[ScooterBJ]

Anyone have any experience on swapping out the fork springs to stiffer ones, and/or where they would be available. If non are available i will likely swap to springs from another scooter motorcycle. Likely, I would have to shorten them so any input that can save me work would be appreciated.

 

[NormanB]

Could you update your profile with your bike details :thumbup:

 

[Scootereno]

Are you planning on racing it or why the desire to stiffen what I feel are already too stiff front forks springs?
More travel and less stiff both front and back would be my goal. Especially when crossing Rail Road tracks and pot holes.

 

[ScooterBJ]

Are you planning on racing it or why the desire to stiffen what I feel are already too stiff front forks springs?
More travel and less stiff both front and back would be my goal. Especially when crossing Rail Road tracks and pot holes.

Hi Scootereno. Me racing, :shock: noooooo, just everyday riding and touring. Your 400 must be substantially different from the 2 I have owned ('06 & '05) as both have had very weak 'squishy' fork springs. My springs are so weak the sag is easily 40% with my wife (average weight) sitting on it. The remaining suspension travel is so weak it easily bottoms out. This does give a stiff, rough ride, but not due to stiff springs, it's due to weak springs. The small 13" wheel adds to the weak-spring-roughness. The large amount of fork sag also changes the steering geometry to quicker steering and adds twitchy-ness at speed. Also braking on rough surfaces can be unintentionally exhilarating.

The Honda Silver Wing 600 has very weak fork springs -- same issues. The one i had I refitted with a HyperPro fork kit. This consisted of new springs with a matched synth fork oil and a special fork seal grease to reduce 'stiction'. It totally transformed the scoot -- and honestly, I would not have owned a SW unless I know i could upgrade the fork springs.

If I have to I will find a set of springs from a motorcycle that would have the stiffness needed, then cut them down. Anyway, I was hoping someone had done this before, saving me from 'reinventing the wheel'. But I will reinvent the wheel, if I have to. :thumbup:

The Scooter: Bought used '05 400 ~18K well maintained miles - modified air box - Dr Pulley sliders - Clearview windscreen - modified seat - custom built tail trunk mounting and fork springs to come....

 

[Jim]

I would assume there are spacers in the forks for the springs. I would try adding additional spacers (Washers) in the tubes to adjust the sag. This thread may help. Front forks While it pertains to a 650, fork principals are the same.
Has the fork oil ever been changed? Heavier oil, may also help.

This search may also help
Search forks 400-pre 07

 

[ScooterBJ]

I would assume there are spacers in the forks for the springs. I would try adding additional spacers (Washers) in the tubes to adjust the sag. This thread may help. Front forks While it pertains to a 650, fork principals are the same.
Has the fork oil ever been changed? Heavier oil, may also help.

Thanks Jim, I'll have a look at that. From my prior experiences, more spacing can help with the sag, but would not stiffen the action and could lessen fork travel, as the spring would then be more compressed. Heavier weight (thicker) fork oil would give more dampening (slowing down the form action). i will go to a slightly heavier oil as part of the fix. More oil (higher volume) could help a bit, i have used this in bikes with less of an issue and I may try it as a stop-gap measure. But too much and the seals can blow. I am pretty determined to go for stiffer springs.... somehow, some way. Of the motorcycles I have owned over the years, I have done suspension upgrades to many and seen huge improvement. My last one was a Zuki V-Strom 100. i did some serious adventure touring on it and the suspension upgrades made the bike amazing on and off road. I did find that Bitubo makes a fork spring kit for the 2007> Burgies. I may email them to see if a kit is offered for my pre-'07. I am definately going to check that link for useful info and thanks again. :thumbup: