Ok, I'm a 6' 235lb R-1 rider. I need to figure out if I need a stiffer than stock spring. A few people have told me the stock springs ideal rider weighs 180 lbs, I'm quite a bit over that. I have the pre-load on my rear suspension set to the hardest setting, and my sag/clearance isnt bad, but will upgrading to a stiffer spring prevent problems? And will it make it safer to have a passenger?

Also, is there a chart or conversion calculator for this type of information? Race Tech claims to have one but all they do is use it as a marketing tool for their gold valve kits, its not actually useful information.

Would appreciate any help in this matter.

Thanks

go here and answer the questions. It's race tech's site and it will tell you what you need to do to the forks and shocks.

They upsell to everything, but you can print it out and at least have the correct spring rates.

CLICK ME!! (http://www.race-tech.com/evalving/English/mctype.asp)

most likely you will need a stronger spring front and rear , the r1 is under sprung in the front

Originally posted by Rick2kR-1
Ok, I'm a 6' 235lb R-1 rider. I need to figure out if I need a stiffer than stock spring. A few people have told me the stock springs ideal rider weighs 180 lbs, I'm quite a bit over that. I have the pre-load on my rear suspension set to the hardest setting, and my sag/clearance isnt bad, but will upgrading to a stiffer spring prevent problems? And will it make it safer to have a passenger?


I'm 6' and about 240lbs with a 99 R1. I just went through the suspension on my bike: RaceTeched the forks and installed a Penske Shock. It made a huge difference, especially with my wife riding on the back.

I used RaceTech .95 fork springs (also Gold Valved the forks) and a 550lb spring on the shock.

I'm in the process of creating a how-to on the forks. Check out this web page, it's still being written so there isn't much information on it yet. If you have any questions feel free to ask...

http://home.surewest.net/jweltch/goldvalve/index.html