F2 fork spring rate (general suspension Q)

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F2 fork spring rate (general suspension Q)

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F2 fork spring rate (general suspension Q) - 6/23/2008 10:27:11 AM

rk97

Posts: 72
Joined: 5/13/2008
Status: offline

info: 1993 CBR F2

Hi all - Just wondering if there is some general suspension advice, or something specific to the F2 that might help me out a bit here.

Generally speaking, japanese bikes are under-sprung for most riders (jap test riders being 150 lbs and all), plus mine is a ''93, so not exactly ''fresh'' anymore.

As such, my TRACK BIKE (important to note, mostly because i want the springs firm. road compliance not an issue) now has 1.0 springs in it. The 1.0 was calculated using Sonic Springs rate calculator, so I''m fairly confident that is the correct rate for my bike''s weight, my weight, and riding style ("racing" in this case).

My broblem is, I am still getting a TON of dive in the forks under braking. More than I think I should. I can stand next to the bike w/ my hand on the brake and easily bounce the forks. I can''t do the same on my EX-500 (.90 springs in that one because it''s lighter and is used on teh street)

I set the pre-load at about 3/4 of an inch (in the spring itself) and the adjustments set in the MIDDLE. Now, even with the adjusters moved all the way in, i''m still getting a ton of dive. too soft.

so simple questions:

Which do I try first? - add more preload (larger spacers), OR more/thicker fork oil? (oil is currently just above stock level)

I know the F3 had much better forks than the F2. are the F2''s really just this bad? I''m hoping there''s some help for them... I''d like to avoid replacing them completely.

Post #: 1

RE: F2 fork spring rate (general suspension Q) - 6/24/2008 1:17:50 PM

Tahoe SC

Posts: 5842
Joined: 8/24/2005
Status: offline

how much do you weigh? what springs are you using?

_____________________________

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"Let the ignorance die with the ignorant" - Tahoe SC
bye bye F4i!

(in reply to rk97)

Post #: 2

RE: F2 fork spring rate (general suspension Q) - 6/26/2008 2:56:18 PM

rk97

Posts: 72
Joined: 5/13/2008
Status: offline

with gear, I''d put myself at around 180. 1.0 Sonic springs

the bike just dives really hard under braking, and is mushy when i try to bounce the forks.

The spring manufacturerer suggested adding a little fork oil. Says my preload should really only be used to set the sag. it''s entirely possible that I don''t know what a good suspension setting feels like.

I''ll be at the track in a couple weeks and will try some different things there.

(in reply to Tahoe SC)

Post #: 3