Gixxus Christ! Posted April 12, 2018 Report Share Posted April 12, 2018 Got a set of sonic springs for my bandit. They are a few inches shorter than stock. Came with pvc pipe to cut for spacers. Instructions say to cut spacers so they give 1/2" preload when installed, and to calculate this by putting them in the fork, measuring down to top of spring, then subtracting length of top plug and adding 1/2". Thing is, they're cartridge forks and the springs are pre-loaded by the cartridge itself. Anyone have experience with this? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Killer_kaw Posted April 12, 2018 Report Share Posted April 12, 2018 I’ve always cut the spacers so the total length of the new spring/spacer matches the total length of the old spring/spacer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gixxus Christ! Posted April 12, 2018 Author Report Share Posted April 12, 2018 2 hours ago, Killer_kaw said: I’ve always cut the spacers so the total length of the new spring/spacer matches the total length of the old spring/spacer That was my thinking, but then I read the instructuons.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gixxus Christ! Posted April 12, 2018 Author Report Share Posted April 12, 2018 Also it says that stock progressive springs need a lot more preload because they aren't properly rated for the individual rider, so by that logic I should need less spacer than the difference between the two. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
motocat12 Posted April 12, 2018 Report Share Posted April 12, 2018 measure the length of the "spring gap" of the assembled cartridge. cut the spacer so it and the spring = 1/2 more than the gap. ? save up $ for extra pvc for next time Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Killer_kaw Posted April 13, 2018 Report Share Posted April 13, 2018 Second thought....instructions do make some sense. When it goes back together bolt in the cartridges...measure from bottom spring keeper to the top of the extended leg.....subtract the cap length.....add your 1/2” preload...cut your spacer....set fluid level and drop in spring and spacer. Then you should have to compress the spring 1/2” to get the top spring seat under the jam nut. Guess it’s no different than I’ve done on others just never had to measure. Spacers have been pre cut or measurements given by manufacturer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gixxus Christ! Posted April 13, 2018 Author Report Share Posted April 13, 2018 10 hours ago, Killer_kaw said: Second thought....instructions do make some sense. When it goes back together bolt in the cartridges...measure from bottom spring keeper to the top of the extended leg.....subtract the cap length.....add your 1/2” preload...cut your spacer....set fluid level and drop in spring and spacer. Then you should have to compress the spring 1/2” to get the top spring seat under the jam nut. Guess it’s no different than I’ve done on others just never had to measure. Spacers have been pre cut or measurements given by manufacturer. I'll try that. Part of the problem is I am very unfamiliar with cartridge forks, I'm used to old damper rod style. Gotta wait for my seal driver to be delivered before I do this anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.