02-10-12, 09:42 PM
(02-10-12, 07:15 AM)gasmenace link Wrote: What's the story with the linear front fork springs? I upgraded my old FJ1200 with progressive springs, but that was 12 years ago, and I couldn't swear I felt a whole lot of difference afterwards.
Colin
The stock Fazer springs are progressive, too. It simply means that the initial part of the spring movement is softer than the latter. They're a compromise acknowledging that riders of many weights and riding styles will have to somehow adapt the forks to best suit them.
In the case of the Gen 1, the compromise is flawed, which doesn't help. The first part of the spring movement is too soft, the latter part too stiff. Yeah, call me Goldilocks, but it's true.
You can buy aftermarket progressive springs (Hyperpro are good) which have better-matched spring rates. However, for a chunky chap such as yourself, a single rate spring (ie, linear) which supports you and the bike correctly for the entire length of the spring stroke is the best way to go.