Forkin' springs!

[3-Max]

Short vers.
The springs in my OEM forks need replacing. Tried to get some progressive YSS but got sent the wrong ones (early type not for 1998). Sent 'em back & got refund. Bought some more YSS progressives, also stated for Vmax '95-02. They've turned up but are marked for suzuki gsxr 750 '88. These are just 5mm short but right diam. My question is will these work OK if I tweek the spacer to make the correct stack length? I understand usual caveats for advice/opinions. I'm just not versed in these things so asking those who do.

 

[MaxMidnight]

It would depend on the spring rate of the GSXR's. I doubt that they would be the same as the Max given the difference in weigh.
If your vendor has managed to get it wrong twice then I'd be inclined to ask for a refund and shop elsewhere.

 

[3-Max]

It would depend on the spring rate of the GSXR's. I doubt that they would be the same as the Max given the difference in weigh.
If your vendor has managed to get it wrong twice then I'd be inclined to ask for a refund and shop elsewhere.

That's what I was thinking.
This isn't the same vendor. The ones that supplied the GSXRs claim to be official YSS R&D & suspension specialist (firefox racing). I've looked up the product code for YSS Vmax gen 1 & get the same one for all models 85-02. I'm struggling to find anywhere that can supply progressives for later Vmaxs. I'll try & talk these guys tomorrow find out what they've got say.

 

[MaxMidnight]

I'm struggling to find anywhere that can supply progressives for later Vmaxs.

I assume you mean progressivly wound springs?
Try Exactrep
Also consider the fixed rate springs from Racetech

 

[3-Max]

I assume you mean progressivly wound springs?
Try Exactrep
Also consider the fixed rate springs from Racetech

I do. Looking at these because I've read they're better in handling & because there's no faffing about with air pressure.
I have decided to send the others back & get a set from Exactrep as you suggest. They're only another £20 & at least I know what I'll be getting is right & from a company with known, good, reputation. I will have at look at the Racetech option too. Thnx.

 

[christopher509]

Hello , I spoke with Ian at PDQ for replacement springs for my 43 mm forks on my trike.
Very quick response and helpfull.

Regards Chris.

 

[MaxMidnight]

Progressively wound springs are fine and there are many who have noticed a significant benefit over OE.
I favour the single rate springs as the rate can be chosen to best suit an individuals weight and riding style.
Set them up properly by setting the static sag and add some Gold Valve emulators and you have a set of forks that will handle better than most riders ability to use them.

 

[Fire-medic]

Like Mr. Midnight, I use Race-Tech single-rate springs sized to my weight and riding style, and a pair of RICOR which are the wave washer stacks also referred to as cartridge emulators. It's not an expensive change like radial tires, but it does significantly improve on the front end.

 

[jimbojones132]

I've used Progressive Suspension front springs in (2) Gen1 Vmax...happy enough with them. Single rate would be more 'predictable' but as a heavy guy, the properly-wound single rate ones would have made me feel every bump and I dont want that for touring.

 

[brian hicks]

Short vers.
The springs in my OEM forks need replacing. Tried to get some progressive YSS but got sent the wrong ones (early type not for 1998). Sent 'em back & got refund. Bought some more YSS progressives, also stated for Vmax '95-02. They've turned up but are marked for suzuki gsxr 750 '88. These are just 5mm short but right diam. My question is will these work OK if I tweek the spacer to make the correct stack length? I understand usual caveats for advice/opinions. I'm just not versed in these things so asking those who do.

Make sure you specify the fork diameter. Some are 40mm and some 43 (1200.) I changed mine here in UK but they were not progressive ones. They were thicker than the originals so they stopped the floppy bounce.

 

[MaxMidnight]

I've used Progressive Suspension front springs in (2) Gen1 Vmax...happy enough with them. Single rate would be more 'predictable' but as a heavy guy, the properly-wound single rate ones would have made me feel every bump and I dont want that for touring.

Not if you fit the appropriate weight and set the static sag. The Racetech spring rate calculator recommends their heaviest weight for those over 350 lbs so they will have a spring for all but the lightest and heaviest of us.