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5.4 or a 5.8 Spring for Rear?
Posted: 12:39 pm May 05 2020
by DenverKdxRider
Hi folks,
Thanks for letting me join! I've got a 96' KDX and looking to get the suspension redone. I'm 235-240 lbs in street clothes. I'm definitely going with a .46 for the fork springs but not sure if I should get a 5.4 or a 5.8 for the back. The RaceTech calculator said I should get a 5.8 to 6 but on a forum here
viewtopic.php?t=15156 it was all over the place.
Is a 5.8 overkill? Or should I go with a 5.4? I prefer stiffer suspension for the whoops and rockier riding I normally do here in Colorado..
Re: 5.4 or a 5.8 Spring for Rear?
Posted: 03:47 pm May 05 2020
by KDXGarage
Welcome. I moved this over to the 1995+ section. The reference section is "supposed to be" more of a posting of facts section, not a Q and A section.
What is your riding weight in full gear with all water backpack, extra gas, tools, parts, etc.? For now, I would suggest a 5.5 or 5.6. Another member has just reported 100 mm sag and 30 mm static sag at 235 pounds in full gear with a 5.4. Years ago, I bought 5.5's from 2006 KX450F's for my 2005 KX250.
Depending on terrain and skill, .46 might not be just enough for you.
Re: 5.4 or a 5.8 Spring for Rear?
Posted: 07:02 pm May 07 2020
by DenverKdxRider
Hi KDXGarage,
Just weighed myself. I'm 260 lbs with all my gear on! (Need to loose some weight). I'm gonna use the .46 front fork springs for sure. I could not find anyone selling .48s. Given that I'm 260 with gear would a 5.8 be more suitable?
Re: 5.4 or a 5.8 Spring for Rear?
Posted: 11:00 pm May 07 2020
by KDXGarage
.48 and 5.6
https://racetech.com/ProductSearch/12/K ... DX200/1996
Race Tech shows they have 48's. Maybe you can find them cheaper somewhere else.
At 260, I would think .48 is the way to go.
Re: 5.4 or a 5.8 Spring for Rear?
Posted: 01:23 pm May 09 2020
by DenverKdxRider
Will go with the .48 and the 5.6. Will need to return both my old springs but better to do it right than have some stiffer than a board or unbalanced suspension. Thanks again!
Re: 5.4 or a 5.8 Spring for Rear?
Posted: 10:28 pm May 09 2020
by KDXGarage
Yeah. It is best to get the rates correct, make sure everything is mechanically, then worry about revalving.
Different bikes and terrain call for different rates. KLX300R used to come with 5.8, but you would have to be around 285 for that on a 95+ KDX. Like the member in the other current thread, I am about a .46/5.4 guy like him, not too far from you.
On the shock, go in a couple clicks or three on rebound.