SBK racetech spring selection

[coduc]

I've got an M750 I am going to put some 748 forks on to improve the handling a bit.  I am thinking to use racetech springs.  Using their online calculator, should i plug in my bike weight under their selection for the 748?  I did this and found that it recommends .85kg/mm springs.  Do these sound correct for a 170lb rider on the street?

thanks,

[Speeddog]

170 lbs without gear?

What kind of riding are you doing; commuting, canyon, ??

How are the roads in your riding areas?

[coduc]

yeah, 170 w/o gear.  Primarily commuting spring/summer/fall but during the summer more touring/twisty rides on the weekends.  Roads are OK, mainly a bit rutted due to studded tires, not too many potholes to worry about, mostly gravel.  the asphalt is generally good quality with not much concrete due to my rural location.

Personally, I prefer a bit more of a firm ride over a super-soft one.  Currently with the stock progressive springs it feels like a dirt bike to me with so much travel taken up before the forks ever really set in on a turn.  I've never ridden dirt bike, it's just how I would envision it would feel with lots of travel to suck up huge bumps.

Also wondering if i should get the gold valves too or just spring it correctly and change the oil/seals/etc.  I am sure the forks will be worlds better just with springs and oil.

[Speeddog]

From that info, I'd say go with 0.85 springs.

IMO, first try them with springs and new oil, re-do the seals and scrapers if you want.

I'd suggest checking to see if you can get some Ohlins springs, I'm pretty sure they have drop-in springs.
AFAIK, RaceTech springs are going to require spacers.

[coduc]

Thanks for the recommendation on the Ohlins, I'll look into that.  I like stuff that is less complex and fewer parts.  I've put new seals in my 750 forks and didn't need spring compressors or any real specific tools, will this be the same on the 748's?  I think racetech suggested 5w oil, does this sound reasonable?

[Speeddog]

They'll be a bit tougher, as the SBK springs are likely 0.95, so more difficult to deal with DIY.

A good number of folks have gone down the SBK fork path, so using our 'search' button may track some stuff down... 

Here's a bit of recent info:
http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=41414.0

5wt would be a good place to start.

[suzyj]

Ohlins make a spring that's an easy drop-in for your forks.  That's what I used.  I also used 0.85kg/mm springs, and I found they were perfect, with sag right in the middle.

I had to make a spring compressor to do my forks (see the picture below), but that's because I'm a weak-arse girly and no good at motorbike mechanics.

[Speeddog]

~SNIP~

..., but that's because I'm a weak-arse girly and no good at motorbike mechanics.

~SNIP~

 

So *not* true.

[coduc]

I've looked all over for a place to pickup some Ohlins drop-in springs but have come up dry, is there someplace I could be directed to?  I did find some springs for their road and track forks at motorcycle superstore but I don't think that is the same thing as what I am looking for.  Thanks for the help!

[Speeddog]

Try Kyle Racing in California.