WJBertrand said:
Summit Racing sells the Eibach brand of springs. I fitted a 550lb/in with a 10mm custom spacer which works very well for me (230 lbs, side cases usually 1/2 loaded). The part number is 0800.250.0550. You can select different rate springs by changing the last 3 numbers which represent spring rate in lbs./in.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/eib-08002500550
Seems like they've dropped the price now to $66. I have not noticed any "pogoing" of the front on or off road, but I'm not that aggressive in off-road environments, though I push it pretty hard on the pavement.
Scarlet Pig said:
Here is the link to the thread
http://www.yamahasupertenere.com/index.php?topic=19121.0 my weights and sag as of last year with only a few miles on the spring are listed. Last check was 67 mm and I have a LOT of weight on the bike just considering the armor and top box with daily stuff. I don't believe any of the spring rate calculators really take that into account for ADV type bikes. We always have extra crash bars, skid plates etc and that stuff adds up quick. It all adds to "rider sag". The "direct replacement spring" method is quick and easy but the springs are more expensive than using the springs from say Summit Racing with the collar. Check out the link I put out to compare all their rear springs including the ones on Regulator's build. I was most interested in your assessment of spring binding and travel before binding. The "direct replacement spring" is a bit longer at 222mm. As I believe I've mentioned before Race Tech is CLUELESS as to the Tenere ES and will give you bad information. In looking at Regulator's build list sheet from them I can't imagine what went on with the front springs either. Doesn't seem to match up with factory specs in any fashion but what do I know.....
I know this is a old thread. I'm really happy you guys have did this to the ES shock. I personally like Jeffs and Karls solution over the direct fit just for the fact it puts less preload on the spring. Of course the direct fit spring sure makes it easier to do the swap without the hassle of installing a spacer.
My biggest concern with the direct replacement is the fact you have to crank down the preload 25mm-36mm for the range of the ES shock. That's a lot of preload. Of course if the damn thing works then all is good!
A a comparison stock OEM or Karl and Jeffs spacer only requires 16-27mm preload.
Hmmm, either way not so bad. How are the bikes handling guys?
OTOH, after looking at the sag numbers it's apparent near the same results can be had with either way. These adventure bikes are really a challenge due to the frequent added and removed weight. I went through the same thing with my Beta. I must have changed at least three spring rates before I got a decent sag I could live with. I still can't believe I was using it for adventure riding!!! Trust me 800 miles on a dirt bike through Death Valley was torture!!
For the heck of it here are my OEM spring sag numbers with my bike stripped and me in my riding gear. I'm right at about 220-225 lbs geared up and ready to ride. Tank is full and crash protection installed.
1 helmet: 48mm free sag/87mm rider sag
1 helmet and luggage: 46mm free/82mm rider
2 helmets: 32mm free/72mm rider
2 helmets and luggage: 29mm free/68 rider