new spring... and a new question

[bschur13]

I am sending my tank off for paint and i figured I would try to replace my ugly yellow spring with a red one to match the new paint scheme.  I did some reading and it seems that this is the spring I would need to replace the stock spring.   

7" Long, 2.25" I.D. 650 Lbs/inch Eibach Spring

Questions:
 
1.  In general is this the correct spring?

2.  I weigh around 200 with gear so should I go with a 700lb spring? 

2  Do I need special tools (including a bike stand) to do this job? 

As far as the tools and such... I have read that you dont need a spring compressor to to the job is this true?  And can I do this on the side stand because I have no other stand.   I am thinking that if I get my hands on a spring compressor (like the one below?) then (with bike on side stand) I could hook that up and just unscrew the bolts and the thing should just slide out. Is this correct?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Motorcycle-shock-coil-spring-compressor-CB-GS-XS-KZ-T27_W0QQitemZ330302256602QQcmdZViewItem

Also, once I get it in there I will be getting a full suspension set up in the spring.

thanks for the help!

     

[Slide Panda]

Well if you unscrew the bolts... what's going to be holding up the rear end of the bike? 

To access the spring, you'll need to remove the shock.  Removing the shock means supporting the rear of the bike.  Not just rear stand sort of support, but taking the load that the shock is support with some other device.  I've seen a few ways, 2x4 constructs, ratchet straps from the ceiling, jacking up the bike from below the engine.. but you're going to need some way to support the back of that bike.

Other special items - a pre load ring spanner.  It'll look something like the item on this page
http://www.desmotimes.com/product36.htm
It'll be how you get the two rings that pre load the spring, undone.

[mmakay]

That's the right spring in terms of length and diameter.  700lb is definitely too heavy.  Even 650lb may be firmer than you like, but it will depend on your needs.  (I weight just a hair over 200 ungeared, and I ride a 650lb.)

It may be possible to do without a spring compressor, but I used one and I suggest you do too.

[bschur13]

Well if you unscrew the bolts... what's going to be holding up the rear end of the bike? 


Other special items - a pre load ring spanner.  It'll look something like the item on this page
http://www.desmotimes.com/product36.htm
It'll be how you get the two rings that pre load the spring, undone.

point taken.
But is it possible have two strong folks hold the bike up and once the shock is removed just lower it down slowly to rest?

As far as the ring spanner.  I could just wack it with a hammer and screw driver until it comes loose, correct?

I guess my focus is not having to buy things that I will never use again.  Perhaps I will look for some local support with  s in return.

[Slide Panda]

point taken.
But is it possible have two strong folks hold the bike up and once the shock is removed just lower it down slowly to rest?

As far as the ring spanner.  I could just wack it with a hammer and screw driver until it comes loose, correct?

I guess my focus is not having to buy things that I will never use again.  Perhaps I will look for some local support with  s in return.

It's probably possible, even with 1 person.  I've been that person for a couple gixer race bikes... But they have a different frame and engine configuration.  With Monsters being set up as they are, the header and a small edge of the engine case is what a majority of the bike would be resting it's weight on... not such a great plan.  But you could spend $10 on some build something to go under the engine that distrubtes a lot more of the load.  Get same said 2 buddies to lift the rear of the bike and slide your 2x4 construct under.  Remeber, if you're trying to take out a suspension member, it's a lot easier when it's unloaded.

You probably could got at it with a hammer and drift.  I doubt you'd be the 1st to ever do it.  But just don't hit your shock body, or you've probably ruined it.

Are you a MAD member?  If so send an email out to the list, I'd bet someone has that spanner - and double up and post in CAM.

[vaclav]

Where will you be getting the spring?

[Speeddog]

At 200 with gear, a 600 would give you a softer ride, a 650 a firmer ride.

Choose which one depending on how you want it for how you ride.

It's worthwhile getting a spanner, you're going to have to adjust the preload anyway, it's a lot easier with one.

You'll need a spring compressor to get the old spring off and the new one on, perhaps a local shop might do it for a small fee.

[Privateer]

you can get the rear shock out off the side stand and a floor jack.  Put the floor jack right under where the swing arm pivot is.  You might need to move it up and down to get the upper mount to angle correctly.

I did it, but it was really tricky.  i recommend having someone else there to catch the bike if you tip it over too far.  The bolts holding the shock in are *very* tight as well, and the top one doesn't give a lot of room.

good luck.
Andy

[bschur13]

Where will you be getting the spring?

most likely here
http://www.eshocks.com/hyp_ind.asp?SubCheck=25+IDQ2.&Free_Length=Q7&SubChar=Q

[bschur13]

At 200 with gear, a 600 would give you a softer ride, a 650 a firmer ride.

Choose which one depending on how you want it for how you ride.

could you elaborate?  I guess I could go a little stiffer then the stock spring but I dont really know what the pros and cons would be.  I am still too new to bikes.   On cars though I like stiff so if that logic spills over then I would prob like 650.  Also, I dont really ride very long trips so if its just a comfort thing then I am ok with firm.  Does it effect handling?  Would a track rider prefer one over the other or is it just personal pref?     

[Speeddog]

could you elaborate?  I guess I could go a little stiffer then the stock spring but I dont really know what the pros and cons would be.  I am still too new to bikes.   On cars though I like stiff so if that logic spills over then I would prob like 650.  Also, I dont really ride very long trips so if its just a comfort thing then I am ok with firm.  Does it effect handling?  Would a track rider prefer one over the other or is it just personal pref?     

By *my* chart, you should have a 625.

Choices are 600 or 650, so there you go.

Novice rider, I'd go with the 600.
Experienced rider, the 650.

Also would depend on what kind of riding you do, and how good the roads are where you ride.

That's a street setup.
Track setup I'd go stiffer initially, but likely the spring would get swapped anyway depending on rider/track/bike...

[Gimpy]

snip
Novice rider, I'd go with the 600.
Experienced rider, the 650.
/snip

Please elaborate good sir.  Is it just stiffness or as bschur13 says does it effect handling or anything else ? I can tear apart a motor 6 ways to Sunday and put it back together drunk
(IF I have to)  but suspension  is still kinda ...well....  already on the damn thing. 

I am planning on softening up my ride (roads around here suck) but I really don't know what else I could  be doing to the performance.

[Speeddog]

It does effect handling.

It's all a tradeoff, stiffer is better handling, softer makes for a more comfortable ride while cruising.
If your roads are really rough, lean towards the stiffer spring.

At this point, for the OP, either spring is going to be a substantial improvement over the OEM unit.
Beyond that, it's tuning preference of the rider.

[Heath]

Is there a chart anywhere that shows what spring we need for what weight?

I haven't decided what route to go on upgrading my s2r800 suspension.  If I get the right spring now, could I put it on now?  Then when I get my new shock move it over to that one?

[mmakay]

Good spring info can be found at: http://www.ducati-upnorth.com/tech/suspensionspring.php