progressive fork spring question

[skip]

Hey Skip,

I had a look in the manual and the max psi is 35 for the canadian model. Sounds high eh! But it works well or should I say it used to work well when it was on my bike.

Gerry

Thanks gerry I have to experiment till I find a combo of fork oil and air that I like.

 

[Billy Ricks]

You're not supposed to use any air with Progressive springs. If the preload isn't enough you use a longer spacer.

 

[Billy Ricks]

I had my bike out for the first time this year yesterday. The 89 gsxr front end feels great on the old girl. I have regular bars on it now and what a difference in comfort. I was only out for an hour (no blinkers or any bodywork)but we will see how the comfort is when I ride a little longer.

The combination of the 43mm Gixxer front end and 120 radial up front makes a huge difference in handling. Just wait until you have the time to get a big radial out back. It will feel like you are riding on rails. Point it where you want to go and that's where it goes, rock solid. I don't think you will have any trouble just using a 4.5" rim in your stock swingarm with a 160 radial. You have to use a variety of parts from different bikes to make it work, but I can give you the lowdown when you're ready. I think I even have an extra caliper or two lying around. The brakes are also a big improvement over stock.

 

[skip]

You're not supposed to use any air with Progressive springs. If the preload isn't enough you use a longer spacer.

Im using 15 wt oil and no air but in bumpy corners its a tough ride I'm using a three inch spacer that came with my kit. I think ill try 10 wt oil next what do you think?(or should I go straight to 5 wt)

 

[Billy Ricks]

Skip,
Check the amount of sag you're running. Put the bike on its centerstand or use a front end lift to get the front end fully extended. Measure the amount of upper tube showing below the triple clamp. Then with the bike on the ground and your weight in the seat measure that distance again. For a firm ride shoot for 1" of difference (sag). For a softer ride go for maybe 1 1/2". You'll have to experiment a little to see where you like it. If that doesn't work then play with oil weight. I think 10 is what is recomended by Suzuki. All the weight of the oil does is change how quickly the front end reacts and settles down after being disturbed. You want to run as little damping as possible without inducing a pogo effect.

 

[Billy Ricks]

BTW, I'm sure you know this, but you change the length of the spacer to adjust your sag.

 

[skip]

BTW, I'm sure you know this, but you change the length of the spacer to adjust your sag.

I was thinking oil because when I had the springs in my "E" model I dont remember the harsh ride. I know my tire pressure is higher than I normally run and im going to lower it . the 3 inch spacer is the same one I used on the "E"model and it worked good back then. will i notice the difference between 15 wt and 10 wt?

 

[Billy Ricks]

10 weight will let the suspension react quicker to road irregularities.

 

[skip]

10 weight will let the suspension react quicker to road irregularities.

I think that may be the way to go, its the little ripples and bumps in the corners that just arent right. I might have even had 5 wt in back then I cant remember.