Spring Rates

jivebiker · Post by **jivebiker** » Fri Nov 26, 2004 1:32 am

Found this site today & Ive been reading the posts all day instead of working - oops!

I have a standard R1100S, but due to a compressive spinal injury a few years ago I need to make the suspension much more compliant.

Getting a decent shock isnt too much trouble, Ohlins, Maxton, Nitron, and E=MC would all do, but what spring rate to choose?

Does anybody know what the standard front and rear spring rates are? Once I know this I can go ahead with a good guess as to what I need.

My last bike, a Triumph 955i Speed Triple ended up with a 400lb/in spring (from 725lb/in standard) - as you can see, a huge drop in stiffness.

I have already tried Fournales shocks front and rear (the softest they would do), but these seemed harder than stock, Fournales refuse to make them any more compliant so they have been returned.

Any feedback on what you have all tried will be most welcome, as I cannot really afford to be stuck with expensive shocks that wont work. I dont mind paying for quality, but not if its unnecessary.

stempy · Post by **stempy** » Fri Nov 26, 2004 7:22 am

The general consensus of opinion is that the rear is a 15kg which most of the lard arses here find too soft. I think a lot of us who have upgraded shocks have ended up with a 16kg. Having compliant suspension is much more to do with the quality of damping, so paying for a top line shock would be well worth it in your case. Front is 5.5kg.

winger · Post by **winger** » Fri Nov 26, 2004 7:37 am

Unless you ask for something different an Ohlin will come with a 150 spring on which which i found OK for one up but certainley no good two up,i guess it's possible to go lighter but god knows what the handleing would be like!!!,guess as soon as you start to ride at any kind of pace the bike will tie it's self in knots.

Chris

oyster · Post by **oyster** » Fri Nov 26, 2004 7:17 pm

I would say that it's well worth talking to Tim Rose who helped design and is the main importer of E=MC shocks. He's a metallurgist, engineer and biker. I tried for half an hour to trip him up, playing devil's advocate, trying to undermine his product. But he very pleasantly and patiently explained why his product was so cost effective. And good. They are.
His mobile good till about 21.00 hrs is 07970 684816. Tell him you are calling after reading it on Boxertrix!
Good luck.