Fork Springs for S2R1K

[Ivan]

Recently lost a lot of weight, down to 165 lb and probably will end up at around 160.  The 0.9 kg/mm fork springs are now way too stiff (they were actually a little too stiff even when I weighed 185), the bike is almost unrideable.

The spring-rate charts and on-line calculators all say that I should be using 0.8 kg/mm springs.   Tried to buy some springs from Race-Tech yesterday, found out that the smallest they have is 0.85 kg/mm.   Same is true of Traxion, I'm assuming that they get their springs from the same source.

Anyone know of other sources for fork springs?  Thought about checking Ohlins, but I'm wary that they will only offer a complete re-do of the fork internals, which I really don't want to pay for since all I need are springs.

Sounds like a stupid question; but, can a spring be modified somehow, to reduce the rate?

[red baron]

Recently lost a lot of weight, down to 165 lb and probably will end up at around 160.  The 0.9 kg/mm fork springs are now way too stiff (they were actually a little too stiff even when I weighed 185), the bike is almost unrideable.

This is totally how I feel.

[He Man]

I had .85kg/mm installed @ 155lbs (in the flesh). It was perfect for canyon carving, but a bit on the stiff side for the potholes in nyc. so i can only inmagine .9 would be worst.

edit: I read your other post. What forks did you have prior to your S2R1k showas?

[Ivan]

edit: I read your other post. What forks did you have prior to your S2R1k showas?

The S2R1K has always had S2R1K forks   

Last year I had Race Tech respring & revalve  the forks for my weight.  I'm pretty sure that they don't know what they are doing when it comes to Monsters.  They probably have a pretty good handle on the SBKs, but they don't seem to realize that the weight distribution on a Monster is somewhere between a Standard and a Sportbike.  They seem to think that what works for a SBK will also work for a Monster.

I didn't realize how much better the forks could be until I covered some miles on that beat up old 996.

[He Man]

  i mean, what are you comparing the S2R1k forks to? or what were you riding before you expeirenced ur S2R1k forks.

the 996 has a larger catridge size and better internals. What part number did racetech use for your forks? i had a local shop install racetech stuff in my forks. THey were experienced in what works and what doesnt (Steve and Jay at ECS if youve heard of them) and when i compared them to my old bike (95/m900 with a stock SBK catridge) they arent on par with each other, but pretty close. I really like them the way they are now in comparison. I remembered ICON PMed me a few times about which parts i used, im not sure if he ever got them installed.

[Ivan]

i mean, what are you comparing the S2R1k forks to? or what were you riding before you expeirenced ur S2R1k forks.

My other rides are the 996 and an Aprilia RST1000.  In the 37 years of riding before buying the Monster,  I've owned a myriad of street and dirt bikes ranging from a Kawasaki 75 to a Hardley.  Seems irrelevant to me.

Some of the Race-Tech shops *might* know what they are doing, but the folks at the HQ in Corona are clueless.

[Speeddog]

You can't *safely* reduce the rate of a spring.

RaceTech must have recently changed their offerings, I've bought .80's from them in the past.

Did you call them or just look at their online availability?

[He Man]

I read your other post about how you didnt like your race tech setup. I think its great. But i dont have much to compare it to. So your past experiences will play a role in what you think is good.

[Ivan]

You can't *safely* reduce the rate of a spring.

RaceTech must have recently changed their offerings, I've bought .80's from them in the past.

Did you call them or just look at their online availability?

I was in their shop, spoke with two different people. They are located just down the hill from my house.  I checked with Traxion as well, and they say the same thing.  Sonic Springs web-site also lists nothing for any of the Ducs less than 0.85.  I don't know of any other sources, and I'm thinking all of the aforementioned probably get springs from the same source.

There has to be a spring with the right dimensions and rate available, but it is probably not sold/identified as intended for this application.  If you have a P/N for the 0.8 springs, it would be greatly appreciated!

[He Man]

If thats the case your best bet is to break out the ruler and measure the springs you have in there now (or the stockers) and start making some calls. If you know hte measurements, then they can find something that is similar sized with the right spring rate.

you could always throw some clip ons and try to get closer to the 50/50  and use .85 . I like it and im lighter than you.

[Gus Duc]

Ivan....... I think the obvious thing to do is gain some weight.  It'll be much easier & cheaper & you won't have to back the preload all the way out

If you need any help gaining wait or having a fat guy ride it, let me know

[Ivan]

If thats the case your best bet is to break out the ruler and measure the springs you have in there now (or the stockers) and start making some calls. If you know hte measurements, then they can find something that is similar sized with the right spring rate.

you could always throw some clip ons and try to get closer to the 50/50  and use .85 . I like it and im lighter than you.

No clip-ons for the Monster, when I'm feeling that spry I ride the 996.  I've started doing what you suggested, I know the OD, the length, and the rate that I want, I've found some options.

I tore into my forks this afternoon, and there is still some preload that I can remove.  I can buy the 0.85s from Race-Tech, Sonic, whomever, and set the preload to the bare minimum.    This might get me close to where I want to be.  Progressive makes a spring that is the right dimension, but unfortunately its progressive, duh!   That still might be a last resort though. It starts out at 0.71 and increases to 1.16.   There are a couple of other places that I'll look into this week for straight rate springs.

[He Man]

im not a fan of the stock progressive springs. I rather the .85kg/mm and throw a few lead weights on the front.

[Ivan]

Ivan....... I think the obvious thing to do is gain some weight.  It'll be much easier & cheaper & you won't have to back the preload all the way out

Cheaper and easier without a doubt, but I feel so much better now. 

[Gus Duc]

Cheaper and easier without a doubt, but I feel so much better now. 

Nice work

How did you do it

Only time I seem to lose weight is when I'm stressed & these last few years have been mellow