If there is a master thread on this, please link me...

Since i've converted to supermoto, even with the preload cranked i'm getting a lot of front end dive under braking - what are my options in terms of spacers etc for stiffer forks?

 

Try thicker fork oil or ATF. That will stiffen it up a bit. Probably make it harsh too. I intend to get race tech springs and emulators next year. That is probably a not too expensive mod to improve the suspension.

 

How much do you weigh? What model/year is your bike?


Front springs for an 09+ run about $169 shipped, rear spring can be had for around $109 shipped.

Correct springs are the only real fix, everything else trades one characteristic for another. (i.e. thicker oil gives you less dive, but gives you too much damping) Spacers crank up your preload and limit the dive, but it decreases your sag and doesn't fix being undersprung.

Springs are easy and return big bang for the buck...

 

about 200# geared up. 2009 'S' model that now has 'SF' wheels, and about to have 'SF' brakes.

Big deal to change the springs?

I preloaded the rear just a small amount and it seems to be agreeable....just too much dive in front.

Product recommendation?

 

Front Springs for 09+ usually about $165 shipped

Racetech ($149 + shipping)
Canon Racecraft ($139 + shipping)
John and MotoPro ?


Rear Springs

Racetech
DSP springs on ebay ($109 shipped)
Canon Racecraft
John at MotoPro


I'm 230lbs and ran a set of Racetech .46 fork springs and DSP 6.2 rear spring for about 1000 miles. As I've gotten faster, they ended up being a little too soft. I think they would be just right for 200-210lbs.

I'm now running a set of .48 fork springs from Canon Racecraft, and a 6.6 rear from DSP. The forks are just about right for my weight and I could probably go up one more step on the rear to a 6.8 but satisfied enough not to worry about it.

I rarely ride street, mostly woods and tight singletrack. If I were more inclined to fly, I'd want more spring.... but I'm getting old and fragile... so I try to keep at least one wheel on the ground...lol

Springs are easy to replace with basic hand tools and the interweb.

 

good info.

so i've taken this bike 100% street setup. would those front springs you mentioned be a good fit for that? not racing - just cruising....aggressively.

i dont want a choppy ride, but front end dive under braking doesnt inspire confidence

 

You may have to ask the sumo gods on which spring weights works best on the road.... I think they like heavier springs.

Your stock fork springs are way undersprung out of the box... I would think a .44 or .46 would be just the ticket for dual sport riding (maybe light for aggressive road). Again, I don't road ride much on the KLX, but the .46's took care of brake dive for me at 230lbs + gear on my trail rides. I think TNC said he was about 195 and runs .44's (but likes the front end a little soft).

The springs won't make it harsh (unless you are seriously oversprung)... the valving makes it harsh. If you want better ride quality, you're gonna have to valve it... stock front is harsh on square edge stuff as it won't flow enough oil.

 

Might give moto pro a call based on other threads here

 

never disassembled forks before - looking through the service manual - will have to remove and break down the forks to get to the springs, correct?

if its major surgery i may defer until a few other projects are done.

 

I thought disassembly looked harder in the manual than just doing it. I watched a video and it is pretty easy, easier done than read.