How do I tell which springs I have?

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robkdx
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How do I tell which springs I have?

Post by robkdx »

I will be rebuilding my forks soon on my 06 KDX200. Now I dont have the dive problem that others talk of, well I think I dont as im a fairly new rider. I wonder if my springs have been changed by a previous owner. When I get them out how do I tell what they are?

Will be doing bushes and seals.
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Re: How do I tell which springs I have?

Post by KDXGarage »

Any wrench marks on the fork caps??
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Re: How do I tell which springs I have?

Post by 6 Riders »

Pretty sure you need to have them "measured" in a tool designed for that. If you have NO dive, then it's probably not stiff springs, but too much fluid/oil. If you aren't doing any high speed stuff, it's fairly difficult to feel it NOT doing it's thing. If you are doing your forks yourself, just leave the springs alone, especially since your fairly new, and get the forks cleaned and resealed. No need to spend a ton of money on the forks if your not noticing the "harshness" of the ride. If the springs have been updated, then you're probably good to go. FYI using 7wt fork oil helps these forks do their thing really well, you can find it at cycle gear, but I'm sure any motorcycle shop will have it.
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Re: How do I tell which springs I have?

Post by robkdx »

Jason wrote:Any wrench marks on the fork caps??

Had to go look but yes there is.
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Re: How do I tell which springs I have?

Post by robkdx »

6 Riders wrote:Pretty sure you need to have them "measured" in a tool designed for that. If you have NO dive, then it's probably not stiff springs, but too much fluid/oil. If you aren't doing any high speed stuff, it's fairly difficult to feel it NOT doing it's thing. If you are doing your forks yourself, just leave the springs alone, especially since your fairly new, and get the forks cleaned and resealed. No need to spend a ton of money on the forks if your not noticing the "harshness" of the ride. If the springs have been updated, then you're probably good to go. FYI using 7wt fork oil helps these forks do their thing really well, you can find it at cycle gear, but I'm sure any motorcycle shop will have it.
Thanks for that, ok I will use 7wt oil. I may try the shim mod as well.
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Re: How do I tell which springs I have?

Post by KDXGarage »

robkdx wrote:
Jason wrote:Any wrench marks on the fork caps??

Had to go look but yes there is.
Someone has been in there for some reason. Maybe it was just oil.
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Re: How do I tell which springs I have?

Post by Postigo »

Another tip to check if they are aftermarket is to measure the preload spacers, factory ones have about 3 1/2 inches and are made of steel. On some aftermarket sprigs like Eibach the model number is printed on the spring.
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