Hi folks, I just purchase some FGRT forks for my 848 Evo (pretty pumped!). Anyway, I would like to get your thoughts on which spring I should be using with these forks. I weigh about 145lbs without gear so lets say 155-160lbs with gear. I ride mainly in the canyons with some occasional track days. I am not demon on the brakes and ride well within my skill level on the street. The Ohlins rep recommends a 95 spring. Other biker friends I have recommend 85 or 90 spring. What do you all think? Any input would be appreciated!
Try this site, racetech https://racetech.com/ProductSearch/ closest I found when I had ohlins on my 848 was 1098s. You can see what’s standard then add your weight, type of riding etc and it will give you an estimated best spring weight
setting for ohlins 1198s Riding Type: Canyon Skill Level: Expert/A Class Stiffness Preference: Standard Stiffness Lowering: Not Lowered Rider Weight: 160 FRONT FORK SPRINGS Recommended Front Spring Rate: 0.97 kg/mm (Spring unavailable, please call) Stock Front Spring Rate: 1 kg/mm (stock) Select the tech: Install it yourself Riding Type: Canyon Skill Level: Expert/A Class Stiffness Preference: Standard Stiffness Lowering: Not Lowered Rider Weight: 160 Sag: 35 mm REAR SHOCK SPRINGS Recommended Spring Rate: 8.83 kg/mm (Use closest available) Stock Spring Rate: 8.15 kg/mm (stock) Adapter collars - Springs require all listed adapter collars/bushings
Thank you. So based on this the .95 spring is recommended, just like what the Ohlins rep said. Hmmm...what to do.
Depends on use. That quick search was based on fast canyon type riding. Also depends if you go linear or progressive springs. If you go light you may have to up the preload to get the sag you need. Imho I’d rather have heavier spring and adjust with preload and oil level than too soft a spring
Agreed. When I change my riding level to intermediate the recommendation changes to .87 which is now closer to what my friends are saying. I think in reality I would classify more in this group, especially since I ride conservatively on the street. So now I need to decide between .85 and .90.
Got a chance to talk to Matt at Ohlins who was very generous with his time. In the end, we agreed that with my conservative riding style on the street and infrequent track days the 90 spring would suit me best. Matt said the riders who are more aggressive on the brakes and/or do more track days will want a stiffer spring like a 95 or even 10. Any way, the spring has been ordered and I will get my new FGRT forks next week! If they offer even a fraction of the improvement I got when switching to the TTX shock I will be very satisfied.
FGRT forks are fantastic. I have recently bought a set for m 1199 and they are superb road and track. I also matched it with a TTX GP shock. Superb quality and performance. They are streets ahead of the Marzocchi forks and shock my base model came with.