Correct Spring Rates
Posted: 08:07 pm Feb 03 2010
I'm beginning to work on suspension and want to get it set up for me. I weigh between 205 - 215lbs(it's a summer winter thing) and 225-235lbs with gear. I've looked at the calculators at racetech, mxtech, and fredette's recommendations. I want to make sure the bike is well balanced suspension wise front and rear.
1. 5.2 seems to be the suggested weight spring for the shock. Is this going to be too stiff? At this time I do not plan to have any revalve work done. Anybody prefer the lighter 5.0 spring in the same weight range? I'm just wondering if I can get by on the 5.0.
2. I have a 2003 KX125 fork that was just professionally serviced by the previous owner and it's all stock(ebay for $100 + s&h). Suggested springs by MXTech .46 and RaceTech .44. Stock spring is a .43. Jeremy at MXTech was strongly suggesting the .46. What do you guys suggest for my weight? I do plan to revalve see next question.
3. I'm unsure which route to take for revalving the forks. I feel confident enough to open them up myself but don't know what kind of results I can expect doing it myself. Are most getting good results staying stock and removing/adding shims? I'm also considering RaceTech's Gold valve kit. I like the fact that its a kit with instructions etc. Would I be better off and get better results just having a pro do the job? Any Pros in the St. Louis MO area recommended?
4. When you send your shocks to be revalved whats usually included? Do some revalves consist of just reworking the existing stock parts? Or can you expect a new piston/valve also? MXTech said they would revalve using existing components for $175.
I've been looking at some post by bradf and what he's done to his forks. Seems like he's had good results, I don't know if this is a job for new guy though.
http://stlouis.craigslist.org/mcy/1558205098.html
I'm still trying to figure out all the acronyms and match the terms to all the parts. Still a little intimidated.
I'm Lost. Information Overload. Suggestions?
1. 5.2 seems to be the suggested weight spring for the shock. Is this going to be too stiff? At this time I do not plan to have any revalve work done. Anybody prefer the lighter 5.0 spring in the same weight range? I'm just wondering if I can get by on the 5.0.
2. I have a 2003 KX125 fork that was just professionally serviced by the previous owner and it's all stock(ebay for $100 + s&h). Suggested springs by MXTech .46 and RaceTech .44. Stock spring is a .43. Jeremy at MXTech was strongly suggesting the .46. What do you guys suggest for my weight? I do plan to revalve see next question.
3. I'm unsure which route to take for revalving the forks. I feel confident enough to open them up myself but don't know what kind of results I can expect doing it myself. Are most getting good results staying stock and removing/adding shims? I'm also considering RaceTech's Gold valve kit. I like the fact that its a kit with instructions etc. Would I be better off and get better results just having a pro do the job? Any Pros in the St. Louis MO area recommended?
4. When you send your shocks to be revalved whats usually included? Do some revalves consist of just reworking the existing stock parts? Or can you expect a new piston/valve also? MXTech said they would revalve using existing components for $175.
I've been looking at some post by bradf and what he's done to his forks. Seems like he's had good results, I don't know if this is a job for new guy though.
http://stlouis.craigslist.org/mcy/1558205098.html
I'm still trying to figure out all the acronyms and match the terms to all the parts. Still a little intimidated.
I'm Lost. Information Overload. Suggestions?