Fork spring replacement.
 

Hi,

Looking at upgrading my fork springs on my curvey but not sure what to go for. I won't be putting any emulators on, so I don't need to worry about future changes. It'll probably be used solely on the road, maybe 1 or 2 trackdays tops(and I've never been on one before, so I won't reach the limits anyway).

So... Linear or Progressive?

Can get some Hagon progressives for around £55 or some linears for around the same hopefully (Ohlins are £85 but I'm sure there must be cheaper ones out there?).

I'm also wondering what fork oil is best to put in when changing the forks. I think I remember stock being 10w? So presumably something thicker than this...

I have a ZX10R shock which I'll be installing at or around the the same time.

I want to spend as little as possible really, but value for money is the main priority.

Thanks in advance :) .

Re: Fork spring replacement.
 

Hi,

Front I have Hagon springs, 15w oil and dropped 10mm.
Back (was) ZX636 B1H shock.

That I reckon is the cheapest way to sort out your suspension, with good results. I've not tried it on a trackday, I suspect if you did lots it would show it's weaknesses.

Changing my rear shock to a ZX636 C1H which hopefully should be a bit better!!

Re: Fork spring replacement.
 

I used Ohlins springs, mainly because I wanted an Ohlins sticker :cool: But they did the job very well. I've heard it said by assorted smart people that shortish forks like the SV has don't make great use of progressives, makes sense to me, but I've never tried them.

Re: Fork spring replacement.
 

nowt wrong with the hagon progs that I have in suzy with 15w oil. To my personal requirements they are the dogs kahoonas, I've ohlins in the black with 15w oil, but i'm not sure I like those...I'm still to decide

Re: Fork spring replacement.
 

although linier should be better setup right for weight and riding style, in practise I've found progressive give a better feel most of the time, changing riding gear, tankbags,type of riding you're doing, but that's just me, anythign will be better than stock.

Oh and progressive come in two flavours, one has a two (tight/loose) sections and the other hasa progressively tightening spring (I prefer this type myself),

Generally I find 15w a bit heavy, but mixing a bottle of 10w & 15w together makes a good compromise.

Cheers MARK.

Re: Fork spring replacement.
 

I found 15W too heavy at 11 stone, so lor' knows how you must get on with it :D In winter it was like having iron bars for forks!

Re: Fork spring replacement.
 

Got ohlins linear and 15w oil in the front of mine, weigh 12 1/2 stone in the semi buff and with a Hagon rear shock absolutely love the set up on track and road, way better than stock, but I'm no expert and the Sv is the only bike I've ridden in anger..

Re: Fork spring replacement.
 

Thanks for the replies so far guys and gals!

I weigh just about 11 stone without leathers on, so not that much really. Think I might go for the progressives with 10w oil by the sounds of it... could always switch to 15w (or 12.5 from a mix?) if it's still too soft but I'm still not 100% sure on this (few conflicts of opinion it seems!). Gives me a fair bit of flexibility then without it being too hard for normal use (as I say, most of the time is spent on the bumpy A and B roads, not a nice flat track!).

Northwind you are the one who has inspired me to upgrade the suspension ;) . I assume you are the same one from OcUK?

Re: Fork spring replacement.
 

So at around 18 stone do you all recommend iron bars as forks for me :lol:

Seriously though, what is best way to go for me on the SV...? Thats the one thing I miss from the CBR and the Black SV...

Re: Fork spring replacement.
 

Guilty as charged :smt109