Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Honda Tech
AT fork springs AT fork springs
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Honda Tech Honda Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to Honda riders only.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 8 Mar 2008
kevinhancock750's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: gone for a spin
Posts: 269
AT fork springs
preparing my AT for ice land this summer and am thinking about changing the front fork springs(mine are still standard). touratech are just around the corner from me and they have some progressive wirth springs for £80. does anyone have experience of these or other's and does it make a big difference? if i change them do i use standard fork oil with them or is there some better oil to be had. i'm gonna leave the rear standard i think as i'm quite happy with it.also the cost to change is high and we all seen (dare i say it) ewan and charlie's problems!
any advice greatly recieved
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 8 Mar 2008
Guest2
Guest
  
Posts: n/a
Kevin,
What problem are you trying to solve?

I don't know what rate the AT fork springs are, but progresive springs work over a range, I could make a quess at the range but it is not important. The problem with progressive springs is the standard damping will only be matched to the spring in a smaller range.

Improve the damping with the standard spring and you feel the improvement on the road and dirt. If I recall the AT has two spring rates as standard.

Racetech emulators with linear springs is the way to go to improve the handling.
Race Tech Inc.

Steve
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 9 Mar 2008
kevinhancock750's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: gone for a spin
Posts: 269
no problem really.
not really a problem with bike but what i'm thinking of is that i'm gonna try and shift some weight forwards by making a toolbox to go on front of the sumpguard and then adding tank bag (never had one)and maybe 1 or 2 other little bits. i'm thinking that the extra weight would'nt help with front braking/nose diving situation. so therefore thought of upgrading the front end a little as it's relatively cheap to do so(about £100). nothing set in concrete and was toying with the idea. (as we do)
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 9 Mar 2008
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 994
You need to match the fork oil weight and volume with your springs - I bought some from Hagon and they came with the correct amount and weight oil for my bike. I imagine they would do the same for the AT
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 9 Mar 2008
Guest2
Guest
  
Posts: n/a
Quote:
Originally Posted by kevinhancock750 View Post
not really a problem with bike but what i'm thinking of is that i'm gonna try and shift some weight forwards by making a toolbox to go on front of the sumpguard and then adding tank bag (never had one)and maybe 1 or 2 other little bits. i'm thinking that the extra weight would'nt help with front braking/nose diving situation. so therefore thought of upgrading the front end a little as it's relatively cheap to do so(about £100). nothing set in concrete and was toying with the idea. (as we do)
If you are basically happy with the forks performance now I would concentrate on the sag. You will need to read up on it, there is loads of info on the web. With out adjustable preload you will use some spacers which maybe too much when not loaded.

To give you an indication of the progressive springs for the Transalp.
The standard springs which are linear in action, compress at 0.6 kg per mm
The compression rates for Hagon progressive springs Start at 0.4kg/mm and go up to 0.7kg/mm. Not sure about the spec on Touratech springs.

I would still recommend the Racetech emulators they make a big difference and separate the rebound and compression damping which allows easier adjustment of both, the rebound is adjusted by oil viscosity and compression by poppet spring rate and preload.

It is not a good idea to set out on a big trip with having your modifications fully tested nothing worse than a bad handling bike to ruin a trip.

Steve
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 9 Mar 2008
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 994
Quote:
Originally Posted by SteveAttwood View Post
It is not a good idea to set out on a big trip with having your modifications fully tested nothing worse than a bad handling bike to ruin a trip.
Unfortunately the luggage added for overlanding will trash the handling anyway!
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 11 Mar 2008
kevinhancock750's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: gone for a spin
Posts: 269
Doh!
thought it would be easy. it now seems complicated! i thought just whipping out/changing springs and changing the oil would be it.i've not had any experience working on fork's in the past so i think a little more studying is needed.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Should I replace my fork springs? - '89 XT600 B. Adams Yamaha Tech 9 15 Feb 2008 22:23
About to fit my new fork springs..!! (anyone know some germa Donmanolo BMW Tech 5 5 Dec 2005 22:38
Hagon fork springs Jim_K Yamaha Tech 2 21 Oct 2003 18:54
R100GS FORK SPRINGS merlin BMW Tech 0 31 Aug 2002 00:55
R100GS fork springs merlin BMW Tech 1 22 Feb 2002 21:55

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 11:39.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top