Fork Rebuild Straight, Progressive, Valves?

[kaosbandit]

Well I was planning on doing RavenRider's $14.50 mod. It has been suggested to me since I am doing a full service to consider new springs. I started looking into it.

Can someone help me understand the difference in feel between straight rate and progressive springs?

Is RaceTech the only ones that make a bolt on valving product? Is the bolt on valve really worth putting the investment in my 2002?

I ride my bike in a lot of different ways. I commute about 25% of my work days on it. I like to hit the twisties, and I have even gone Drag Racing with it.

I weigh about 185 no gear and if I am not commuting I only carry a small tank bag. During my commute I have my laptop bag so maybe 10 pounds or so.

Just looking for general advice on all this.

Thanks in advance.

[Ivan Krashn]

189.3 miles down I-85S is the town of Woodstock, GA. There lies a company, Traxxion Dynamics, that employs a fellow by the name of Lee. He knows more about gen1 suspension than most anybody. He's a great guy, give him a call.

I went with T-D's straight wound spring kit, rebound and compression valves. Did the work myself. The cartridge work is not for the noob or the inexperienced. I had to convince Lee I was capable of doing the work before he'd sell me the parts. I consider the results fantastic. I think the whole thing cost me about $500 including new seals and bushings.

The only experience I have with progressive springs on the FZ is with the stock springs. I found they tended to ride low in the stroke and nose dived while braking regardless of preload setting. Trying to compensate with increased compression damping resulted in forks made of wood. RavenRiders mod effectively stiffens the spring and removes part of the progressive coils. Bang for buck you can't go wrong with this mod. Check his shock mod too.

It's a question of how much money and effort do you want to put into it. You could spend $20 to a couple grand, Have an afternoon project or a couple weeks or more. Whatever you do, mod it!

[benc2022]

The difference between progressive and single rate springs is simple. Single rate requires an equal amount of force to compress the spring while a progressive gets progressively stiffer. Not sure how this affects suspension however, as I am unexperienced with it. But I've also heard good things about both companies listed above.

[dukeracr]

Why do you need new springs? Are you unable to set the preload in the right range with your current springs?

Isn't setting your preload the first thing you do with setting up a bikes suspension? Having the wrong spring rate for your bike compromises all other suspension adjustments and modifications, if I'm not mistaken.

[WDD]

Having the right springs is a matter of having the right spring rate/ the right amount of force pushing the bike up. You can get the "right" preload and still have the wrong springs. That is why springs are offered in many different rates.

Progressive vs Straight? Go with Straight. IMHO progressive springs were a interesting idea that didn't really prove to be better than the straight rate.

As nice as the Traxxion or Race Tech valve cartridges are, you get the most bang for your buck by starting out with the right springs and fork oil. I would honestly then put the next money on having Lee respring and revalve your Gen 1 shock (yes, it is rebuildable!) before new fork valving.

But, IMHO, the right springs / right spring rate in the forks will make a huge difference and you might as well do that now - and they cost $125 or something. You can get them from Race Tech, or better yet, get Traxxion springs and Lee will get you exactly what you need for your riding style, etc.

Lee (SportRyder) is at Traxxion Dynamics. He'll shoot straight with you, tell you your options, what to do, how to correctly set your sag, what fork oil viscosity to use, how much, etc. Lee's the man!

Lee doesn't check the board on a regular basis, so it is best just to call him directly.

770 592 3823

lee@traxxion.com

[eflyguy]

Definitely get in touch with Lee. You won't believe you're riding the same bike..
..a

[amyroukai]

yup, talk to Lee. Transformed my bike. I only changed springs and oil in the front, but the fresh oil and the change in compression/rebound setup was enough.

[RavenRider]

Doing the valves in the stock cartridges is really not for a novice. There are some special tools required that most do not have.

As a Traxxion installer I can tell you, they are swamped at this time of the year.

Here is the thing about springs.
Progressives are not used by any of the top suspension tuners. They just don't work as well as straight wound.

Also for shocks or forks, the spring does the work.......the valving and oil "control the speed" of both compression and rebound.

BTW, I have installed most all the different suspension options in one bike or another, Race Tech, Progressive etc.,
the products from Traxxion Dynamics are by far the best I have ever used. That is exactly why I went with them for our customers.
You end up with custom suspension.

If you have trouble getting Lee (very buisy they are), I may be able to help you. Check the venders area.

[WDD]

Duh - I completely forgot about RavenRider. Sorry man. He's also a great guy, knows a lot, and can set you up with springs as well as a lot of good advice.

[kaosbandit]

I spoke with RavenRider (Glenn) on the phone today. He was very helpful and explained a few things to me.

I appreciate the info Glenn. I think I am going to get my money together and just ship my forks to your new shop.

[msats]

Even the ideal ones might not suit you.I found out after working out lee and getting the perfect springs.
I ended up selling and going softer . consider this.