Fork spring length & OE length

[Paddysteel7]

I Am now running racetech springs and rebound and compression gold valves as fitted by me
but it was snowing when i tested them so looking for a clear day.

 

[CBRDEAN0]

I would like to know how anyone even john can measure the air gap with the damper out as that is what holds the fork oil in so damper out means no oil?

Haha - I think they mean damper installed but the rod fully pushed in or fully pulled out

 

[Jaws]

Ummm...
Just to clarify

carb model 154mm with the spring in ( as per the ORIGINAL Honda spec from 1997 workshop manual ) damper rod pulled up


EFI model 142mm with the spring in, damper rod pulled up

In all honesty I cannot say that I have ever measured the gap with the spring out so not sure where those figures came from

 

[Wolfie]

Haha - I think they mean damper installed but the rod fully pushed in or fully pulled out

correct.

paddy you been on the brew again???

 

[Paddysteel7]

Sorry guilty, damper out to me means damper out of forks
as for spring out or in I go with the experts who supply the springs as they should know.

 

[silverfox.xx]

I can confirm that (EFI) 125mm with fork compressed,pulled up and damper rod pushed in/down, and no spring...

=

The 142mm Jaws has said.

I checked it both ways to confirm any doubts.

 

[Oldbull]

I Am now running racetech springs and rebound and compression gold valves as fitted by me
but it was snowing when i tested them so looking for a clear day.

What you doing with the rear Paddy ???

 

[Paddysteel7]

willburs fully adjustable with remote reservoir

 

[Paddysteel7]

To be honest the racetech springs seem to be exactly what Jaws recomends after rereading the posts
They are 315 mm long and you can get up to 1.15kg/mm for the bigger guys or me who uses the bike instead of a van.

 

[SteveP-J]

Did you end up leaving the spacer as is?

What did you put the air gap as?

Only asking as i have just bought the same springs as you........

 

[Paddysteel7]

Did you end up leaving the spacer as is?

What did you put the air gap as?

Only asking as i have just bought the same springs as you........

If you mean the racetech springs then i went with the 140mm aiur gap they recomend when you have the new valves installed and before you put the springs into the forks. This should be the same for you. The oil level as they say is most important for bottoming out resistance so they say if it bottoms out too easily then try 130mm air gap.
Hope this helps

 

[Paddysteel7]

Did you end up leaving the spacer as is?

Only asking as i have just bought the same springs as you........

Sorry forgot about the spacer.
I had to cut the spacer cant remember what length now but look at the instructions for external top-out. You should have been given a length of spacer, to cut to length, with the springs including 6 thick washers.
Next time I take the caps off I will measure them for you.
The spacer is for preload so not allways same for every one. You will need it a bit longer if you have delinked the brakes.

 

[SteveP-J]

Sorry mate, I meant that for SilverFox. Its WP springs i have with 250 length and would be interested if he has altered the spacer length or changed the air gap at all?

 

[silverfox.xx]

Sorry mate, I meant that for SilverFox. Its WP springs i have with 250 length and would be interested if he has altered the spacer length or changed the air gap at all?

Left the spacer as standard... but as they are a linier spring you could cut it off 15mm/17mm. The longer spacer in theory increases ride height, but I found mine just fine with a std length spacer. 10w shock oil.

With the fork leg bottom pulled up and the damper rod pushed down (in) and no spring fitted I had 125mm air gap. seems fine.. this actually equals the 142mm as per how Haynes states... Just found it easier to measure 125mm than 142mm due to the depth, you can see it easier.

Sorry for delay, thought you were asking Paddysteel...

 

[SteveP-J]

Just want to make sure i have got this right. Took the forks off the bike to change the oil and springs. I also have WP ones at 250mm. I have left the spacer as standard. Thought if i like it then ok, if not, can just whip it out and trim it down.

I compressed the fork leg, had the damper pulled as for out as it would go and had the spring in. Added the oil (10w) and then using a vacuum pump used a 142mm piece of tube to suck out any excess oil. All refitted and bolts tightend tothe correct torque.

Have i done the air gap correctly?

 

[silverfox.xx]

Just want to make sure i have got this right. Took the forks off the bike to change the oil and springs. I also have WP ones at 250mm. I have left the spacer as standard. Thought if i like it then ok, if not, can just whip it out and trim it down.

I compressed the fork leg, had the damper pulled as for out as it would go and had the spring in. Added the oil (10w) and then using a vacuum pump used a 142mm piece of tube to suck out any excess oil. All refitted and bolts tightend tothe correct torque.

Have i done the air gap correctly?

Yes that sounds right. @tu*