Suspension upgrade

[c_dug]

G'day all,

I'm sitting here making plans to spend money I shouldn't be spending as per usual. Chances are I won't be able to do this for at least a few months, maybe longer depending on cost but I'd like to be able to weigh up my options.

As is the way with these things the blue spot brakes I fitted recently have highlighted inadequacies in other places, namely the softness of my front suspension.
If I remember correctly the front end has Hagon progressive springs fitted, and if I brake heavily I get about 2-3 inches of dive before the springs seem to toughen up enough to do much. I don't recall any clunk or juddering usually associated with bottoming out but I would like to reduce the initial diving if possible.

I've never looked at this before so I'm not sure what I need to do, obviously being an old man's touring bike there aren't many sporty parts available off the shelf so do I need to speak to a suspension place? How do I know how stiff the springs need to be? Are they a standard length? Do I need to change any other bits?

I basically need a little n00bs guide to suspension upgrades.

Or am I going to be better off looking at fitting a front end from a different bike?
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I am a bellend, I am a man of constant sorrow, I am a gummy bear, I am a rock.

[Matt B]

What bike are you referring to here?
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stinkwheel: He had an animated .gif of a cat performing fellatio. It's not socially acceptable. It can have real life adverse effects on other people.

[c_dug]

Oops, forgot that bit, xj900 diversion.
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I am a bellend, I am a man of constant sorrow, I am a gummy bear, I am a rock.

[Vincent]

Have you looked on the Divvy forum for any recommended upgrades? Before buying and swapping parts over, it's always cheaper to let someone else do the research

When was the oil last changed? Maybe you could try a heavier type?
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Space Is Deep

[c_dug]

Yep, had a quick look before posting here but couldn't see much other than the suggestions of progressive springs.
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I am a bellend, I am a man of constant sorrow, I am a gummy bear, I am a rock.

[Hugh Farking Cant]

Not a lot you can do with progressives except increase the preload with a longer/additional spacer; Hagon kits come with the recommended one.

Thicker oil only slows up the damping; it helps but really it masks the problem.

What dia forks ?

There are some very economical cartridge emulator kits out there, primarily designed for other makes that have been fitted and work very well on the Yamaha sports bike range of the same era (late 90,s)

Have you found out how much travel you have left in the forks after severe braking from high speed ?

Check this out;


This may give some indication if it is wise to add further preload'



https://www.fzrarchives.com/ipb/index.php?showtopic=54771&hl=


https://www.sportrider.com/ask-geek-set-your-static-sag

Oil levels,I forgot oil levels.