my Ktech 996 fork upgrade on S4

[MonsterHPD]

I looked for a long time for springs with spring rates lower than 8.5 N/mm. I've tried a set of 8.5's, but they were definitely too hard for me  (approx. 73 kg with gear).
Since I could not find any springs that would go in without modifying spacers and such, I decided to use the springs for the Öhlins R&T forks. They are almost identical in diameters to the stockers, but beeing made from higher-grade wire (presumably ...), they are shorter with steeper pitch. One reason to use them are that they ae available in rates from 7 or 7.5 N/mm up to 11.0 N/mm, in 0.5 N steps.

I used the same rate in my Showas as I do in my Öhlins R&T fork, i.e. 8.0 N/mm which works very well (part number 4745-80 acc. to the invoice).
I had to manufacture new pre-load tubes, a coupler piece between the tube and spring, and slightly modify the plastic spacer on top of the pre-load tube.
Installed pre-load with fully backed-off adjuster is between 5 and 10 mm, should not be more than 10 mm.  

I did some snapshots so I'll do a how-to one of these days; this picture will give you an idea:




BTW, I think some parts are on their way from K-Tech for the cartridge rebuild / modification,  so that how-to will also appear one of these days      

[jerryz]

Monster HPD ...could I cut some metal off the spacer tube say 10-20mm might reduce the preload by 1nm ???that would be the simplest method.I want about 8nm -8.5nm springing for road use .

[Speeddog]

Monster HPD ...could I cut some metal off the spacer tube say 10-20mm might reduce the preload by 1nm ???that would be the simplest method.I want about 8nm -8.5nm springing for road use .

That'll just change your sag, it won't effect the spring rate.

[MonsterHPD]

Right, cutting the preload will just affect the sag, suspension action will be just as stiff.

I've been digging out my old invoices for stuff I've bought for the bike (scary reading ... ), and I think I've found the invoice for the 8.5 N/mm Öhlins springs I tried first.
The part number stated on the invoice is 8700-85, and these springs should be a straight drop-in in some Ducati SBK fork or other; I couldn't say which one, though.
I think it would be pretty easy to install in any SBK fork; for the Monster fork I made an additional preload tube out of a stock SBK preload tube (if memory serves, the SBK forks have a preload tube under the spring, in the bottom of the fork leg).  If I wanted an 8.5 N/mm spring in an SBK fork, I'd check this option for sure. 

   

[jerryz]

I contacted ohlins and they said they could no longer supply 8 or 8.5 springs for 996 forks but I also contacted racetech who say they can supply an 8 or 8.5 spring for 996 fork

[MonsterHPD]

Ooops, too bad, sorry for providing that piece of useless info.
I suppose if Racetech says they have 8.0 or 8.5 springs, that would be the easiest option, then.

[Speeddog]

I contacted ohlins and they said they could no longer supply 8 or 8.5 springs for 996 forks but I also contacted racetech who say they can supply an 8 or 8.5 spring for 996 fork

These folks said they can provide the Ohlins springs (4745-80 for example, I just called them):
http://www.kyleusa.com/

They're here in California.

[jerryz]

its nice to have options , i will wait until i get home from offshore job to open up the forks and double check exactly what weight of spring is in them then i will decide what action to take  , i am now confused as I was told they had put in 8.5 Ohlins springs but that seem impossible now and that 9.0 or 9.5 ohlins spring was put in .