748/916 Showas on M800

[Mr Earl]

Not sure if this belongs here or in Accessories and Mods, but...  am about to begin setting up Showa SBK forks in my M800.  I am aware of the triple issues, and the length issues, and the handlebar issues.  Now I'm asking about the spring rate issues.

The general consensus seems to be that the SBK fork springs will be too stiff.  (I weigh about 185.)  Can I remove the springs from the stock Marzocchis and use them in the Showas?  This would be sweet, cost-wise.

If not, what spring rate is appropriate and where can I source them?  Thanks for any insights.

[Paegelow]

Did you just buy those 748 forks on ebay?  If so, that was a good deal!

[Mr Earl]

Yeah, actually I bought the first set that ended this morning.  $203.50, new seals and fluid.

[Paegelow]

Nice!  I was watching a pair that ended a couple hours ago, but I didn't go for it.  Anyway I don't have the answer to your question, but once you figure everything out you should do a write up for the tutorial section!  Hopefully I can do this mod some time this summer.

[Howie]

You wouldn't want to use the Marzocchi springs even if they do fit.  They are a progressive spring that is way to soft until the last bit of fork travel.  A set of linear Race Tech springs should set you back about $200.  Off hand, I don't know the spring rate.  Speeddog probably knows the spring rate.

[Speeddog]

I'd say 0.90 springs as a starting point.

How are the roads where you ride, rough or smooth?
What kind of riding do you do?
How long have you been riding?

[Mr Earl]

I live in a Denver suburb, roads are really pretty good for the most part.

Most of my riding falls into one of two categories: commuting about 6 miles each way to work on straight streets; and riding up and down the several mountain canyons west of town.  The occasional longer (200-400 miles) trip.  No track riding.  I like to lean the bike over and go fast, but I'm fairly conservative in riding, I suppose.

Learned to ride 40+ years ago (man, that sounds terrible) on mini-bikes, then a Honda 90 and a Ducati 250 Monza.  Then a Yamaha 125, then a Yamaha RD-350, then a Norton 850 Commando.  20-year dry spell for marriage and child-rearing, then the Monster about 4 years ago.


Thanks for the spring-rate number, Speeddog.  I understand the stock spring rate is about 1.0 kg/mm?  How nasty will the ride be if I just use the SBK forks as-is?

[Speeddog]

You could try 'em as they are.
I think they'll be pretty stiff if they've got 1.0 springs.

I'd recommend at least opening 'em up for a fresh load of oil, and to make sure nothing's wrong internally.
The springs could well be different from OEM, maybe ask the PO what's been done to 'em.