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 .