How hard can it be to replace front springs?

[varminter]

After asking a couple of local dealers to upgrade the front springs on the DL1000, I've decided to do it myself. Mainly as the locals were not interested. So, how hard is it, I'm fairly practical and willing to have a go over the winter. The other question is: where to get them from, any New Zealand suppliers?

[caspernz]

Or you could talk to a suspension specialist and do the whole job right? Dr Robert Taylor at Kiwi Suspension Specialists in New Plymouth comes to mind...:niceone:

[nzspokes]

Very easy job. Hardest part is working out how to hold the bike up while you do it.

[FJRider]

Or you could talk to a suspension specialist and do the whole job right? Dr Robert Taylor at Kiwi Suspension Specialists in New Plymouth comes to mind...:niceone:

He's easily found ...

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/member.php/12047-Robert-Taylor

[paturoa]

Go join www.stromtrooper.com (http://www.stromtrooper.com) and do a search there. They have a bunch of how to threads and also the info you will need regarding spring weights / strengths and fork fluid levels. It is a very helpful strom site.

Edit: they also have links to other more technical strom sites like VSI

[HornetBoy]

I pulled apart the front end of my SV650 without too much hassle to replace the springs with a set of sonic springs(well renowned and good prices incl shipping) of a higher/stiffer rate(never done it before!) . All i needed was a front(stem not axle stand) and rear stand (you can attach tie-downs from the roof for to the tail end for more stability) and followed the Haynes manual as well as online forum how-to's when i got stuck .

Of course it was definitely no smooth sailing ,but i got it done right in the end and i know for the future what not to do etc <_<

[AllanB]

Mr T supplied me with Ohlins springs for my Hornet and I replaced them myself.

Couple things to note - the top nut will probably be a bitch to open, best to loosen it while still clamped in the tree.

Allow twice as long as you think it will take!

[varminter]

Ta for the replies. Yes, I check the Stromtrooper site and yes, I think I'll go with the sonic springs. I emailed them today to see if they ship here. I had considered the idea of hanging the front on straps, glad you guys think that'll be ok, I've a stand for the rear. So I'll take it off the road for a few weeks when the weather's bad and do it (I always end up putting the rego on hold thinking I'll not use the bike than suffering withdrawal symptoms and re doing the rego).

[Juzz976]

You tube it, otherwise look at the TLZONE.net or TLPlanet.

[jellywrestler]

[QUOTE=AllanB;1130541580- the top nut will probably be a bitch to open, best to loosen it while still clamped in the tree.

Allow twice as long as you think it will take![/QUOTE] best loosen off the top triple tree first as this can keep the tension on the bolt methinks, yes to robert taylor, he'll sort you

[Robert Taylor]

After asking a couple of local dealers to upgrade the front springs on the DL1000, I've decided to do it myself. Mainly as the locals were not interested. So, how hard is it, I'm fairly practical and willing to have a go over the winter. The other question is: where to get them from, any New Zealand suppliers?

Why not PM me personally and Ill give you a ( good ) price. There will always be those that will indiscriminately buy off shore even though they often derive their own income and job security ( or lack thereof )from small NZ businesses that depend on patronage from the local population. Just my 2 cents worth that will have me hung drawn and quartered....

As your local we offer many advantages that I have been at pains to point out over the years in various threads.

[AllanB]

Just to add to the above I found Roberts pricing to be very honest - yest it was slightly dearer than I could have ordered offshore HOWEVER if I had just punched the specs in the on-line spring calculator I would have ordered a stiffer set and been very disapointed.

Mr T recommended a slightly softer set for NZ conditions (and presumably experience) and he was absolutely spot on. In addition if I was not happy he was prepared to replace the springs. That alone was worth the additional $30 or so.

Problem was the bugger got the front springs spot on and that showed up the shit rear shock so a month or so later I was e-mailing him again for a rear shock....... now I also wonder how much more those fancy gold valves will improve the front end over and above the springs..............


It will cost nothing to e-mail.