Suspension sizing for a 350# big guy

[Skelshy]

I have been learning about suspension components and reading up here on what's available. Following the racetech thread, I used their calculator to find out they want me to go from 12.5 to 21.4 kg on the rear spring and .960 to 1.104 kg/mm on the front (but there are no 1.1 kg products listed)

What is the relative benefit from upgrading springs, rebuilding shocks and replacing shocks? Is is possible the stronger springs address any inadequacy and the dampening from the shocks would be fine?

Thanks
Skelshy

 

[WJBertrand]

I have been learning about suspension components and reading up here on what's available. Following the racetech thread, I used their calculator to find out they want me to go from 12.5 to 21.4 kg on the rear spring and .960 to 1.104 kg/mm on the front (but there are no 1.1 kg products listed)

What is the relative benefit from upgrading springs, rebuilding shocks and replacing shocks? Is is possible the stronger springs address any inadequacy and the dampening from the shocks would be fine?

Thanks
Skelshy

With a large change in spring rate, the OEM damping may well be overwhelmed. I think RaceTech can also supply re-valved forks and shocks to match the springs.

 

[HBSURFDAD]

I'm 300 lbs and I swapped out for the heaviest race tech spring they had. It made a huge difference in the overall ride. The stock front springs are fine when you have the right back set up. The front can be dampened just right stock, the back is about 2 imaginary "clicks" away from perfect. I do some pretty good technical trails and I am not stopped by suspension.

Hope this helps.

 

[NorWest]

I think RaceTech can also supply re-valved forks and shocks to match the springs.

Race Tech states the following in regards to the shock.

Shock Comments
Stock shock is non-rebuildable (Of course we are assuming the non ES version here.

 

[NorWest]

I have been learning about suspension components and reading up here on what's available. Following the racetech thread, I used their calculator to find out they want me to go from 12.5 to 21.4 kg on the rear spring and .960 to 1.104 kg/mm on the front (but there are no 1.1 kg products listed)

What is the relative benefit from upgrading springs, rebuilding shocks and replacing shocks? Is is possible the stronger springs address any inadequacy and the dampening from the shocks would be fine?

Thanks
Skelshy

Race Tech would modify (Shorten) the FRSP 3755 series spring to obtain the 1.1 kg/mm spring rate. That is why it is not listed.

When going up or down in spring rates the damping should follow suit to maintain control of the spring and provide the correct compression damping from either the forks or shock.

Where you at in the PNW?

 

[Skelshy]

Where you at in the PNW?

I'm in the Seattle area (Bellevue)

 

[Skelshy]

I'm 300 lbs and I swapped out for the heaviest race tech spring they had. It made a huge difference in the overall ride. The stock front springs are fine when you have the right back set up. The front can be dampened just right stock, the back is about 2 imaginary "clicks" away from perfect. I do some pretty good technical trails and I am not stopped by suspension.

Hope this helps.

Yes it does, thanks.

 

[Skelshy]

I ordered the 21.4 spring (max rate) through I-90 Motorsports, they are going to put it in form me as well. Will report back once that's done.

 

[verboten1]

(Used to be ) 320 here, I ended up with a cogent shock, it transformed my ride.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

 

[Hungry Tiger]

I'm 240 wo/ clothes. Always running around within 100#'s of max GVW. Got Touratech Expedition (middle grade) shock. Installed by dealer. Expensive, but worth every penny.

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

 

[dietDrThunder]

I'm 300 lbs and I swapped out for the heaviest race tech spring they had. It made a huge difference in the overall ride. The stock front springs are fine when you have the right back set up. The front can be dampened just right stock, the back is about 2 imaginary "clicks" away from perfect. I do some pretty good technical trails and I am not stopped by suspension.

Hope this helps.

You must have magical front springs, cuz I'm 260, and the OEM springs with the preload maxed are still way too soft. Mine needs 1.1's at least. Probably more really, but it's hard to get stiffer ones.

 

[Skelshy]

Success!

Very happy with the result. It was like, so that's what a suspension feels for normal people ;-) I'd say it's toward the firmer side. Going over some rough road and speed bumps, it definitely was doing good work. Cost was $130 parts $170 install (their labor rate is $120/hr) and and $40 for "spacers that racetech charged them for but didn't tell them about until it arrived". It was getting dark and raining so I didn't inquire further.

Got the SW Motech pegs installed for a little more leg room. Can't say I felt a difference on the way home. It was raining though so I was mostly focused on getting home safely.

 

[Kabish]

their labor rate is $120/hr

Jesus, labor rates here in San Diego aren't even that much!!!

 

[Ben47]

Hello! I want to know if you are happy with the new sppring. It is far better now?

 

[bimota]

I'm 300 lbs and I swapped out for the heaviest race tech spring they had. It made a huge difference in the overall ride. The stock front springs are fine when you have the right back set up. The front can be dampened just right stock, the back is about 2 imaginary "clicks" away from perfect. I do some pretty good technical trails and I am not stopped by suspension.

Hope this helps.

i found the front folks on mine were ok, once i had a ohlins with a 170 spring on it, i,m 110kg kitted, wife 76kg kitted plus panniers

rob

 

[Kurgan]

(Used to be ) 320 here, I ended up with a cogent shock, it transformed my ride.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

Cogent did the suspension on my 05 Vstrom 1000, what a great change!

 

[Johnwesley]

Cogent has done plenty of work for me over the years and it’s always an excellent improvement

 

[Ben47]

i found the front folks on mine were ok, once i had a ohlins with a 170 spring on it, i,m 110kg kitted, wife 76kg kitted plus panniers

rob

Thanks!