If you've read my imos, guess you already know what my imo is?
I found the .40 honda springs to be superior to aftermarket .40 (eibach) springs, both setup the same way. I attribute the difference to the length of the XR springs (530mm vs 470mm). The eibachs were harsh, the XRs are not.
I weigh about 178#. Most of the riding I do is singletrack. 'Technical' is usually in the eye of the beholder. Likely a majority of your everday group of riders wouldn't be happy following us around.
My opinion came from side by side riding of two otherwise identically configured kdxs.....the difference being the fork springs.
If you have a question of what year is what size, run the model year through race tech's springrate guide. I believe it's '00-'01 XR400s that are .40.
I'm running 8mm preload (last oil change).
In the end, it's a matter of how they 'felt' to me, also. Sorry, but what braahp or I like won't necessarily have anything to do with your preference. It certainly has nothing to do with setting anyone 'against' anyone. Braahp did his research, setup and testing...I did mine. The important part is that both of us did what was required to get what WE like!
IF you think whatever spring you get is a bit stiff...as braahp sez, go down a couple clicks, or drop 5mm in the oil level.
I DID try .42s once. They were AWful!
re: well informed.
Don't go spreading nasty rumours!! ;)