Ohlins front fork springs and keeping rear suspension stock

[farish]

Hi Everyone

Was wondering what is your opinion on this:

I just placed an order for ohlins front fork springs (got them and at a good price)

Will get them fitted onto my FZ6S2 2008, with ohlins fork oil 10 W, new fork seals and dust covers.

However, due to budget constraints i will be keeping the rear suspension stock. and is currently at setting number 5.

What do u think of the above set up?? Does it seem unbalanced?

 

[Bikebiz]

Not at all. Your front is more critical, so definitely push on with your plans. You might be content with that and not touching your rear at all, or you may start to budget and do something down the track.

 

[Terri_One]

i changed my fork springs to traxxion (Bikelab) and left the shock along. Bike feels great and no unbalanced feeling.

 

[Bikebiz]

What is your weight Farish? Stock oil is close to 7.5w, so if you're looking to go heavier I'd recommend 15w. You won't feel a lot of difference with 10w. This is assuming the spring rate is similar on the Ohlins you ordered.

 

[farish]

What is your weight Farish? Stock oil is close to 7.5w, so if you're looking to go heavier I'd recommend 15w. You won't feel a lot of difference with 10w. This is assuming the spring rate is similar on the Ohlins you ordered.

i am about 82 kg . If i were to consider other factors like top box with load (daily commuting) perhaps 90 kg in total??

When i go for trips i use a tank bag and strap a bag pack to the rear seat( i remove my top rack for better aerodynamics..haha), together with my gear i estimate it to be about 90 kg too.

The local distributor for ohlins recommended 10W when i inquired. The dude quoted the reason being, if the oil is too thick the springs would not be compressing properly ( or something like that). What is your thoughts on this?? I was thinking of going 15 W.

By the way for an additional $120, i can able to get ohlins rear springs with installation or shock rebuild with ohlins springs at $280. Prices are quoted in Singapore dollars.

 

[farish]

i changed my fork springs to traxxion (Bikelab) and left the shock along. Bike feels great and no unbalanced feeling.

Hi Terry! I believe we corresponded via SBF before. Thanks for the input.

I ordered my fork springs from Ohlins (Sporting Motor) and might be getting springs for the rear at 120 with installation or at 280 for a rebuild with ohlins rear springs.

Cheers!!

By the way, did u check out the fazer thread? Interested in joining the "clash of the titans" trip?? The trip consists of a couple of fazer 6s, fazer 1, VFRs and Ducatis...

Closing is tonight 2359!!

 

[Cochiez]

Hi Everyone

Was wondering what is your opinion on this:

I just placed an order for ohlins front fork springs (got them and at a good price)

Will get them fitted onto my FZ6S2 2008, with ohlins fork oil 10 W, new fork seals and dust covers.

However, due to budget constraints i will be keeping the rear suspension stock. and is currently at setting number 5.

What do u think of the above set up?? Does it seem unbalanced?

I recently had this discussion with an old buddy who's a fellow FZ6 rider has a Master's in Mechanical Engineering. The primary weak point on any bike's suspension set-up is it's spring rate. Simply, manufacturers install springs that are set up for the majority of riders - all of whom apparently weight 160-180lbs. This is true whether you're riding a Tiger, CBR, or FZ. Of course, FZ's have an even softer suspension than a CBR, but you get the point. What you need to do is pick a spring that meets your weight and riding requirements. I'm guessing Ohlins does too, but Racetech offers a chart on their website that will recommend the proper spring rate for you (for both your front and rear ends).

Oil weight, however, is less important. Installing a heavier weight oil effectively does nothing more than slow down the suspension action. So unless you re-valve you forks too, installing too heavy an oil will actually reduce the effectiveness of your springs. I weight 205 and have .95 springs in my forks with stock weight oil - I plan to move up to 10wt. I was advised against 15wt unless doing the revalve too.

I'm happy with the new springs. Been riding them for a couple seasons now and they've really brought the bike to life. I haven't changed my shock at all. I'll upgrade to an Ohlins shock if a grand falls from the sky, but that's not likely to happen.

 

[Shinleung]

there are two different models to choose from for ohlins front fork spring:
08711-80/ -85
but what is the difference between them?

 

[farish]

there are two different models to choose from for ohlins front fork spring:
08711-80/ -85
but what is the difference between them?

80 is a slightly weaker spring as compared to 85...the diff is 0.5 kg per mm...i am not tuned to the technicalities yet, but this is my understanding.

Someone please correct me if i am wrong

 

[Cochiez]

Yup, 80 vs 85 is a discussion of spring rate. Here's a helpful tool to help you choose:

Spring Rate Calculation

Note that .80kg/mm is stock, so I wouldn't waste my time or money on either .80 or .85's.

Based on my weight, the calculator suggested that I use .95's, which I did. The new springs made a huge difference in the way the bike feels. Much better.

If I were to do it again, though, I'd go with 1.00kg/mm since I often ride with luggage or a pillion.

YMMV