New rear spring

WAfatboy · Aug 8, 2012

I'm 105kg and I've been finding the rear squatting too much under hard acceleration, and the front felt very light at high speed. Had a specialist swap in a stiffer Ohlins spring today and set the static and rider sag correctly.

From the short ride home it feels instantly better, tracking truer, making acceleration sharper and the front doesn't feel light. Looking forward to a proper run.

Andy1199 · Aug 8, 2012

Very interesting, let me know how you get on when you get a few more miles in. I'm 105 too and it feels way light on the front end, comes up scary quick in second. I haven't had chance to take it to the suspension guys yet but I was also thinking heavier spring and maybe back to flat. The original is set for an average 80kg I hear.

WAfatboy · Aug 8, 2012

Yes apparently the spring is rated form70-80kg riders. Whereas this one is 100kg. Could have gone harder but the wrench reckoned that it should be sufficient, and with DES be tweaked enough to find the perfect setting.

Will let you know.

RSR racer · Aug 8, 2012

Would changing the spring rate on a DES equip bike throw off the index that the program is based on?

jarelj · Aug 8, 2012

RSR racer said:
Would changing the spring rate on a DES equip bike throw off the index that the program is based on?

Well yes but if the stock spring rate is not correct for you it's going to be better not worse.

joshinthecity · Aug 8, 2012

Mind if I ask what the change out set you back WA?
I'm going to need to do the same thing I think.
110kg here .

Thanks.
J.

elitesoldier357 · Aug 8, 2012

Holy ....! You guys are almost 100 lbs heavier than I am. Imagine what MY world is like on the bike. I rather enjoy the intense power though. I am going to the drag track this weekend to see if I can tame it to get a good quarter mile time out of it. I am hoping to hit above 10 seconds. Wish me luck!

WAfatboy · Aug 9, 2012

I think spring cost $150AUD and then another $200 for setup, labour etc

WAfatboy · Aug 9, 2012

RSR racer said:
Would changing the spring rate on a DES equip bike throw off the index that the program is based on?

The DES adjustment is a relative one, compression & rebound, the base spring needs to be the correct rating first, other wise DES is just covering the issues of a spring that's too soft.

That's my take anyway

WAfatboy · Aug 11, 2012

Andy1199 said:
Very interesting, let me know how you get on when you get a few more miles in. I'm 105 too and it feels way light on the front end, comes up scary quick in second. I haven't had chance to take it to the suspension guys yet but I was also thinking heavier spring and maybe back to flat. The original is set for an average 80kg I hear.

Just confirming that this change has made a big difference, the bike is tighter all round, accelerates flat and hard. I reset the DES settings to standard and then made some small tweaks to firm up the front and increase rebound on rear. if you are north of 100kg, especially if you're way north, then I recommend this change. I've changed the rear shocks on my Harley to Fournales air shocks and that transformed the bike - cant underestimate the impact of this mod.

George Villar · Aug 12, 2012

So you went to the next size Ohlins spring like I did? Stock Ohlins is a 90, I had a 95 installed because the 100 spring was way too stiff and didn't budge. I weigh 195+ gear.

WAfatboy · Aug 12, 2012

Ye I'm probably closer to 250 in gear so went for the 100. Love it. Fitted the aero add-ons as well today so cant wait to get out for a very long ride.

Zoenala · Aug 13, 2012

Hi WAfatboy

I'm 109kg without gear. I've upped the preload on the front and rear and it seems to have improved the handling.

Did you try adjusting the preload on the old spring or is there no comparison between old and new spring, even with the preload adjusted?

I'm asking as I am considering changing the entire Shock and spring to the Ohlins TTX or just the spring...

littlejohn · Aug 13, 2012

Zoenala said:
Hi WAfatboy

I'm 109kg without gear. I've upped the preload on the front and rear and it seems to have improved the handling.

Did you try adjusting the preload on the old spring or is there no comparison between old and new spring, even with the preload adjusted?

I'm asking as I am considering changing the entire Shock and spring to the Ohlins TTX or just the spring...

Preload is never a substitute for the correct spring rate..

lardawge · Aug 13, 2012

George Villar said:
So you went to the next size Ohlins spring like I did? Stock Ohlins is a 90, I had a 95 installed because the 100 spring was way too stiff and didn't budge. I weigh 195+ gear.

What did you set the preload at and how many mm of threads do you have showing after setting preload?

I weigh the same and had to go down to a .85 to get 32mm preload with 12mm of thread which is ideal according to Dan Kyle.

No issues with squatting and tire wear is even.

Zoenala · Aug 13, 2012

littlejohn said:
Preload is never a substitute for the correct spring rate..

Yes I know...just wondered.

A little of the subject but, what about the front then for us fat .......s?

On the base I have 37mm sag (measured hot) with 7 turns in (think 3 out).

Anyone else?

Zoenala · Aug 13, 2012

lardawge said:
What did you set the preload at and how many mm of threads do you have showing after setting preload?

I weigh the same and had to go down to a .85 to get 32mm preload with 12mm of thread which is ideal according to Dan Kyle.

No issues with squatting and tire wear is even.

That's unusual that you had to put in a lighter spring for your weight

May I ask how they measured the rear sag with the top out spring? Normal measurement (unload suspension - rider on lenght) with an offset?

WAfatboy · Aug 19, 2012

Did hard, high speed ride over some very gnarly roads today. Bike felt way more planted and accelerated without that front end lightness. Won't be able to help myself tweaking the front as well. Rear spring was great investment.

New rear spring

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