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X Challenge - Fork Springs

Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2016 11:30 am
by Dave DRZ
I need to replace the fork seals on my X Challenge and I'm wondering about whether it's worth forking (sorry) out for the Hyper Pro progressive fork springs at the same time?

Any experiences? Any thoughts?

Dave

Re: X Challenge - Fork Springs

Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2016 11:33 am
by Simon_100
Before you do check out the for sale topic for a used set
Simon

Re: X Challenge - Fork Springs

Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2016 12:09 pm
by Dave DRZ
Thanks - it was Andy's post that made me remember I've been thinking about it. I suspect his fork springs are standard (that he replaced them with alternatives like Hyperpro) but I'll keep my eye out for his listing.

I'm interested to know if people think it's worth doing or not.

Dave

Re: X Challenge - Fork Springs

Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2016 12:53 pm
by kito
The is a thread on ADV all about x challenge forks.
Im on my second x challenge now and the bmw forks are utter shite. I got some WP forks for less than the progressive springs and sold the bmw forks. Best free upgrade you can do

Re: X Challenge - Fork Springs

Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2016 3:27 pm
by andymac
Hyperpro solved the diving problems,

Re: X Challenge - Fork Springs

Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2016 3:35 pm
by bowber
Just stronger/heavier springs will help, there is a lot of discussion about the pros and cons of progressive springs but they seem to come down to just use straight rate springs of the correct rate.

Also just having heavier springs with less pre load gives you a better smoother and more responsive initial action, it's to do with the initial movement of the springs is easier than having them partially squashed (technical term) :cheer:

Steve

Re: X Challenge - Fork Springs

Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2016 7:29 pm
by scoobydidler
bowber wrote:Just stronger/heavier springs will help, there is a lot of discussion about the pros and cons of progressive springs but they seem to come down to just use straight rate springs of the correct rate.

Also just having heavier springs with less pre load gives you a better smoother and more responsive initial action, it's to do with the initial movement of the springs is easier than having them partially squashed (technical term) :cheer:

Steve
Agree with that Steve, i've read all the stuff linear vs progressive, can't do right for doing wrong.
I opted for ohlins linear ones on the Ten and the difference is considerable. I've only had one day out on it so i'l make a change or two probably. Not much to worry about twiddling on those forks!

For now tho the preload is wound out most of the way and it doesnt dive excessively, it actually feels on the firm side at slow speeds where it rebounds too quickly (no control over that) and as a result it rides better at higher speeds.

You can't polish a turd as they say but i'm happy with it.

Sent from my D6603 using Tapatalk

Re: X Challenge - Fork Springs

Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2016 8:08 pm
by minkyhead
i tried hyperpro on the klr dave ..it did improve it and was much better on the bigger bumps but it was far less plush on the ordinary slower stuff and i found it quite harsh on the road ..but the bigger the hit the better it was ..but for ordinary use i found them annoying /harsh

i went back to linier springs and fitted some valves from ricor ..i did the same as scooby on the tenere ..the ohlins springs worked quite well or at least made it feel ,plusher than the standard and stopped the dive where you think you might go over the bars on drops ..out of a choice if there is one id opt for ohlins (thumbs)

Re: X Challenge - Fork Springs

Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2016 6:25 am
by Dave DRZ
Now I'm confused :side:

I thought that fitting progressive springs was a regular mod on these (and other off road) bikes. My understanding is that progressive springs are a compromise for on and off road use, but linear springs are best for road and race bikes.

Guess I'll spend a bit more time pondering before going ahead with fixing the seals.

Dave

Re: X Challenge - Fork Springs

Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2016 8:04 am
by Mike54
bowber wrote:Just stronger/heavier springs will help, there is a lot of discussion about the pros and cons of progressive springs but they seem to come down to just use straight rate springs of the correct rate.

Also just having heavier springs with less pre load gives you a better smoother and more responsive initial action, it's to do with the initial movement of the springs is easier than having them partially squashed (technical term) :cheer:

Steve
spot on and much cheaper than different forks (thumbs)