Mixed spring rate for fork

[m_champoux]

Last year, I asked my dealer to install new springs for my KDX. Because it was a little bit stiff for my riding, this year I bought new .40 and was going to sell what my dealer had installed.

My big suprised was that they put .42 and .44 saying that I was going to have .43 springs ???? :think:

Is it normal to combine different springs rate for the each fork ????

Thanks in advance

 

[marcusgunby]

yes its fine

 

[patrickv]

I would say no !!!!

If you need to set the fork oil level the same in both fork for better performance. Why would someone want to use different spring rate in their fork?


Patrick
XR400 for sale,
KDX 2002 soon ... :aj:

 

[clw]

Another vote for OK

 

[marcusgunby]

Some forks have all the compression on one side and all the rebound on the other.Some forks i believe only have one spring.The 2 forks are tied together with the clamps-they both have to go down at the same rate, they cannot twist due to the strength of the clamps/axle arrangement.So the bike doesnt know if one spring is softer than the other, it only sees the combined force of the springs.

Many forks have different airgaps(in the same pair) due to owners not knowing how to set them properly.These riders do not know it is set wrong from feel.I understand from a engineering principle it sounds wrong but in reality it makes no difference.

 

[steve125]

Ive used missed matched springs for years and have had no problem. In many cases it's the only way to get an in between spring rate, say a .43 or .45 ect.. I had a chance to ask Steve Butler of team Yamaha about this and he said they mix springs in their testing. One tip he suggested was to always run the heavier spring on the brake caliper side because of it's added load. :thumb:

 

[Moto Squid]

geez, I was so fixated about getting the oil level exactly the same in both forks :silly:

Still couldn't see myself mixing spring rates (until I have my forks done somewhere and am completely amazed at how well they work, w/o knowing there are two different spring rates..lol :) )

 

[Esp1]

Good results with mixing spring-rates over here too! As Steve125 said, it's sometimes the only way to fine-tune the spring rate.

 

[DEANSFASTWAY]

OKEY DOKEY on mixing the rates, I have had to do that before also.

 

[Fred T]

I got a .42/.40 combo in my 03 EXC right now for a .41