Quick K-Tech fork spring question

[FuZzBoM]

Just looking to order a set. are the 9.5N springs the firmest ones? I am about 18 stone fully kitted up so standard is too soft.
Already have a hyperpro spring on rear shock and that has greatly improved it. was tempted to order Hyperpro for front but as the k-tech get a good feedback on here decided to go with them.

Also any info on fork oil weight would be good.

cheers

[FuZzBoM]

Or do i go Hyperpro fronts? comes with fork oil and preload can be adjusted closer to my weight.

[kebab19]

Spring weights go higher than that. Hyperpro springs are better than standard but still might not be quite enough for you. 

I've developed a cheaper solution - XJR1300 fork springs. Same 43mm diameter forks but on a heavier bike (so heavier springs to compensate). I've got a pair of Ohlins XJR springs that are claimed to be a further 10-15% stiffer than standard so would probably be ideal for around your weight.

Thinner oil & 10ml more than standard amount might be better than thicker gloop for going over small bumps & tarmac ridges

[FuZzBoM]

Looking on K-Tech's site they only list up to 9.5N..

on the xjr springs are they the same length as the fazer?

[ghostbiker]

That's a good idea on the xjr ones if your right.

[FuZzBoM]

In truth i am trying to decide if i would be better off with progressive or linear springs.. worried the linear ones will make it too firm over bumps etc. but at the same time would progressive be enough to cure the dive i get under hard breaking??

[Falcon 269]

You likely get dive on braking because of the progressive springs.    Too soft in the first part of the stroke so the bike pitches quickly onto its nose when you get on the anchors. 

Made worse if you have insufficient compression damping, which sometimes comes about when owners try to make the straight line ride a bit more compliant.  Also, old fork oil and wear in the fork internals will reduce the damping considerably.

You would be better off with linear springs.  Speak to K-tech to find out which ones they recommend for you, don't just order blind off the internet based on what clowns like me tell you.  They're the experts and you're paying them, so make use of their knowledge.

[kebab19]

If you want I could post the ohlins XJR springs for you to try 'em out? They're too strong for my setup (or more accurately, I'm too light) but they may be much closer to what you're looking for


I had Hyperpro suspension front 'n' back waaaay back in 2009 & although you'll feel some improvement, you'll still get a lot of fork dive. 
Linear springs are the way to go IMO

'PieEater' on the old site was about 19 stone & from memory had both suspension ends fixed, you could maybe contact him (if he's still around) to see what front-end solution he arrived at

[FuZzBoM]

Thanks for the replies chaps. I was edging towards the K-tech anyway. I had hyperpro springs on my 600 and it was so much nicer to ride and that is what I am basing my thoughts on.

Kebab - are the XJR springs the same length as the fazer ones? I am very tempted to take them off your hands and try them but i am thinking that if they are not what want i will have to take them out again.  :'( Are they progressive of linear?
Do you want any money for them?

thanks,

[sadlonelygit]

for your 'ahem' generous proportions you'll be needing at least 1.0kg/mm springs which k-tech can supply......or you could buy my old low mileage ones

[FuZzBoM]

for your 'ahem' generous proportions you'll be needing at least 1.0kg/mm springs which k-tech can supply......or you could buy my old low mileage ones

Getting offers left right and centre for springs lol. I did wonder, i've been offered a set of 9.5N and thought was this heavy enough?
Come on then how much are you thinking price wise??  :lol

[FuZzBoM]

Next question is oil weight.. K-Tech are saying to use 10w. seems to be a tad heavy going on what people on here have said??
any thoughts?

[JoeRock]

Next question is oil weight.. K-Tech are saying to use 10w. seems to be a tad heavy going on what people on here have said??
any thoughts?

To be honest I'd be inclined to trust them, k-tech have a very good reputation, particularly with our bikes - I'd hope they know what they were talking about!

[Falcon 269]

The stiffer springs require more rebound control which demands thicker oil.  So yes, K-tech know their stuff and you should go with the advice given.

[AyJay]

+ 1. I've got Ohlins springs in the forks and it was never quite right until I went to 10wt. Significantly better!