Give Cogent Dynamics a call. They have springs and expertise....you'll be happy you did!
Da'gum Shock
Well, now I feel like I'm just neglecting my bike with all the things happening to it. Looks like the fork seal has failed and the fork was leaking bad on my last ride. Do y'all recommend replacing the springs with progressive ones since I have to get in there anyway? Also, I may just be a bit (or really) dumb, but I am unable to find just the fork seal online. Thoughts? Advice? Thanks!
Attachments
-
1.7 MB Views: 239 -
1.3 MB Views: 103 -
2.2 MB Views: 110
1 - 9 of 9 Posts
I get my fork seals from my Kawi dealer. Yes, now is the time for suspension upgrades if you are considering them; what year KLR? what's your loaded weight? how do you find the current setup? ...have you ever checked or set the sag?
It is a 2011 and, with just me and a water bladder, I'd say it's around 215 lbs. I don't haul much more than that. Except maybe a gym bag when I'm commuting.I get my fork seals from my Kawi dealer. Yes, now is the time for suspension upgrades if you are considering them; what year KLR? what's your loaded weight? how do you find the current setup? ...have you ever checked or set the sag?
I have not checked or set the sag. Honestly, this is my first really off-road worthy motorcycle, so I don't really know what it should feel like. There are a few times each off road ride that I might bottom out. So, I guess a bit stiffer would be better.
try setting your sag to about 30% of travel; about 2.5" front and 2.25" rear. .....if the front sags much more you may need some stiffer springs
Dave
Dave
Dave P. You didn't say that one needs to ADD longer (home made) spacers under the fork caps to decrease the sag.
On my Gen1 I installed Progressive springs / and new spacers. Any how I noticed right away that the dive of the front end was greatly reduced. all in all have been happy with the setup. I dont pound the machine much but I can not recall bottoming it out. How does Progressive compare to the new Cogent Dynamics springs. Cogent was not available back then I dont think . . comments appreciated. line6
Progressive springs are a bandaid for the poor factory damping curve and weak springrates.....that said, they work OK. The straight rate or dual rate springs from Cogent and others are only part of the equation; the rest is to fix the damping curve which can only be done by a device that takes over damping from the stock damper rod orifices......while there are several available on the market, the only ones that I would recommend are the Racetech Emulators and the Cogent DDC's - of the two, the Cogent DDC's are a bit better IMO and are way easier to install. The only way I'd go with Progressive springs would be if I was convinced I'd never get the RT or DDC cartridges......if I thought I might, I'd get the RT or Cogent springs now and add the high tech bits later.
As far as functionality goes, if the stock damper rod fork damping and weak springs rate a 1 out of 10 (with 10 being a high end modern MX fork) then the progressive springs get you to a 2 or 3 and the Cogent DDC gets you to an 8 - 8.5......this is HIGHLY subjective but just to give you an idea.
This is an excellent read on how RT emulators work - the Cogent DDC's are similar in terms of fuctional improvment albeit using a slightly different mechanism to get there; Emulators-How They Work
Dave
As far as functionality goes, if the stock damper rod fork damping and weak springs rate a 1 out of 10 (with 10 being a high end modern MX fork) then the progressive springs get you to a 2 or 3 and the Cogent DDC gets you to an 8 - 8.5......this is HIGHLY subjective but just to give you an idea.
This is an excellent read on how RT emulators work - the Cogent DDC's are similar in terms of fuctional improvment albeit using a slightly different mechanism to get there; Emulators-How They Work
Dave
yup, stock suspension sux. just bite the bullet and go cogent all the way front and rear. bout $1200. talk to todd at cogent. great guy
1 - 9 of 9 Posts
- This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Kawasaki KLR Forum
A forum community dedicated to Kawasaki KLR 650 motorcycle owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about performance, modifications, adjustments, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, conversions, and more!
Full Forum Listing
