Fork education, please

[cragantler]

So I got everything buttoned back up after the front end rebuild.
Plastic all on and shined
Took her out for a short test ride.
Wobble is gone, so new steering stem bearings,OEM, made a world of difference.
Forks are good and dry so new seals are good.
My question is with sag and fork height?
I placed a 4" spacer in for the .092 RaceTech spring. Came to that length by measuring the diff between OEM and RT.
Fork seems to be lower between seal and lower tree. Running bar riser so I was able to place in previous height.
Don't know if it is me or?
Checked sag and it is at 82.5 mm.
I'm told if I have too much sag, increase spacer size.
Bike rides firmer but seems to feel like its bottoming out on bumps. Forks never seem to compress all the way together so?
Will increasing pre-load assist or?

I know, alot of questions but forgive me as this is my first dive into suspensions.
I have new tires arriving this week so I'll have the front tire off anyhow if needed to do any additional fork tweaking.
Thanks as always

 

[connie_rider]

82 mm is waay too much.
You want about 35-40 mm sag for stiff. 40-45mm sag for a softer ride.

I'm assuming that you installed a stiffer spring then the OEM was??

Is your pre-load cranked al the way down?
If not, crank the pre load all the way down and check the sag. (with rider aboard)
The sag will decrease.
Make a spacer that is the same amount longer (as your preload) and install.
Repeat the test with and without pre load.

If you have the spacer correct, you will be able to adjust the sag to about 30 mm with all the pre load cranked in.
If the spacer is too short. You will not be able to decrease sag.
Ideally, you want the preload to be about 40mm with no preload.

Lastly, if you get no adjustment with the pre load cranked down, be sure that you added the flat spacer above the spring..

Ride safe, Ted

 

[cragantler]

T

82 mm is waay too much.
You want about 35-40 mm sag for stiff. 40-45mm sag for a softer ride.

I'm assuming that you installed a stiffer spring then the OEM was??

Is your pre-load cranked al the way down?
If not, crank the pre load all the way down and check the sag. (with rider aboard)
The sag will decrease.
Make a spacer that is the same amount longer (as your preload) and install.
Repeat the test with and without pre load.

If you have the spacer correct, you will be able to adjust the sag to about 30 mm with all the pre load cranked in.
If the spacer is too short. You will not be able to decrease sag.
Ideally, you want the preload to be about 40mm with no preload.

Lastly, if you get no adjustment with the pre load cranked down, be sure that you added the flat spacer above the spring..

Ride safe, Ted

Thank you Ted for the input.
I was lucky to get the “lost” washer from a member here.
I have the week off so I’ll be able to make adjustments and trials.
Appreciate the help.
Doug

 

[connie_rider]

Call if you need some clarification.

Ride safe, Ted

 

[cragantler]

G

Call if you need some clarification.

Ride safe, Ted

Got it Ted. Have them set to 38mm which feels like a setting for me.
Turns like it is on rails. Unbelievable what a difference it made.
Thanks, Doug

 

[connie_rider]

That's great news! Yahoo...
After you ride for a time, give us a report.
ie; Do you think you got the damping right, or does it need more tuning?

Next question, have you done anything to the rear and/or would you like to?
I know you spent a bundle on the front. But the 2 work together.
NOTE: There is an inexpensive way to make a change at the rear.

Ride safe, Ted

 

[cragantler]

I definitely will need to do work on the rear now. Tossing the idea between a C-14 or ZZR1200 shock. I’m 6’4” with a 32 inseam so height is not a problem.
Cost difference could be the deal maker.