M695 forks upgrade

[cencalal]

I bought some adjustable Showa forks from an '05 M1000 to try on my M695.  They're nearly new take-offs in perfect condition.  I weigh 140 and the 695 springs don't seem too bad, but there's a good amount of brake dive with the stock brakes running EBC sintered pads.  What should I expect from the spring rate of the Showas?  A bit stiffer?  Will they still be progressive wound springs?  I think I read that all monsters are...

I may just put them on and try them out, but I'm a believer in single rate springs.  Any suggestions on setup appreciated.

[stopintime]

They'll be an upgrade, YES  I think the rate will be ok for you and I think it's a good idea to put them on and check them out. Setting the preload, compression and rebound will give you a better idea if they are good enough as they are.

Some riding is better with linear springs, but not all. On an expert level it means a lot that the front and rear are in harmony, so if you don't intend to upgrade the rear to a linear spring it might be best to keep the front progressive.

[cencalal]

I have installed a Showa adjustable shock from a 749 that has a single rate spring.  It would be undersprung for a heavier rider, but works well for me.  A nice upgrade, it's the same length as the 695 shock.

[ducpainter]

I'm a straight rate believer also.

The springs in the Showas would be similar to what is already in your 695 forks, maybe a tad stiffer as the bike they came off was a bit heavier. If those are too soft already I don't think you'll find the springs in the Showas any better.

That said, brake dive can, and should, be controlled with damping IMO. Springs control sag.

[EEL]

I had M1000 forks on my old S2R 800 and they were progressive springs. I actually replaced them with S4 springs which were linear. The lengths were different but I just made a new spacer to fill in the difference.The S4 bikes were heavier so the spring rate was higher which was perfect for me since I was about 30 lbs more than the 150lb weight these bikes are usually sprung for.

Your best bet is to get some linear rate springs that suit your weight and change your oil weight. I tend to get good results with redline 10wt.

Look up my post on cSt for oil. I've always been a proponent of a cSt in the mid 30's for a good balance of damping