Fork springs

I've just replaced my fork oil - definitely worth doing. Two questions.

The springs were progressive - dual rate with a small length of closer winding at one end. Is this likely to be an up-grade or are originals like this? K3. If originals are like this, why do people swap? Is it for springs with a higher spring rate?

When I pumped the legs to get the oil in properly I noticed I could get the mark that the bottom clamp had made down to within a couple of milimetres of the dust seal. I have been thinking about dropping the clamps down the leg to quicken the steering but if the forks bottom out as close to the clamp as this, it won't be possible. Do they bottom out like this or do they bottom out when the springs compress fully, which could be well before the slider hits the bottom?

That's three questions.

[flymo]

Assuming you have aseembled the forks correctly, an easy way to measure fork compression is to fasten a cable tie around the fork stanchion and ride the bike.

If you start off with the cable tie at the bottom of the stanchion (touching the fork dust seals) then as you ride the bike it will be moved up the stanchion staying at the most compressed position.

Finish your ride and take a look.

Originally Posted by Bill.Cross

The springs were progressive - dual rate with a small length of closer winding at one end. Is this likely to be an up-grade or are originals like this?

They are aftermarket

Originally Posted by Bill.Cross

I have been thinking about dropping the clamps down the leg to quicken the steering but if the forks bottom out as close to the clamp as this, it won't be possible. Do they bottom out like this or do they bottom out when the springs compress fully, which could be well before the slider hits the bottom?

They shouldn't compress that far when all is back together, I would recommend you put a zip tie on the fork leg and see how far they are compressing. If you want to drop the forks I would say try 5mm first.

Thanks, Guys. I know what I need to know now.

[skeetly]

Im not sure about this with k3's
I had alittle look at mine and they have smaller coils one end.
I have a suzuki k3 manual and it says this in there:

FORK SPRING
•
Install the fork spring O into the front fork .
•
Install the washer O2 and spacer (3 .
NOTE:
* The smaller spring pitch end OO must face downward.
(SV650S)
* The smaller spring end diameter © must face downward.
(SV650)
•

Does this mean that k3's have progressive fork springs already?

[skeetly]

Copied piccy from manual.

[21QUEST]

Is your bike the 'faired' or 'naked' version ?


Ben

[skeetly]

Faired; the 's'

Progressive at the top and Linear at the bottom.

[skeetly]

cunning......