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Christof wrote:
> I'm thinking about replacing the fork springs of my XR650 with more progressive ones. Are the springs of the XR650 the same as of the XR600, because there are only WP springs for the XR600 available here? Does anybody have experience with aftermarket springs for the XR650?
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away from progressivly wound springs. Find a set of straight rate
springs instead. I believe Eibach makes them.
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BNylander wrote:
> The XR650 has stiffer springs than the XR600 to help counter the extra weight. XR's Only or Thumpers Racing or White Bros. would be some places I would check.
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> Christof wrote:
> > I'm thinking about replacing the fork springs of my XR650 with more progressive ones. Are the springs of the XR650 the same as of the XR600, because there are only WP springs for the XR600 available here? Does anybody have experience with aftermarket springs for the XR650?
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If I were you, I would do the following :
- Change the fork oil and set the oil level at the middle of the range specified in the owners or service manual. I prefer mine set at the lowest level, but you can make it stiffer in the last four-five inches of the stroke by raising the oil level (just like the progressive spring without having to spend the money on one).
- The XR650L fork has adjustable compression, with, I think, 12 clicks of adjustment. I would start at 8 clicks out. That is turn the compression adjuster clockwise until it bottoms softly (don't force it) and then turn it counterclockwise to the 8th click. The compression adjuster effects mainly the low speed compression (diving, etc.) Turn the adjuster clockwise if the front forks dive too much in the corners.
- Install a "lowering link" or go with a XR600 spring. I have heard of people doing both. I would go with the lowering link myself...
The "lowering link" was originally made by Bob Strode and copied by everyone else on the planet. You can get the suspension link through Bob Strode R & D in Woodenville, Washington, U.S.A at (503) 885-1108.
They are also available through White Brothers. I am sure that White Brothers would have an Eibach spring for the front forks as well.
For the terrain here, I prefer a straight rate spring. There are alot of roots and rocks here and the straight rate spring will soak up your
average 6 inch root with more compliance when the fork is halfway through the stroke. A good example of this scenario is when you are braking hard into a corner and hit a series of roots with a few 6-8 inch diameter rocks thrown in for good measure...