Fazer Owners Club - Unofficial
Upgrading Front Suspension - Printable Version

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+--- Thread: Upgrading Front Suspension (/showthread.php?tid=63206)

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Re: Upgrading Front Suspension - wezdavo - 18-05-13

(18-05-13, 02:25 PM)risticuss link Wrote: As I don't have anything to compare to, I can only assume that the hyperpro springs push more of the top tube out of the fork lower, by 15mm and so you have to drop them by that amount to get the front ride height back to standard. The preload adjuster would allow a certain amount, but not 15mm. Plus then you'd still have a full range of preload.

Wow, it almost sounds like I know what I'm talking about.

This is just how my brain has reasoned. Like I say, the springs were already fitted when I bought the bike, so I don't know the standard lengths of the forks.

I would assume as well that the guys who make the suspension would know what they're doing, seeing as the kits/instructions are bike specific.

Its more like 17mm mate, I measured it when I fitted my Wibers kit as the springs required 25-40mm of installed preload..

The most important thing is to get your sag measurements sorted with you on the bike for the suspension to operate in the middle of its stroke..

Without correct sag, ie the way your bike sits in its suspension with you on board, the suspension will never be at its best..


Re: Upgrading Front Suspension - risticuss - 18-05-13

Like I said, it almost sounds like I know what i'm talking about  :lol

The spring needs to work in the middle of its range so upping or dropping the preload to set static sag is fine, but that doesn't affect ride height, only the amount the suspension drops when you put your weight on it. So if you haven't dropped the front end by the specified amount, it'll still be too high compared to what it should be at standard.



Re: Upgrading Front Suspension - wezdavo - 18-05-13

(18-05-13, 06:43 PM)risticuss link Wrote: Like I said, it almost sounds like I know what i'm talking about  :lol

The spring needs to work in the middle of its range so upping or dropping the preload to set static sag is fine, but that doesn't affect ride height, only the amount the suspension drops when you put your weight on it. So if you haven't dropped the front end by the specified amount, it'll still be too high compared to what it should be at standard.

Yes it does as when you adjust preload you are transferring weight front to back or vice vera..

So when you add preload to the front you are pushing the front up and transferring weight over to the back wheel..

So yes adjusting preload does affect ride height, that is the whole point


Re: Upgrading Front Suspension - Motorbreath - 18-05-13

(18-05-13, 02:25 PM)risticuss link Wrote: I would assume as well that the guys who make the suspension would know what they're doing, seeing as the kits/instructions are bike specific.

The problem is that each maker recommends different settings. For example my rear shock -FG Gubellini- has a softer spring than the original.

The measurements of the fork parts -spring, tube and cap- differ from non adjustable Fazers to the later ones too. But most makers do not sell different sets for each model.

Suspension should be set to work properly testing it and measuring its static sag. If the spring is too long, you should install shorter inner tubes. Dropping forks is intended to modify geometries. By the way, the weight transfer from front to rear is negligible, it is more about steering angle.

Sorry if I do not explain myself very well, I am not a native speaker.


Re: Upgrading Front Suspension - Foxwood - 19-05-13

(17-05-13, 06:40 PM)FuZzBoM link Wrote: Awesome job Foxwood, as you can see the Hyperpro spring is much thicker than the original. I take it you are getting the tops with the preload adjusters on? If so good idea.
Keep us posted on how it goes.


Yeah, richfzs had a pair of the newer caps on sale here and I was able to purchase them.


I'm still in awe how much of a difference just replacing the spring has made. I was out on a long ride today with a friend who owns a -99 Thundercat. We switched bikes for a bit and his original rear shock felt noticably worse than mine, especially on the twisties. He also felt that the new spring really firmed up the back end of my Fazer.


Probably the best mod I've put money on. Can't wait to get my hands dirty on monday and finish this.  Smile


Re: Upgrading Front Suspension - wezdavo - 19-05-13

(18-05-13, 10:36 PM)Motorbreath link Wrote: [quote author=risticuss link=topic=7583.msg77017#msg77017 date=1368883516]
I would assume as well that the guys who make the suspension would know what they're doing, seeing as the kits/instructions are bike specific.

The problem is that each maker recommends different settings. For example my rear shock -FG Gubellini- has a softer spring than the original.

The measurements of the fork parts -spring, tube and cap- differ from non adjustable Fazers to the later ones too. But most makers do not sell different sets for each model.

Suspension should be set to work properly testing it and measuring its static sag. If the spring is too long, you should install shorter inner tubes. Dropping forks is intended to modify geometries. By the way, the weight transfer from front to rear is negligible, it is more about steering angle.

Sorry if I do not explain myself very well, I am not a native speaker.
[/quote]

You may not be native speaking but you put it better than me :lol

When I mentioned weight, I was referring to what actually happens when you adjust preload, since you are not actually compressing a spring, adding preload pushes down on the spring and pushes the bike away and as you obviously know alters geometry (steering angle)...


Re: Upgrading Front Suspension - Motorbreath - 19-05-13

(19-05-13, 12:58 AM)wezdavo link Wrote: You may not be native speaking but you put it better than me :lol

When I mentioned weight, I was referring to what actually happens when you adjust preload, since you are not actually compressing a spring, adding preload pushes down on the spring and pushes the bike away and as you obviously know alters geometry (steering angle)...

Thanks  Smile

Many of us could post our suspension settings, sag, spring rates, brands, oils and our weight to compare and help each other. I am thinking of opening a new thread.




Re: Upgrading Front Suspension - Foxwood - 23-05-13

I've had the full kit (with newer fork caps) on since Monday and the effect is remarkable. The rear end is unbelievably better in all ways and the front end feels much calmer. I'll post pics of the forks once I get some free time. It's been a "bit" busy at work lately. Also have a kit of Hel -braided brake hoses to fit... Some day...  Big Grin


Re: Upgrading Front Suspension - Foxwood - 27-05-13

Sorry for bad photo quality, but main difference between original and Hyperpro front springs was the longer length of the progressive spring part on the Hyperpro springs. The adjustable fork caps I got from richfzs work like treat (also a nice mod for future owners, who'll be able to adjust front forks easier). Hyperpro also supplied these nice and inconspicious stickers that look quite good on the forks.

Next job is to get front brake lines properly bleeded after installing the braided brake lines today. Big Grin