Topic: Proper spring rates

[andrewk]

Hi all-

This seemed to be the best forum for the question-  I'm building my K3 up and one of the things I want to do is set the suspension up properly for my weight.  I'm a big guy, close to 350 pounds, so I figure that most high performance spring setups are geared more towards riders that are "racing size."  Thing is, I like to corner, and I think I could improve cornering performance if my suspension was setup for it with me on it.

What are my options as far as front springs go?  I've looked at the progressive brand springs, but there's no mention of what the spring rate is, so I don't know if they're going to be better for me or not.

I'd also like to upgrade my rear shocks-  What do you all use?

Thanks for any advice, sorry if this is the wrong forum.

Andrew

[turboguzzi]

have a look here

i guess that your combined weight will be outside the graph range, but try expanding the curve by eye, looks to me that 1.2kg/mm would be in the ballpark

[scottly]

Thanks for the graph, TG! I have the opposite problem of Andrew, as the combined weight of myself and my bike is about 550 pounds. Someone posted info about a custom spring maker here in the US; I'll have a look for it...
edit: Here's the link.
http://www.cannonracecraft.com/default.htm

[turboguzzi]

there's very little rocket science in coil springs....

i am about same weight as you as you and (dont tell anybody...) I get my 0.9 springs by simply cutting the stock ones and adding a spacer to get the right ride height. Put the cut end pointing towards the top (where it doesnt move.



TG

[Doctor_D]

Another option is to call Works, http://www.worksperformance.com/html/home.html

Custom rate springs, and shock valving is what they do.