preloading springs

[bcknblkbird]

got a lot of nosedive. progressive$$$$? or pvc & how much do i use ? 20w fork oil? i was looking at progressive springs for my xj and they were talking about a spacer kit sold separatley pvc or alum. so why not pvc on stock springs and save $$$$ dont ride hard or fast. just thinking outloud. thanks!

[crazy steve]

Before you tear everything apart, make sure the fork oil level is right, you've got enough air in the forks, and experiment with the factory damping...

[Yahman]

Before you tear everything apart, make sure the fork oil level is right, you've got enough air in the forks, and experiment with the factory damping...

Even with all of that right, the XJ seems to dive more than the specials or standards. I'm going to try progressive springs and 15w fork oil.

Larry

[jetmechmarty]

I bit the bullet and bought custom wound springs for my bike. They're perfect!

www.traxxion.com

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Brd,

I've got 4" over length upper tubes on my special, and the front was a bit divey.

I decided to stiffen it up, took the caps off and checked the springs length, they were still in spec, and that is after I have severely compressed them for putting the bike on a trailer many times over the past 5+ years, would keep them compressed for at least 24 hours many times! Because of the over length, I already had 4" long spacers in there made out of IIRC 3/4" pipe, so bought some more pipe, and cut them to 4.5 inches long, I also put in new fluid....I actually used Dexron III tranny fluid, and I also theorized because of the longer tubes, I had more AIR to compress, so I also put in some extra fluid than the OEM amount. I didn't want to use the air shock feature, because of difficulty in evening them out as well as trying to put in low psi amounts. The 1/2" more spacer wasn't too hard to compress to be able to get the caps back on, was surprised at how it helped reduce the amount of sag, and the extra and new fluid also helped the feel as well, a lot less dive action! Just wanted to share what I did, YMMV!

T.C.

[bikerphil]

Yep, adding preload spacers to weak springs will help with the front end diving. Only problem with that is you've already plowed thru the plush part of the spring and you will now have problems absorbing smaller bumps in the road. Progressive springs are a step in the right direction, but are still a bit on the weak side for say a 200 lb. rider. A heavier fork oil at a higher level will help with front end diving, but the general rule is the springs are for holding the bike up, the fluid is for slowing the suspension down. My 2½¢.

[Rasputin]

As my 78E has adjustable preload attained by turning a screw which does exactly the same thing I can not see a reason why you could not lengthen the spacers. Try adding a 1/2 inch and see how it goes. If the spring is weak you will still get the caps on. If the spring is not at fault it will provide enough resistance that you will not be able to install the caps. You can try any size you like but I would not be to agressive or as mentioned earlier you would lose the plush part of the spring action.
New fork springs are not that cheap but if they are needed then that is what you have to do to have a well mannered/handling bike. Last thing you want is to think...Damn I shoulda... when going into a curve a wee bit fast.

[WSL91]

got a lot of nosedive. progressive$$$$? or pvc & how much do i use ? 20w fork oil? i was looking at progressive springs for my xj and they were talking about a spacer kit sold separatley pvc or alum. so why not pvc on stock springs and save $$$$ dont ride hard or fast. just thinking outloud. thanks!

I just made a set of 3/4" spacers and love them but I have a Windjammer, if you don't you may want to make them 1/2". Installing them is a pain. I was ready to toss the factory springs and buy progressives. For less than 10.00 you can probably solve your problem and that includes the new fork oil. See my thread.

http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?t=35856