Whoops, my bad, didn't notice year.✌
Suspension Upgrade question
I blew out my right fork seal on my trip to Thunder Bay this week. New seals are on order, I've got a mechanic friend helping me install them. On his advice I looked at replacing the springs at the same time. Race Tech's spring rate calculator recommends springs of 1.1 kg/mm (up from the stock .65kg/mm according to Race Tech's site) for either a novice or intermediate adventure rider of my size on this bike so I've ordered a pair. That same calculator recommends a rear spring of 13.98kg/mm, as opposed to the stock 8.2kg/mm. Most comments on this board would suggest that I need a re-valve at bare minimum to do the rear spring, if I'm too cheap to do a full shock replacement. I know nothing about suspensions, I'll take that advice, but I don't really want the bike out of commission during the riding season while I wait for a part to be shipped both ways and upgraded, and I am too cheap for the full shock replacement. Am I going to cause myself a problem if I stiffen the front shocks and leave the rear as is for the time being?
1 - 7 of 7 Posts
Deleting most of my post, because apparently I misread yours the first time. Nevermind.That same calculator recommends a rear spring of 13.98kg/mm, as opposed to the stock 8.2kg/mm. Most comments on this board would suggest that I need a re-valve at bare minimum to do the rear spring, if I'm too cheap to do a full shock replacement. I know nothing about suspensions, I'll take that advice, but I don't really want the bike out of commission during the riding season while I wait for a part to be shipped both ways and upgraded, and I am too cheap for the full shock replacement. Am I going to cause myself a problem if I stiffen the front shocks and leave the rear as is for the time being?
I don't see any reason you shouldn't do the front now and the rear later. What I would probably not do is just the rear spring and not the rear valving.
But this part may still help:
If it were me, I would try to find a second, used shock to swap out while I sent mine in (which is exactly what I did, when I sent mine to Sasquatch - but I got really lucky and found one in very good condition from Cogent for $100). My second preference would be to just live with it a bit longer, call ahead to schedule it with Sasquatch during the off season, and do it then. (I'm guessing you can't ride much in winter up there...)
Sorry for my reading comprehension fail.
I stiffened my 2017 with Sonic springs and 10 weight oil. I weigh 190 or so. Didn't touch the shock other than play with preload. I like the handling. Ride is pretty good over most bumps but harsh on square edge potholes.I blew out my right fork seal on my trip to Thunder Bay this week. New seals are on order, I've got a mechanic friend helping me install them. On his advice I looked at replacing the springs at the same time. Race Tech's spring rate calculator recommends springs of 1.1 kg/mm (up from the stock .65kg/mm according to Race Tech's site) for either a novice or intermediate adventure rider of my size on this bike so I've ordered a pair. That same calculator recommends a rear spring of 13.98kg/mm, as opposed to the stock 8.2kg/mm. Most comments on this board would suggest that I need a re-valve at bare minimum to do the rear spring, if I'm too cheap to do a full shock replacement. I know nothing about suspensions, I'll take that advice, but I don't really want the bike out of commission during the riding season while I wait for a part to be shipped both ways and upgraded, and I am too cheap for the full shock replacement. Am I going to cause myself a problem if I stiffen the front shocks and leave the rear as is for the time being?
can't know if this is all a good idea without knowing how much you weigh. But with a 1.1 fork spring, you must weigh above 250 pounds of=r that will be really really stiff.
220lbs. The race tech calculator says 1.07 for novice or 1.1 for intermediate, either way 1.1 is the closest they sell.
Bought my 2013 7/22 left front seal was leaking. I am lucky I live 5 mins from Neil at Hitchcock suspension. He recommend the lightest front spring race tech had for my weight and riding style. Me 180 w/gear. I got the .85 he did re valve on compression and rebound then put 5w oil in. I installed fork brace when I reassembled So sweet.
1 - 7 of 7 Posts
- This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
StromTrooper
A forum community dedicated to all Suzuki Strom owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about performance, modifications, troubleshooting, purchasing, reviews, accessories, maintenance, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Top Contributors this Month
View All
DesertBike
159 Replies
Highwayman2016
148 Replies
Rolex
117 Replies
Recommended Communities
