Fork springs

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wayno · #1 Post by **wayno** » Thu Oct 09, 2014 10:26 am

I am thinking of having my forks resprung, the handling on the bike is good apart from the fact that it is far too harsh over any sort of imperfections. I noticed while I was away that the bike was much improved with shed loads of luggage.

Anyone had their forks resprung and does it improve things?

wayno · #2 Post by **wayno** » Thu Oct 09, 2014 10:28 am

I have showas by the way, and the current settings are 5 rings showing on the preload adjusters (not the fork leg in yoke rings), the damping settings are 1.5 turns out on both.

These were the settings that aprilia performance recommended.

#3 Post by **mangocrazy** » Thu Oct 09, 2014 5:24 pm

Hi Wayno, I noticed exactly the same thing on my Falco when I first got it - front end just felt harsh, with no 'give'. It felt to me that the spring rate was too high and the compression damping was too harsh. I had a set of Hyperpro progressive springs fitted (from Calsport, I think) and also got a set of Race-Tech Gold valves (compression only), and it absolutely transformed the bike.

I can honestly say that the front end now is as good as anything I've ever ridden and is a world away from standard. As standard I had the spring preload and compression damping wound off completely and it was still way to hard for me. It felt a bit like riding a road drill.

Now it's great - copes with smooth stuff and bumpy stuff equally well and feels really planted.

flatlander · #4 Post by **flatlander** » Thu Oct 09, 2014 9:23 pm

All a bit fork springs dur technique for me ... Groan ... Blinkey had some done I think I just had mine serviced and I noticed a big difference especially when the oil started leaking afterwards and wasn't checked when said loose bolt was tightened :(

Viking · #5 Post by **Viking** » Wed Nov 12, 2014 9:57 am

That's for the Showa forks, right? What options exist for us people with Marzocchi forks fitted?

randomsquid · #6 Post by **randomsquid** » Thu Nov 13, 2014 6:57 pm

Viking wrote:That's for the Showa forks, right? What options exist for us people with Marzocchi forks fitted?

Fork springs are available, I had mine done at Revs while the forks were being serviced and it made a big difference. I don't think valves are an option, not a straightforward one anyway.

Didn't ask what he put in but I'm pretty sure he uses Hyperpro or Wilburs springs. I'd also guess that they're progressive, nice and supple but firm up in a noticeable but sensible way on the brakes.

blinkey501 · #7 Post by **blinkey501** » Fri Nov 14, 2014 6:02 am

flatlander wrote: Blinkey had some done I think

I had a set of falco forks serviced and resprung by revs and fitted them to the futura.

When you have the forks resprung you will need to hop on a set of scales and give them your weight so they company carrying out the work.

They can then get the right spring rate for your set up.....

I think the bike handles brilliant now, but at the same time I had the rear shock done too.

I can highly recommend REV'S racing....Talk to john from there for your requirements. Their service is second to none.

Viking · #8 Post by **Viking** » Fri Nov 14, 2014 7:07 am

When I've got the OZ wheels on, I'll take her down to my local suspension guru and get everything setup properly. And I can ask what he thinks of changing the springs and what-not.

gramey · #9 Post by **gramey** » Fri Jan 02, 2015 7:17 pm

I find the front end harsh on my Falco but I don't have a clue as to which forks I have fitted to my bike can anybody help? It was registered in 2005 but made in 2003 I believe. The forks are black if that's any help? :)

blinkey501 · #10 Post by **blinkey501** » Fri Jan 02, 2015 8:00 pm

gramey wrote:The forks are black if that's any help? :)

showas

gramey · #11 Post by **gramey** » Fri Jan 02, 2015 10:30 pm

Thanks for that Blinkey, so if I manage to find a way of getting my bars up and keep the Falco who's are the best springs to put in there, Hyperpro's or do Ohlins make a set that are worth the money they'll undoubtedly cost? :)

#12 Post by **mangocrazy** » Fri Jan 02, 2015 11:21 pm

I'd be wary of identifying fork types from the colour of the anodising. They may well be Showas, but to be certain you'd do best to post up a photo of the fork tops showing the preload and rebound adjusters.

If they're Showas the central slotted rebound adjuster will be surrounded by a small collar anodised light blue with a circlip on it. This will in turn be surrounded by a hexagon preload adjuster, with rings engraved into the side.

The crucial difference is that when the hexagon is turned clockwise on the Showas, the number of rings visible will decrease as you turn. On the Marzocchis, when you turn the preload adjuster hexagon there is no visible change from the outside. The adjustment will change internally, but there is no visible external indication.

I would personally recommend Hyperpro or Wilbers progressive springs, but if you want a linear rate spring you're best off talking to someone like John at Revs Racing, and give him details of your weight and riding style.