Progressive Springing

[Fritz]

With regards to suspension has anyone any takes on 'progressive', or 'conventional' springing chosen to suit payload?

Ride two up virtually all the time, want to cover full touring load & to add to it all rough roads (sometimes unmade).

Previously I've had progressive springs in front and an Ohlins built to suit on bake (non vstrom).

I've seen comments suggesting a conventional spring chosen to suit payload is a better way to go that progressive springs- any practical experiences? I haven't seen a progressive but built-for-payload option.

Also - though rear shock is a 'replacement' part - does anyone know of a respected specialist that can dissemble / rebuild the shocks?

It's a 2009 reg wee by way.

Thanks, Fritz

[tallpaul]

I used Hyperpro springs in the forks of my wee to try and reduce the diving under braking. They were good. I didn't do anything with the rear though.

[kingmunky]

I switched out standard springs for progressives on my last bike (Bandit 650) as the front end was soft as puppy-dog shit and used to bounce wildly under heavy braking. It made the world of difference, front end sat a couple of inches higher and everything was firmer.

I've found that progressive springs generally provide better results on most terrains, especially dealing with changing and uneven terrain, changes in road surfaces, road conditions, pot-holes and riding with changing loads.

Upgrading to stiffer standard springs for a set load may be better if you know you're always running the same weight but if you change that, then the feel on corners and under braking will change.

[Bluestrom13]

I fitted Hyperpro spring to standard rear unit at 6000 miles. Wife commented how good it was after only 50 miles, and a further 12k on it still performs well. We are both on the "big" side, and have panniers fitted, but never used a top box.Front end simply wound up pre-load, and let stanchions through yokes 15mm.
If you cannot do the spring swap yourself, give Pro Action (UK) a ring.They in Beal, Goole.Got the spring from Sportsbikeshop.

[blobstrom]

I replaced my front with hyperpro springs as my 2004 wee felt harsh after riding my gtr. Well now its the other way round!120 quid, new oil well pleased, I have a fork brace too. Rear ... may change next year, 36k mainly solo use but working fine.

[Fritz]

Thanks all, I'll investigate further.

No one heard of anyone rebuilding Suzuki shocks?

[kingmunky]

No one heard of anyone rebuilding Suzuki shocks?

Loads of places - https://www.google.com/search?ei=ghWRXPqUCMXYxgPAp7W4Ag&q=motorbike+shock+absorber+refurbishment&oq=motorbike+shock+a+refurbishment&gs_l=psy-ab.1.0.0i7i30.3784.8126..9620...0.0..0.117.682.7j1......0....1..gws-wiz.......0i71j35i304i39j0i7i10i30j0i8i13i30j0i8i13i10i30j0i13.RkmOSaHfF-4

[porter]

Firefoxracing.co.uk can do them. They told me it would  be 120quid. I never used them but they sounded like they know  their  stuff.

[Fritz]

Quote removed

Thanks - was hoping someone may have first hand experience, but I can check a few of the ones I surfed up too. I know Suzuki have them down as 'disposable', but a rebuild with different spring may be a bit cheaper than Ohlins etc

[Fritz]

Quote removed

ha - they're not a million miles away, try them on phone and maybe pay a visit, ta!

[pichulec]

I am thinking about changing springs as well. I was quoted about £550 for front and back. Is it reasonable price?  Anyone have experience with company MCT Suspension from Stowmarket??

[pichulec]

Looks like I will have to look elsewhere, MCT have first free booking date in June....

[tallpaul]

That's a good sign though. If they are busy it's because they're good. Or very slow!

[pichulec]

They said, they don't do progressive springs, they claim they don't work.

[Asmith61]

Try Hagon I have them on 2 of my 3 bikes hand built rear shocks made to weight etc progressive front springs and heavier oil, a family run business superb service 

[Valves]

I fitted progressive fork springs and rear shock from Hyperpro on my DL a few months ago and went from having no real adjustment on the stock suspension to having too much. So much so that I couldn't get the bike set-up properly.

Last month paid a trip to JHS in Bristol (on the way to the SW run) and they did a suspenson set-up for me. I had the rear set-up OK but the front was way out and they asked what oil I had used (Hyperpro had supplied 10W with the fork spring kit) as the forks were way to stiff and I was only using about 50% of the travel. They suggested changing to 5W, which I have just done this weekend.

Also, they adjusted the rear tyre pressure to 36psi, not 42psi.

Now need a good run to try it out... Which will be to Wales next weekend