Missing fork spacer?

[Gimpy]

SO ....  I just got forks some what apart to swap in some Race Tech springs.  Everything I have found says to make the new spacer the length needed to make the new spacer + new spring the same length as the old spacer + old spring.

Problem is so far I have not found an existing spacer.  I just popped the top cap off and pulled the spring out, after dumping the oil.  DO I need to dig deeper and pull the damper out? 

Should I just make the spacer the length needed to make the new spring + spacer the same length as the old spring?
 
Should the new spacer sit below the spring once assembled or above?  It seems to me that a stock spacer, if it exists, sits on the bottom, but I have read that I should put it after the spring (top)


Thanks in advance

[ducpainter]

I've always seen them on top on the Showas I've had apart, but it may be on the bottom.

It may be possible that someone else has been in there before and did some evil deed if you're not the original owner.

[Gimpy]

I ammm  the second owner.   The first guy didn't seem all that mechanically inclined, but you never know.  Also a serious lack of pre-load would explain the diving front end while still being kinda harsh on rough roads. 

To clarify these are the non adjustable Showa forks as Ducpainter guessed.  I just added the Race Tech RT FRK SPR 36.7x34.5x315 .90kg springs.

Does Anyone have a guess at a spacer length I should use? I weigh about 200ibs all geared up.  I don't need it to be perfect, I was gonna play around with different lengths anyhow. Just need to know where to start. 

[ducpainter]

I ammm  the second owner.   The first guy didn't seem all that mechanically inclined, but you never know.  Also a serious lack of pre-load would explain the diving front end while still being kinda harsh on rough roads. 

To clarify these are the non adjustable Showa forks as Ducpainter guessed.  I just added the Race Tech RT FRK SPR 36.7x34.5x315 .90kg springs.

Does Anyone have a guess at a spacer length I should use? I weigh about 200ibs all geared up.  I don't need it to be perfect, I was gonna play around with different lengths anyhow. Just need to know where to start. 

At your weight the forks would behave that way anyway due to the way they're set from the factory.

You can calculate the approximate length you need by pulling the damper rod up with the spring installed and measure the distance from the top of the spring to the groove for the retainer clip. Add 15mm to your number and cut the spacers to that length.

After you assemble check sag and if you're within your target, probably 1 1/4", you're done. If not, racetech supplied some washers that can be added to increase preload, or you can shorten the spacers.

You also will want to reset your fork oil level. That will eliminate much of the harshness you have due to too much oil. A starting number would be 130 mm from the top with the springs removed and the fork compressed.

[Gimpy]

There is no substitute for experience and I have none. But I don't have any fear of getting in there and hopefully not blowing up something in the process. 

I ended up making a spacer that was 33mm.  But I had a horrible time getting everything back together.  The race tech springs are tapered at the ends and one side would not clear this little plastic guide on the damper assembly.  I ended up putting the spring in before I bolted the damper and using a volume measurement for the fork oil.  A little less than ideal. 

Now that its all back together it feels a little stiff.  I checked the sag with the ziptie method and got 1/4 in to 3/4  in my attempts.  I think I'm gonna ride it around to get a feel for it and let everything settle. 

If I do end up going back to adjust it to get the sag to 1 1/4 in does anyone have a guess on how much spacer material I should lop off?  For all I know cutting a mm could translate into a half inch of sag. 

[ducpainter]

To check sag you need a helper or two. You shouldn't be getting more than one number.

Do you know how to do it?

[Gimpy]

I'm guessing I don't based on you asking the question.  I always thought you just sat on the thing, and then measured out how far the fork traveled.  Helpers obviously would be better to help measure.  I was just using the zipties cause they are easier to keep on hand. 

[ducpainter]

I'm guessing I don't based on you asking the question.  I always thought you just sat on the thing, and then measured out how far the fork traveled.  Helpers obviously would be better to help measure.  I was just using the zipties cause they are easier to keep on hand. 

To check sag, you must first measure the length with no weight on the front wheel. Pick a spot that is easily repeatable.

You really can't use a ziptie because after you weight the bike you should bounce the suspension and measure after it settles.

You should also be in your gear in your normal riding position. You can do it on stands if they hold the bike level.

You put in .90 springs...at your weight those might be a bit stiff...especially if you have stock bars.

I'm about your size 185 in street clothes, at least I was when I sprung the bike  , and run .85s with clip-ons.