----- Original Message -----
From: "Dooden"
To: "DSN KLR650" DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Sunday, March 18, 2012 10:10:18 AM
Subject: [DSN_KLR650] Re: $4.00 fork mod
But did you pregrease them with Relative or True bearing grease ?
Could explain missed destinations...
Dooden
A15 Green Ape
--- In
DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com , "Jud" wrote:
>
> This thread is probably as good a place as any to bring up another fork mod that I have been running for about the past nine years, Don Rolando's super trick, super exclusive fork spring bearings. As you may or may not know, when your fork springs compress, they may (or may not) twist slightly, which gives rise to the possibility of fretting between the springs and fork caps. These bearings, which consist of a set of radially disposed needle bearings sandwiched between shells of thin steel, provide for the relief of that fretting.
>
> When Don Rolando wished to install such bearings on his KLR's fork springs, he first had to go to some lengths to source an appropriate bearing. Once he found them, he found that the smallest quantity he could purchase was forty, which left him with 38 more bearings than he really needed. To defray the expense of acquiring 38 unnecessary bearings, he offered them for sale to his fellow KLR owners.
>
> Because Don Rolando is a nice guy, because I was intrigued by the novel (to me) idea of a fork spring bearing, and mostly because they were cheap, I decided to take a pair off his hands. Before making even a little fool of myself, however, I sent a missive to dirt bike guru Ron Sieman, asking him if there was anything to these devices, or if they were snake oil. Super Hunky replied that yes, indeed, fork spring bearings were in use in the racing industry. The top racers, whose suspension was massaged and refined to the nth degree, often used fork spring bearings to give that last bit of smoothness and compliance to their forks.
>
> "That's good enough for me", I said to myself. "If Ricky Carmicheal ever rode my KLR, I would not want him to think that I was the kind of guy who would stint in its preparation."
>
> So Don Rolando's super trick, super exclusive fork spring bearings went into my KLR's forks. The cost to me, $4.00 (which explains their mention in this thread).
>
> Fork spring bearings: $4.00.
>
> The feeling of smugness and superiority because I have them and you don't: Priceless
>
>
> --- In
DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com , "Jud" wrote:
> >
> > On Gen 1s, the stock spec for oil level is 190mm below the top, springs out, forks compressed. The CW suggests raising the level 20 mm, to 170mm below the top.
> > The Progressive 1151 springs take spacers that are quite a bit shorter than stock, 2''. You can go a half inch longer if you want more preload, but I was always happy with 2" spacers.
> >
> > I don't think fork dive is excessive with these springs (or with the stockers for that matter). I would rather give the closely-wound "progressive" coils more range of movement before they bind up, for better compliance over small bumps. Just adding these stiffer springs reduces sag sufficiently, IMO. I weigh about 250 lb. YMMV
> >
> >
> > --- In
DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com , Mike Huber wrote:
> > >
> > >
> > > Jeffs X2....What would you suggest for a Gen 1 KLR with progressive springs ???
> > > Can I go longer on the spacer and get the same ride that your getting on yours....I've got alot of sag in the front and wouldn't mind a little stiffer ride.
> > > I'll definitly try the Royal Purple ATF....
> > >
> > >
> > > Mike Huber
> > > Carlsbad NM
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > To: jeff@
> > > CC:
dsn_klr650@yahoogroups.com
> > > From: salinej1@
> > > Date: Sat, 17 Mar 2012 21:00:32 -0600
> > > Subject: Re: [DSN_KLR650] $4.00 fork mod
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > On Sat, 17 Mar 2012 19:05:10 -0700 (PDT) Jeff Khoury
> > > writes:
> > > >
> > > > It's time for a fork oil change anyway, so based upon my reading and
> > > > talking to suspension folks, I'm going to fabricate some new spacers
> > > > 1/2" longer (12 1/8"), replace my fork oil with Royal Purple MAX
> > > > ATF, and fill it 10mm higher than spe c.
> > > >
> > > > (on a 08+ bike)
> > >
> > > SNIP SNIP SNIP
> > >
> > > <><><><><>
> > > <><><><><>
> > >
> > > Jeff,
> > >
> > > Great write up. Clear and to the point. I'm sure it will help some Gen
> > > II owners.
> > >
> > > Thanks for sharing.
> > >
> > > Best,
> > >
> > > Jeff Saline
> > > ABC # 4412 South Dakota Airmarshal
> > > Airheads Beemer Club
www.airheads.org
> > > The Beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota
> > > 75 R90/6, 03 KLR650
> > >
> > > .
> > > .
> > > __________________________________________________________
> > > 53 Year Old Mom Looks 33
> > > The Stunning Results of Her Wrinkle Trick Has Botox Doctors Worried
> > >
http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/4f65520521c2b2501d00st02vuc
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> > >
> >
>