Internal fork spring preload

116 Views 6 Replies 3 Participants Last post by riverszzr, 4 h ago

Marty MOOSE

Discussion Starter · 5 d ago

I fitted a set of race tech springs to my 2009 zx6. The racetech springs are longer so I cut the difference between the springs off the spacer/locator. The forks fully backed off feel like there is too much preload, anyone measured the internal preload stock ? Have a feeling stock preload is too high. Yes I know!!! Was in a hurry so just cut and ran, way to busy atm.

MM

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riverszzr

· #2 · 3 d ago

It is way too much.........

the progressive springs sag a ton when installed and thus they install those long preload spacers
plus you are fighting the top out spring being compressed

Did you not get a new spacer to cut and drill???????

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Marty MOOSE

Discussion Starter · #3 · 2 d ago

riverszzr said:
It is way too much.........

the progressive springs sag a ton when installed and thus they install those long preload spacers
plus you are fighting the top out spring being compressed

Did you not get a new spacer to cut and drill???????

Yes can feel the top out soring too much preload. No I cut the one in the bike, will pull them apart and measure soon i have bigger issues to deal with will make another post. 😁

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riverszzr

· #4 · 1 d ago

Marty MOOSE said:
Yes can feel the top out soring too much preload. No I cut the one in the bike, will pull them apart and measure soon i have bigger issues to deal with will make another post. 😁

I do not know how soft the top out spring is in that particular bike but I am sure it will compress somewhere in the 1/4"-1/2" (6-12mm) arena............... So if you take your forks apart and assemble them again without the spacer you can then measure the distance and add the requisite 10mm built in preload plus however much your top out spring will compress---that should net you about 10mm actual built in spring preload for which you can then use your spring preload adjuster to add or subtract once all assembled on bike with rider and gear

Have your spring preload adjusters centered in the range of adjustment!!!!!!!!!

I have done this dozens and dozens of times and sometimes I have to add a little sometimes I have to subtract a little bit via the adjuster.......and very rarely- but it has happened.... I have had to go back in and make the preload spacer longer or shorter byt 5mm as the external preload adjuster did not have enough adjustment to make the necessary adjustment for rider preferred set up..........

something like this!

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Marty MOOSE

Discussion Starter · #5 · 20 h ago

riverszzr said:
I do not know how soft the top out spring is in that particular bike but I am sure it will compress somewhere in the 1/4"-1/2" (6-12mm) arena............... So if you take your forks apart and assemble them again without the spacer you can then measure the distance and add the requisite 10mm built in preload plus however much your top out spring will compress---that should net you about 10mm actual built in spring preload for which you can then use your spring preload adjuster to add or subtract once all assembled on bike with rider and gear

Have your spring preload adjusters centered in the range of adjustment!!!!!!!!!

I have done this dozens and dozens of times and sometimes I have to add a little sometimes I have to subtract a little bit via the adjuster.......and very rarely- but it has happened.... I have had to go back in and make the preload spacer longer or shorter byt 5mm as the external preload adjuster did not have enough adjustment to make the necessary adjustment for rider preferred set up..........

something like this!

Little different on the Bp fork was going to measure from the top of the seal head to the top of the outer with the spring in then with the seal head undone. Will have more of a look when i get it apart. Need to sort the smoking ecu first.

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Scumbag

· #6 · 19 h ago

Marty MOOSE said:
Little different on the Bp fork was going to measure from the top of the seal head to the top of the outer with the spring in then with the seal head undone. Will have more of a look when i get it apart. Need to sort the smoking ecu first.

Idk about a smoking ecu. But if your girlfriend smokes after sex then your supposed to slow down and use more lubrication