front shocks are too soft
 

Hi guys im having problems with my SV650SX my front forks are too soft they bottom out if i break too hard or go over hard bumps. How can i make then stiffer please help :(

Re: front shocks are too soft
 

Top Tip 1) Drain the old fork oil from the forks, then use heavier weight oil

Top Tip 2) As 1, combined with new and stiffer fork springs (ohlins, hagon etc)

Top Tip 3) new front end (GSXR is popular)

I would personally pursue 1 and 2

Re: front shocks are too soft
 

I fit a lot of Hyperpro progressive fork springs to SV's, more than any other product. They are dead easy to fit, remove the fork (loosen the fork tops before undoing the yoke clamp bolts), remove the internals, pump the oil out, replace internals with new spring, top up the oil (weight specific) and bolt the fork back in the bike. Job done, nice and easy!


I wouldn't recommend the full Hyperpro kit which comes with a replacement rear shock spring, its not the spring that is the problem with the OEM SV shock, its the actual shock itself!

Re: front shocks are too soft
 

as a cheap way 2 solve maby your problem you could just try different/heavyer fork oil 1st. fork oil dosnt cost much 2 buy so if it dosnt work it wont be much lost the oil shouldnt be any more than about tenner.

or you could just go straight for wot has been said above oil and springs.

Re: front shocks are too soft
 

I might have some progressive springs that might interest you, pm (private message) me, what year do bike do you have and what is a s650sx? I think there hyperpro but will have to check, loads better than standard and haven't done many miles.

Progressive springs btw get stiffer as they compress making them quite good for road use and easy to set up.

Re: front shocks are too soft
 

You were saying you could pump out the oil? I dont have a way of lifting bike off ground (other than buying some paddock stands). Can you change the oil by sucking it out or anything? I know it wouldn't be as good as draining properly but would be better than nothing....

Re: front shocks are too soft
 

It probably wouldn't taste very nice.... :D

You'll need to get the front end up off the ground as you need to take the forks out.

I'd recommend getting an Abba stand. 1 stand (instead of 2 paddock stands) and you can get either wheel off the floor. Very handy as you get more experienced and confident with servicing the bike yourself. Is a £100 outlay and will potentially save you hundreds at up to £50/hour mechanic rates.

I haven't got one yet, but willn. I'm looking into replacing shocks myself later this year- front first then rear. I'm looking at all the options for springs at the moment.

Dangerous Dave- How much improvement does the £30 odd extra make for Hyperpro over the Hagon shocks? And how do they compare in feel to the Ohlins linear springs?

Re: front shocks are too soft
 

Nah you don't need any stands to do the front end, use a car jack and a block of wood under the front of the engine to get the front end off the deck.

Abba stands are excellent, however you don't really need one if you're a bit ingenious.

Re: front shocks are too soft
 

Hmm abba stands look gawd darmn great, bit pricy but might be able to get one second hand.. Are there alternatives? I've googled but can't see anything really in the UK. yorkie_chris what do you mean.. ingenious?

Re: front shocks are too soft
 

Bodge-tastic.