Spring rates and other questions
Posted: 04:30 am Jan 24 2010
I have had my KDX for about 6 months and have been wondering if I need to change the spring rates for my weight. However, I don't want to waiste money if I don't have to. The previous owner told me the original owner did some mods but I don't know if that included any suspension work.
I weigh in at 150 after a heavy lunch. I ride some tight desert single track and all the nasty stuff (deep sand washes, rocks, hardpack to silt) that comes with it. I would say I'm a C class rider at best. I ride really aggressive for my skill level but I know I'm not that good.
On to the questions! How can you tell what spring rate you have installed front/rear? I have the factory, conventional forks upfront.
Race Tech recommends a .40 spring up front. Isn't that a little stiff for a rider of my weight? I would think a .38 would be closer.
I read the sticky about using XR fork springs. If the 95+ springs work in the 89-92 bikes, and the XR springs work in the 95+ bikes, the XR springs should work on the 89-92 bikes, right? Sorry to be nuisance but it isn't specifically spelled out that way in the sticky and I want to be sure before I plunk down cash for springs.
EDIT:
BTW, if I were to decide to go the USD route, would a '93 KX125 setup work and would it be an improvement over the stock KDX legs?
I weigh in at 150 after a heavy lunch. I ride some tight desert single track and all the nasty stuff (deep sand washes, rocks, hardpack to silt) that comes with it. I would say I'm a C class rider at best. I ride really aggressive for my skill level but I know I'm not that good.
On to the questions! How can you tell what spring rate you have installed front/rear? I have the factory, conventional forks upfront.
Race Tech recommends a .40 spring up front. Isn't that a little stiff for a rider of my weight? I would think a .38 would be closer.
I read the sticky about using XR fork springs. If the 95+ springs work in the 89-92 bikes, and the XR springs work in the 95+ bikes, the XR springs should work on the 89-92 bikes, right? Sorry to be nuisance but it isn't specifically spelled out that way in the sticky and I want to be sure before I plunk down cash for springs.
EDIT:
BTW, if I were to decide to go the USD route, would a '93 KX125 setup work and would it be an improvement over the stock KDX legs?