Suspension alteration advice - Pointy.

[Syduck]

First of all Hi to everyone. Great site, thought I would get more involved rather than just reading.

Right, I’m looking to sort the suspension on my 03 pointy over them coming months, and based on RaceTech calculator I was going for 0.95 springs in the front. I just don’t know what oil to go for. I’m just over 15 stone kitted up. Any advice on what to go for?

Also, I’m going for an aftermarket rear shock, probably a Nitron. Its between the sport one and the track one. I have read a lot about the “sport” one not being overly fantastic, but having only ridden an ER5 and a stock SV, I’m not sure if the Race shocks improvements will be lost one me. Will I really be able to tell the difference between the two?

[mikerj]

Similar weight to me, I'm probably a couple of pounds more kitted up. I have 0.95 springs (KTech) on my K5 pointy with emulators and 15W oil, and whilst it's completely transformed the soggy standard setup it does feel a little harsh on anything but smooth tarmac. That may be more damping that spring rate however.

My trusty cable tie shows I still get the fork close to the stops fairly regularly, but then again there are a lot of speed bumps around here!

I went for an almost new ZZR1400 rear shock - not in the same league as a Nitron for sure, but again made a dramatic improvement to the bike and static and rider sag show the spring rate is pretty good for me.

[Syduck]

So if I was wanting a less harsh front end, would I use a lower weight oil? And would that result in more or less damping?
Thanks for you response

[mikerj]

Lower weight oil means less damping (compression and rebound), but with 0.95 springs you will almost certainly need heavier than standard oil in the forks.

[yorkie_chris]

15W is good. Use a good quality one like pro RSF to avoid too much rebound skipping when the weather cools off.

It mostly affects rebound damping, not compression.

[mikerj]

It mostly affects rebound damping, not compression.

Surely high speed compression will be increased with heavier oil?

[yorkie_chris]

Yes but so far up into highspeed region that it is just harshness... still no dive control.

[Syduck]

Ok, I was looking at pro RSF, just not sure wasn't sure what I was going to get. I'll try 15w; can always change it. Do the emulators make that much difference? Can't decide to do them as well while im at it. How difficult are they?