Another Fork Spring Question

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Toby from MO
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Another Fork Spring Question

Post by Toby from MO »

Comparing FRP and Race Tech fork springs. Why are there such differences in what FRP & Race Tech suggest?

For my weight FPR is suggesting .40 and Race Tech suggests .46.

Any explanations?

Thanks, Toby
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Mr. Wibbens
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Post by Mr. Wibbens »

How much do you weigh?
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Toby from MO
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Post by Toby from MO »

>|<>QBB<
Mr. Wibbens wrote:How much do you weigh?
225 - 230.
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TWMOODY
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Post by TWMOODY »

Toby
You said in your first post you were 225lbs and that would put you in
a Race Tech .48kg spring.
I thought FRP always recommended using the next available
spring rate less that Race Tech with that being a .46

Using your bike as a chase bike and such I would think a good choice
would be a .46
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Post by Toby from MO »

>|<>QBB<
TWMOODY wrote:Toby
You said in your first post you were 225lbs and that would put you in
a Race Tech .48kg spring.
I thought FRP always recommended using the next available
spring rate less that Race Tech with that being a .46

Using your bike as a chase bike and such I would think a good choice
would be a .46
In my original post I was asking about the FRP springs and was asking about the .38's. Talking with Jeff he said either the .38's or the .40's would work.

I hadn't considered the Race Tech springs until this evening. After some more reading I checked out their webpage and they recommend the .46's.

This is all relatively new to me but that seams like a rather large difference.
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Post by TWMOODY »

I think I would go with a .46 or maybe even a .44 to keep
the ride somewhat plush.
Race Tech spring rates are somewhat over kill from my experience.


Wonder why your coming up with a .46?
Here's what I come up with Race Tech's calculator.

2000 Kawasaki KDX220R

1. Type of Riding:
Desert / Enduro / Trail
Motocross
Arenacross
Supercross
2. Gas Tank Size:
Standard Gas Tank
Oversize Gas Tank
3. Rider Weight (without gear): lbs OR kg

Type of Riding: Desert / Enduro / Trail
Rider Weight: 225 lbs

FRONT FORK SPRINGS
Recommended Fork Spring Rate: 0.488 kg/mm (use closest available)
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Post by TWMOODY »

BTW Sweet deal for you on that bike for $800
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Post by Mr. Wibbens »

When I was 260 the .46's were about perfect for me
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Toby from MO
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Post by Toby from MO »

>|<>QBB<
TWMOODY wrote:I think I would go with a .46 or maybe even a .44 to keep
the ride somewhat plush.
Race Tech spring rates are somewhat over kill from my experience.


Wonder why your coming up with a .46?
Here's what I come up with Race Tech's calculator.

2000 Kawasaki KDX220R

1. Type of Riding:
Desert / Enduro / Trail
Motocross
Arenacross
Supercross
2. Gas Tank Size:
Standard Gas Tank
Oversize Gas Tank
3. Rider Weight (without gear): lbs OR kg

Type of Riding: Desert / Enduro / Trail
Rider Weight: 225 lbs

FRONT FORK SPRINGS
Recommended Fork Spring Rate: 0.488 kg/mm (use closest available)
My bad. Your right .488
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Post by Toby from MO »

I called and talked to Jeff @ FRP today. The heaviest spring he advertises on his website is .42. He said under no circumstances do I want or need anything above the .40 for my weight. He explained his .42 are recommended for riders ranging from 240 - 280lbs.

I asked why the Race Tech calculator suggested .488 springs for my weight. I asked if the Race Tech springs were in some way different. He merely said, "spring rate is spring rate". He further suggested that Race Tech recommendations are known to be extremely stiff and unecessary.

I tried calling Race Tech all day long but never got through. I left a few messages but I've yet to hear back from them.
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Post by Mr. Wibbens »

.42's might work for you

They weren't much better than stock for me though
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Post by SS109 »

I'm running .41's in my KX forks and I'm 150 (170 in full gear) and they are damn near perfect for aggressive riding like I do. The .41's were what Race Tech recommends for my weight/bike.

From what I have read, Jeff tends to like forks sprung on the soft side and Race Tech the exact opposite. Somewhere in the middle of the two is what I would shoot for. Some .44 or .46's would probably work good for you. I would go with the .46's because I'm willing to bet you will get the itch to have a little more fun on your bike than you think! :lol:
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Post by Julien D »

Racetech is known for being on the stiff side. I'd go with freddette or somewhere in the middle.
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