthread.php?t=132636

Nice.  It's going to be amazing I am sure.

My new .95kg/mm springs arrived Friday and I installed them Saturday.  The bike rides much nicer now.  Absorbs sharp bumps much better.  Feels like I am better utilizing the full range of suspension travel. Still have some tweaking to do to fine tune it but finally feeling satisfied with my purchase.  Dan at Traxxion told me every kit they have sent out for the VFR1200 has been with either 1.1 or 1.15 springs and 1.1 really should be the correct springs for me.  But, he is glad the new springs are more to my liking and is refunding the spring purchase upon me sending the old ones back. 

#49 veeefour
9 hours ago, swimmer

Nice.  It's going to be amazing I am sure.

My new .95kg/mm springs arrived Friday and I installed them Saturday.  The bike rides much nicer now.  Absorbs sharp bumps much better.  Feels like I am better utilizing the full range of suspension travel. Still have some tweaking to do to fine tune it but finally feeling satisfied with my purchase.  Dan at Traxxion told me every kit they have sent out for the VFR1200 has been with either 1.1 or 1.15 springs and 1.1 really should be the correct springs for me.  But, he is glad the new springs are more to my liking and is refunding the spring purchase upon me sending the old ones back. 

I had a quick ride today - stock recommended settings for now, did SAG myself yesterday in a hurry and it seems that front is almost without preload. Need to re-set it again later today.

But the first turns were already a blast - this thing is dead planted right now. Hope to ride a bit more today.

Of course he will not admit to sending you waaay too hard springs to begin with. That is why he made that story - no drama nor damage as long he sent a correct ones free of charge - good for him.

I had a good experience with Dan Kyle - even tho I received my order a bit later as promised. I can recommend him - what's really good about him is that he replies his emails very fast.

#50 veeefour

About NIX30:

400km's done today. 

No chicken stripes on my tires anymore [image: rolleyes.gif] I had a good ride with a new KTM1290 GT last month with super duper modern electronic suspension which was just super good. 
I'd now say full Ohlins in VFR1200 is even "one click" better. Just amazing [image: yo.gif]

I played with rebound and compression on the way. Stock both 12 clicks out.

2 clicks less on compression makes already a race bike front suspension - found 13 clicks out to be good for me. 

Turned the rebound 1 click back to increase the damping - 11 clicks out.

20 clicks of adjustment total makes a very wide range for adjustment. 

Highly recommended mod!

#51 lshark

i inquired about an Ohlins fork kit for the 1200 and the shop called Ohlins and they said that they had nothing to fit it....this was last fall.....but i'm very satisfied with the DMR job...new high flow comp and rebound valve kits, springs, and low friction seals.....i can't imagine anything feeling a whole lot better than what i have now.....i paid $500 with shipping, Ohlins kit gives comp adjustment.....$1375 before labor....i'm happy

#52 veeefour

He makes a custom kit - converted from other kit.

Well, it's OK for you - might not for the others  :wink:

On the other hand I can't imagine how the 20mm piston would ever even match 30mm piston.

#53 lshark

it's way better than ok

#54 Rogue_Biker

The only way to know which is better is to ride the same type of bike back to back....Ohlins vs DMr (or whomever not Ohlins).

I believe the bottom line is what Duc2V4 and myself spoke about:  You only know what you know.  In addition, what is "better"?  If it's better than what you had before, then that's a good thing.  If you find yourself having much more confidence on the bike's handling and liking to ride the bike more and faster, that's a very good thing.  If you get all that yet in back of your mind you WANT the Ohlins brand underneath you, then it doesn't matter how good the suspension is because you won't be happy until you get what you REALLY want and are willing to pay for.

#55 veeefour
1 hour ago, lshark

it's way better than ok

As I said before:  it might be for you - but might not for the others. 

#56 lshark

yours might not be either

#57 lshark

let's not have a pissing contest over who's forks are better....mine suit my needs perfectly......DMr did a great job....i'm sure your Ohlins kit is great too

#58 veeefour

Never said anything related to "MINE'S BETTER"...in a fact only you did.

I can't recommend DMr tho, he completely "blow me off"...

#59 DH82A

I had my forks redone by my local Ohlins, Nitron and Racetech specialist - Robert Taylor of Kiwi Suspension Solutions.

I weigh around 200 pounds and ride moderately hard. Robert put in 1.0 springs and Ohlins compression and rebound piston kits.

I had sent the forks up and when I put them back on the bike, I experienced uncontrolled dive to the point they bottomed out under fast bumps and severe braking. Never mind, this was at 9pm at night and I was off at 5am the next morning on a 1,000km day ride! They had potential as the action felt more compliant - but dreadful!

Even with max preload, rider sag was 42mm - way too much. I tried adding more and more oil to get a hydraulic action to tame the dive, but to no avail.

Back to Robert with the whole bike! They took the forks apart and measured actual rate - 0.9. They put in some 1.1 and also put a different shim on the compression. They view was that the flat shim collapsed too quickly under harder riding.

Now the rider sag was within range and the forks behaved perfectly. Bike now tracks very well and dive under very hard braking and over severe, high speed bumps is impeccable.

#60 Sikorsky

I had a local shop called RMR Suspension take care of the VFR, just like they have taken care of several other bikes I've had over the years. Rod Matechuk is the fellow that runs the shop. If you were looking for a friendly cup of tea and long involved conversations on modern philosophy, look somewhere else. If you want to the point, efficient suspension information and work done; he is the guy. I've never been disappointed.

His initial impression was that the stock springs were sufficient. He measured them and although I cannot recall the exact number, I want to say 0.90 or 0.95. I could be way off.

Once he had the bike back together he realized how much weight was on the front end. It came apart again and he put in some Ohlins. I've looked for the box they came in to no avail, wish I could have let you know the exact specs. The forks were also re-valved at the same time. An Ohlins with a remote pre-load was slotted into the back. An hour and a half labor was added on due to that shock not being particularly easy to get to. I only managed one ride before it got too cold. Even then I managed to get the rear to step out so I thought that I would wait for warmer days.

End of thread · 60 posts recovered Wayback Machine snapshot 5 Jul 2017