Front fork springs - 65kg rider?

[ChrisCTK]

I have read several posts regarding whether it's worth doing a spring upgrade for lighter riders, but there doesn't seem to be a consensus. I am 65kg without gear, so rather fed up of the front end diving constantly so think its probably worth an upgrade - anyone else similar weight done it, and if so was it worth it?

Also, if I do go for it, not sure what springs to go for. The race tech calculator seems to say 0.83 - k-tech seem to start at 0.85 (might be a bit too stiff), any other decent brands that offer a 0.80?

Cheers!!

[21QUEST]

Did you actually Ktech? Or give Steve Jordan Motorcycles a ring on 01372 453 322 .

When was the fork oil last changed?

[ChrisCTK]

I just checked the k-tech website - haven't tried calling (yet).

Fork oil hasn't been changed since new (2009) so will be doing soon - although from day one its been diving, just haven't had the chance to do anything about it before. Not sure if it seems worse since I changed the clip ons to renthals.

[jambo]

Ohlins do .80 springs I believe.

I have some progressive springs and weigh about the same as you but I shall be trying a few other setups this year as and when I have time. If you're happy with the amount of travel, but not the rate of dive it can be worth having a look at emulators to provide some compression damping control.

As above when doing any of these you'd be wanting to change the oil as it'll probably be past it's best and giving a lack of rebound damping by this point.

Jambo

[ChrisCTK]

Just in case anyone comes back to this thread - I ended up getting some Hagon progressives with 10w fork oil, plus also fitted some EBC HH pads. Wow what a difference, bike feels so much more planted and doesn't bounce around, and pulling the brake leaver is like hitting a wall (OK maybe not that extreme, but the SV actually feels like it has brakes designed for stopping). So even if you are light (ish - 65kg) its worth upgrading the springs.

[johnnyrod]

I was watching this as I have progressives and want to change to linear so would have been interested in the spring rate you went for. I'm also 65kg and yes, it makes a big difference!

[aesmith]

I was watching this as I have progressives and want to change to linear so would have been interested in the spring rate you went for. I'm also 65kg and yes, it makes a big difference!
What sort of progressives, and are you thinking of flogging them when you've changed?

[JulesW]

Race Tech do 0.8 linear fork springs which can be found here ....

http://www.stevejordanmotorcycles.co.uk/product-detail.asp?P=SUZUKI-SV650-2003-2012-RACETECH-LINEAR-FORK-SPRING-KIT&productid=45

[johnnyrod]

Yes smithy I will once I have the new ones and am sure it's for the better. Will take a while to extract thumb from bum though!

Thanks Jules