Stiffer Fork Springs

K

kdx200jboy

Member

Mar 5, 2008

3

0

• Jul 23, 2008

• #1

I have a 1989 KDX 200 that I am trying to find stiffer fork springs for. I have searched a lot of places and I cant find any for my year or model. Any ideas would be great. Also any tips on changing the springs would be a big help.

 

K

kawamaha

Member

Mar 16, 2005

179

0

• Jul 23, 2008

• #2

I would call professional suspension tuners (like race tech...)first, I doubt that there are no springs available for your bike.

If nobody could help you there is a chance to cut your springs down to make them stiffer. sounds weird for somebody but works. for that I would need some data und you would need a mechanic who can do this.

 

W

WILEECOYOTE

Member

May 9, 2008

8

0

• Jul 23, 2008

• #3

Look Here.
Fredette Racing Products / spam killer killed the link. Do a search or see the sticky at the top of the forum.
On the same site he has advice about what springs to use and how to tune the supension.

 

K

kdx200jboy

Member

Mar 5, 2008

3

0

• Jul 24, 2008

• Thread starter
• #4

Thanks. The Fredette Racing Products has the fork springs I needed. Any tips on changing the springs

 

W

WILEECOYOTE

Member

May 9, 2008

8

0

• Jul 25, 2008

• #5

Sorry.
It is pretty easy, make sure the front wheel is off the ground.
Loosen the upper fork clamps (if these are tight it tends to make getting the caps off a little harder and increases the chance of striping them).
Remove the caps (be carefull here the springs are under a little tension and the caps will kind of pop up).
There should be a preload spacer on top and spring just lifts out.
Install in reverse order.
But check on Fredette's Racing site about getting the preload set.

 

K

kdx200jboy

Member

Mar 5, 2008

3

0

• Jul 26, 2008

• Thread starter
• #6

Thanks for all your help. :cool:

 

G

glad2ride

Member

Jul 4, 2005

1,071

1

• Jul 27, 2008

• #7

Unless you weigh about 80 pounds in full riding gear, the stock springs are way too soft for you. Since they are so soft, cutting them down to make them a little stiffer won't work. You have to get some new ones.

The sticky at the top of the forums leads to a site with a great article on setting preload. Roughly 10mm is common.