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front spring size difference for magwheel bonnie ?

2K views 10 replies 7 participants last post by  Sheepdog 
#1 ·
Hello,

Could you tell me if there is a difference in size between the mag and the spoke wheel bonneville front the fork springs ?

Any other differences , spacers ?

I am planning to get progressives springs , i see different offers for different model and years of bonneville on Ebay , so i just want to make sure before ordering.

Any feed back for Wilbers springs ?


Thanks a lot

D1
 
#4 ·
I ride an 09 Bonny SE.

About a year ago, I installed Ikon progressive springs. The ride improved over stock, but if I were to do over, I'd go with Sonic Springs (straight rate) dialed in for my weight and riding style.

I put Sonics on my Wee and like the ride better than the progressive type.

Sonic website has a pretty convincing argument under the Tech Articles explaining why straight rate is now favored over progressive rates.

http://www.sonicsprings.com/catalog/straight_vs_prog_tech_article.php

No affiliation with Sonic...

NFE
 
#7 ·
....if I were to do over, I'd go with Sonic Springs (straight rate) dialed in for my weight and riding style..
+1.

The problem I have with progressive springs is that the initial spring rate is too soft and the high spring rate is too firm. This is the result of trying to fabricate a 'one size fits all' spring.

Anyway, the typical outcome of dialing in the proper amount of initial sag on a progressive spring often takes out so much of the softer rate portion of the spring that you are into the firmer rate on even moderate bumps. Get whatever you want, but there is a reason why folks go from stock springs to progressive springs, only to upgrade the forks further to improve compliance (e.g. emulators)...these later upgrades generally result in kicking the progressive spring to the curb.

Regards,

--Rich
 
#5 ·
Thanks for your answer No False Enthus,

I get what you are saying , but you have to moderetly believe what companies are saying.
I show you what PATRIOT say about straight springs:

Straight Rate Springs have the same rate every inch that they are compressed, which is fine on flat super smooth roads, but they lack the power of the multirate springs to handle today’s unpredictable road conditions. In Multirate Springs, each inch the springs are compressed the rate increases which results in a spring that absorbs small bumps, yet is firmer at the bottom for bigger ones. That gives you a more comfortable ride whether you are on a smooth or rough road.
 
#8 ·
yes one-size-does not fit all, i believe thats where the $$$ comes in, cutting manufacturing costs adds profit and sometime a lower price, in the past i found that the better quality and correct fitment for YOU is the best buy. thats where this forum helps, granted opinions vary but usually when most people agree one way or another results are usually good. with varying rider weights and preferred riding styles + comfort levels motorcycle suspension setups are a crap shoot!!! unless custom made for YOU!!!!
 
#9 ·
One size does not fit all... but is a much better solution for street riding vs. closed course (track) use. Single rate springs are ideal for a perfectly smooth race track and can be better matched to a specific rider's weight. However, on public roads which vary from silky smooth to near lunar surface-like with pot holes, speed bumps, cracks, uneven pavement and such, progressively-wound (or "rising rate" if you prefer) springs are a better solution.

On the street, when a bike hits a bump at speed, single rate spring are more prone to bottom-out resulting in a hard jolt and possible instability. The same bike & bump using progressively-wound springs will not have the same sever jolt and will not bottom-out nearly as quickly as the single rate springs.

Most sport bike suspension specialists are so myoptically focused on race track prep and (understandably) they sell what they understand. The street is a much different beast and should be properly outfitted accordingly.

/M
 
#10 ·
Ultimately the only reason to use progressive springs in our bikes is because the damping is somewhat medieval and really it is a band-aid which treats symptom rather than cause. I've found Intiminators very effective even with the standard springs (whch are probably a bit light for my weight) some of the cartridge systems such as Biturbo are apparently even better
 
#11 ·
When I replaced the original springs on my '03 T100, I was surprised to find that the Triumph springs were very short; with really long spacers holding them in position. The replacements (Ikon Progressives) were full length items that did not require spacers. Indeed, the soft initial rate of the Ikons is not the perfect setup for a track bike. However, the soft initial rate provides a comfortable ride and quickly settles on the firmer spring rate under braking. Overall, I experienced improved comfort with reduced front-end dive. This allowed me to use longer shocks (thruxton-length Ikon 7614s) which sharpened up the steering and made a huge improvement to the bike's handling.
 
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