Fork preload

[El Garto]

Hi
I bought an old gsx750 f -90 last week. Now I want to make sure that the suspesion is set at default values so I can figure out how I want to adjust it so it will fit me.
Does anyone have the figures?
I am also looking for an owners manual but I cant find one.
Someone said that it might be here somewhere but WHERE??

[Wolfe_UK]

It's in the Wiki.. Top bar towards the left

http://katriders.com/wiki/index.php5?title=Service_Manual

[newkatbie]

Here's the link to the service manual. http://katriders.com/wiki/index.php5...ervice_manuals. i think the preload is 3-4. The rest are one click soft of the middle. Mine is set at the stiffest settings and preload 4. I rode with the same settings with a passenger. Then again, i weigh about 165lbs and the passenger like 110lbs. Check out the method to set suspension if you don't know how. It's here some where.

I had this Wolfe.lol. you beat me!

[bob393]

I just checked the manual and I see no specification on the front preload. However I measured my old tubes, the steel tube used to adjust the preload, and they measured 7 7/8 inches. As far as I can see they have never been cut so that should be the stock preload. Now mine is a 1994 and I think they are the same but I'm not positive.

Most of us here agree that the stock setting is not enough preload but it's a starting point for you. Search the .99 cent mod. It's where I started.

As far as the manual, search the wicki it should be there.

[JayBell]

the 99 cent mod is a BAD idea, replacing your OLD springs with new ones for your weight is a GOOD idea.

adding a longer PVC tube to increase spring stiffness decreases fork travel, over compresses already old springs, and is awful mod.

get the right springs, you'll be glad you did.

[steves]

The .99 mod isn't a bad idea if all you've got is .99.

[heptha]

The GSF750F suspension preload is 3 to 4. I had kept the suspension to default initially like you when I bought the Kat. I like to race hard and the right setting for some sporty stuff is the hardest setting. The hard setting is tough on our body, but then we have to give in something to gain some. I think the service manual is available in katriders.com. If you intent to change settings more often, I would say you understand the method fully so that you would not be jamming it anytime.

[Tmod]

The GSF750F suspension preload is 3 to 4. I had kept the suspension to default initially like you when I bought the Kat. I like to race hard and the right setting for some sporty stuff is the hardest setting. The hard setting is tough on our body, but then we have to give in something to gain some. I think the service manual is available in katriders.com. If you intent to change settings more often, I would say you understand the method fully so that you would not be jamming it anytime.

The 3 to 4 setting is rebound and has nothing to do with spring preload. When setting rebound you want the fork to pop back just a bit past static sag and then settle at static sag with no further movement. Set sag first then set rebound.

Tmod

[bob393]

The .99 cent mod is not a fix for anything but it did keep my front end from diving as much under hard breaking until I could get the right springs.

All this is kind of chasing your tail. What I mean is when I first got the bike it seemed fine.
Than as you get used to it little things start to shoe up the bother you.
For me the first thing was the front end dive. Well actually it was the tires but that's something else.
So you start to fix things. Replace the tires, than the bike is nice for a while. Than change the front pre-load, fine for a while.
Than I replaced the front springs WOW that was good for quite a while.
Then the short comings of the rear show up so new rear shock and spring.
That was the best change so far but now the front is showing it's weakness again so in the spring I will put in the emulators and hope that's it for the suspension.

Just my 2 cents.

[katanarider]

I was looking at Race Techs spring rate calculator: http://old.racetech.com/evalving/Spr...-06&ml=GSX600F Katana&formuse=form1&SpringType=Fork&bikeid=460

My weight requires a 1.121 kg/mm .... I weigh a hefty 250lbs+ , Not to mention riding a passenger.
The max spring offered by Race Tech is a 1.0

Therefore, I found another set by Sonic Springs:
http://www.sonicsprings.com/catalog/...c1c244cfd89b71

that offer a 1.10 kg/mm
Are the Sonic Springs a quality product? I've not heard anyone hear say anything about Sonics. Its always Race Tech.

Anyway, so lets say I bought the upgraded springs. Would the .99 cent modification be a good idea ? I want these forks to be "NICE" !

I'm lowered 1.5 inches already so my stock configuration is bottoming out like no tomarrow.

THANKS

[Tmod]

I was looking at Race Techs spring rate calculator: http://old.racetech.com/evalving/Spr...-06&ml=GSX600F Katana&formuse=form1&SpringType=Fork&bikeid=460

My weight requires a 1.121 kg/mm .... I weigh a hefty 250lbs+ , Not to mention riding a passenger.
The max spring offered by Race Tech is a 1.0

Therefore, I found another set by Sonic Springs:
http://www.sonicsprings.com/catalog/...c1c244cfd89b71

that offer a 1.10 kg/mm
Are the Sonic Springs a quality product? I've not heard anyone hear say anything about Sonics. Its always Race Tech.

Anyway, so lets say I bought the upgraded springs. Would the .99 cent modification be a good idea ? I want these forks to be "NICE" !

I'm lowered 1.5 inches already so my stock configuration is bottoming out like no tomarrow.

THANKS

I have never used Sonic as I use and sell only Racetech but to my understanding they are good springs. A option you would have if you went with the Racetech springs is adding more preload using the 1.0 springs and that would offer a little less free sag and be a bit stiffer at the top of the stroke. That would give you a little more resistance to brake dive and a little more road feel. Not sure that is what you are after but it is a option.

Tmod