Last weekend I changed out the spring in the rear shock for a beefier progressive one, and then I gutted the forks. I installed Racetech straight-rate springs, drilled out the damper rod, fitted Gold Valve emulators and 15 wt fork oil.

Man, this thing handles like it's on rails.

Previously, I'd hit a bump, and the bike would pogo all over the place, bottoming the rear shock and jarring my spine. I'd be exiting a bend or roundabout, and getting on the gas would cause the back to squat and the front to rise, lengthening the rake and causing the bike to run wide, requiring more counter-steering input and feeling as though the front end was going to tuck under.

Not anymore.

Now, it tips in just like a "Street" bike. It holds the line through bends and roundabouts. Powering out, you just aim for a point in space and it goes there. No more running wide.

On bumps, sure some are harder, but they don't unsettle the bike. The other night I deliberately rode a section that usually terrifies me due to road surface. I just went right at it. The bike bumped a little but it felt controlled all way through it.

To all those who do a lot of fiddling with their bikes (like me) I have this message: Make the suspension your next mod. After the 31 tooth pulley, that is.

15 wt with Gold Valves eh?

I'm putting that on my list.

wow, your using 15wt ? I'm running 10wt w/ gold emulators & thinking about going to 7.5wt

ironman wrote:
wow, your using 15wt ? I'm running 10wt w/ gold emulators & thinking about going to 7.5wt

Are you using Racetech springs, or progressive?

This is good to know because not long ago, I was thinking about how much I missed the handling of my old sport bikes.

I put the progressive springs in the front and they certainly helped with diving under braking, and stabilized the front end, but I still the pogo issue from time to time and the bike isn't always as stable in turns as I'd like it to be. I used stock 5wt oil in the forks, Maybe I should try the 10wt?

I've also got a 1000lb. Eibach spring that's been sitting here waiting to be installed. The whole set up is not as sophisticated as yours, but if it's even half as good, it sounds like I need to get it done.

Keggyhander wrote:
[quote]ironman wrote:
wow, your using 15wt ? I'm running 10wt w/ gold emulators & thinking about going to 7.5wt

Are you using Racetech springs, or progressive?0px;" /></span>

Are you using Racetech springs, or progressive?[/quote
Racetech spec'd per my weight

Doc_V wrote:
This is good to know because not long ago, I was thinking about how much I missed the handling of my old sport bikes.

I put the progressive springs in the front and they certainly helped with diving under braking, and stabilized the front end, but I still the pogo issue from time to time and the bike isn't always as stable in turns as I'd like it to be. I used stock 5wt oil in the forks, Maybe I should try the 10wt?

I've also got a 1000lb. Eibach spring that's been sitting here waiting to be installed. The whole set up is not as sophisticated as yours, but if it's even half as good, it sounds like I need to get it done.

I put progressive spring in rear and with stock front end it was squirrelly. I'm sure opposite - progressive front stock rear is similar.

I had the 1,000 lb Eibach but went to progressive and am much happier.

With progressive front and rear with 5 wt. oil still up front I'm very, very happy with ride and handling.

So what is it about the ride that's making you consider dropping the oil weight?

Keggyhander wrote:
So what is it about the ride that's making you consider dropping the oil weight?
Don't get me wrong, this set up is LIGHT YEARS better than stock or stock w/ progressive springs. I know because I've made these mods. I would like to get the compression stroke alittle lighter/quicker. I'm going to try this before going w/ lighter spring rates

Ironman, sounds like your valves are set too tight, if your oil is that light and it is harsh. Did you do the install? Is the damper rod drilled out correctly?