Fork adjusters - SV650.org

Grant66 · 11-12-07, 01:46 PM

Hi,

Whilst the bike is off road I thought I'd do the front fork oil change. The guide (on here) suggests making it stiffer using washers, but I've noticed a few adds around t' interweb for adjustable fork tops.

Do these do the same job? Are they recomended?

northwind · 11-12-07, 01:50 PM

You can't make the front end stiffer with washers, that adjusts preload not spring rate, but apart from that yes, the two do the same thing. I'm not sure if I'd say recommended, I used mine for 10 minutes then never adjusted them again but it saved me a fair amount of trial and error doing it with spacers.

11-12-07, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by northwind

You can't make the front end stiffer with washers, that adjusts preload not spring rate, but apart from that yes, the two do the same thing. I'm not sure if I'd say recommended, I used mine for 10 minutes then never adjusted them again but it saved me a fair amount of trial and error doing it with spacers.

Indeed, once the correct 'sag/preload' is set, there will be little need to change it again ... so having the luxury of an adjuster is probably a little superfluous after initial setup!!

Looks cool though

Grant66 · 11-12-07, 03:41 PM

Ah, preload not stiffer.

More noob questions comming

How do you know when its right?
Feels better or is there some sort of checks/calculations dependant on body weight.
Am I right in thinking heavier=more preload?

11-12-07, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gajjii

Ah, preload not stiffer.

More noob questions comming

How do you know when its right?
Feels better or is there some sort of checks/calculations dependant on body weight.
Am I right in thinking heavier=more preload?

Have a proper read of sag/preload ... its a good page and tells you ballpark figures and exactly how to test.

Basically if you want real ballpark, IIRC it works out you want the bike to have used ~1/3 if the available front travel (distance from fully extended/unloaded to just under the bottom yoke) when you are sat on the bike in the riding position and wearing all your gear!! You keep winding the preload up (put more washers in) until this is the case.

How much do you weigh in at??? Id say if you were >14st then you need to seriously think about getting new springs …

Grant66 · 12-12-07, 12:14 PM

Just over the 14st mark at present & with Christmas coming up its only going to get worse

What springs should I be looking at?

Viney · 12-12-07, 12:28 PM

Bouncy ones

HTH

Luckypants · 12-12-07, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gajjii

Just over the 14st mark at present & with Christmas coming up its only going to get worse

What springs should I be looking at?

got to racetech.com and use their spring rate calculator to get the spring rated for your weight. Also remember to factor in weight of gear.

In my case I wanted pre-load adjusters as I did 50/50 with/without pillion. Fit fork oil to suit the springs.

12-12-07, 02:41 PM

Try heavier fork oil and see how you go with that.

BTW, nice topbox

Matt

12-12-07, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luckypants

got to racetech.com.

Indeed

Without even looking, my guess is the 85 springs for you my friend*

* I might have some 85 springs for sale as it happens

11-12-07, 01:46 PM	#1
Grant66 Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Preston Posts: 652	Fork adjusters Hi, Whilst the bike is off road I thought I'd do the front fork oil change. The guide (on here) suggests making it stiffer using washers, but I've noticed a few adds around t' interweb for adjustable fork tops. Do these do the same job? Are they recomended?

11-12-07, 01:50 PM	#2
northwind Moderator Mega Poster Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: In the garage where I belong Posts: 17,082	Re: Fork adjusters You can't make the front end stiffer with washers, that adjusts preload not spring rate, but apart from that yes, the two do the same thing. I'm not sure if I'd say recommended, I used mine for 10 minutes then never adjusted them again but it saved me a fair amount of trial and error doing it with spacers. __________________ "We are the angry mob, we read the papers every day We like what we like, we hate what we hate But we're oh so easily swayed"

11-12-07, 03:41 PM	#4
Grant66 Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Preston Posts: 652	Re: Fork adjusters Ah, preload not stiffer. More noob questions comming How do you know when its right? Feels better or is there some sort of checks/calculations dependant on body weight. Am I right in thinking heavier=more preload?

12-12-07, 12:14 PM	#6
Grant66 Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Preston Posts: 652	Re: Fork adjusters Just over the 14st mark at present & with Christmas coming up its only going to get worse What springs should I be looking at?

12-12-07, 12:28 PM	#7
Viney Member Mega Poster Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: In the shadows to the left Posts: 7,700	Re: Fork adjusters Bouncy ones HTH

12-12-07, 02:41 PM	#9
Alpinestarhero Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Fork adjusters Try heavier fork oil and see how you go with that. BTW, nice topbox Matt

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
What do i need to convert the 1999 (no preload adjusters) to having preload adjusters and progressive springs.	sv_rider1990	SV Talk, Tuning & Tweaking	12	11-07-08 05:15 PM
preload adjusters.	scottjames	SV Talk, Tuning & Tweaking	16	28-04-08 04:06 PM
Fork preload adjusters on a curvy?	Berlin	SV Talk, Tuning & Tweaking	12	06-09-07 08:00 AM
K4 fork spares, damper tubes,preload adjusters,fork lowers	ianofbhills	For Sale - SV's and SV related items	11	13-03-06 06:58 PM
FORK PRE-LOAD ADJUSTERS ON A 'NAKED'	alexb	SV Talk, Tuning & Tweaking	4	21-01-05 09:19 PM