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Setting Up the S40 Suspension (Read 2129 times)
Gary_in_NJ
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Re: Setting Up the S40 Suspension
Reply #15 - 10/03/17 at 12:20:34
 
OK, while I don't know the length of the OEM springs in the 250R, I was able to look up the springs suggested by RT. The Racetech website shows that the S2938 springs are 29.0 x 377mm. There are the same springs I have installed in my Cafe Racer.

The OEM spring in the S40 is 29.0x355mm (although the springs I removed from my bike were 405mm and I'm sure they were OEM), so they seem to be in the correct ballpark. I think a rate of 0.65kg/mm would work well if you weigh between 150-175 pounds and your bike is a cafe conversion (I used 0.70kg/m). A spring rate of 0.65kg/mm on a stock S40 may be too light, especially if you're a large fellow.

What I am NOT sure about is this; are the 250R springs progressively wound or are they straight rate springs? I find it hard to believe that Kawasaki used a straight rate spring in a damping rod fork. If you can find a photo of the 250R OEM spring, we can quickly assess the type of spring. Dave, have you had the springs our of your Ninja?
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« Last Edit: 10/04/17 at 06:49:00 by Gary_in_NJ »  

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kojones
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Re: Setting Up the S40 Suspension
Reply #16 - 10/03/17 at 13:15:29
 
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Gary_in_NJ
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Re: Setting Up the S40 Suspension
Reply #17 - 10/03/17 at 13:19:26
 
To me too. What is your weight and what mods are on your bike?
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kojones
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Re: Setting Up the S40 Suspension
Reply #18 - 10/03/17 at 13:39:56
 
Gary_in_NJ wrote on 10/03/17 at 13:19:26:
To me too. What is your weight and what mods are on your bike?


I weigh around 175 pounds, the bike is in the process of transforming into a scrambler. Ditched the stock muffler w. mounting bracket, rear fender, etc...
It will be as light as possible, but I'm trying to maintain a low budget, so no litium battery just yet  Wink
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Gary_in_NJ
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Re: Setting Up the S40 Suspension
Reply #19 - 10/03/17 at 13:58:17
 
Good info. Those 250R springs should work well for you. I can't give any guidance on how to set-up the compression valve, but with some experimentation I'm sure it will work. Get the sag value correct with the springs. Compression damping will be controlled with the valve and rebound damping will be controlled via the air gap. You will need to drill out your existing damping holes in the damping rod to 5/16" and add two additional holes. You want to eliminate any flow bottleneck in the rod and let the valve do all of the compression damping.

Start a new thread when you get the parts. I'll be happy to help as much as I can.
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kojones
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Re: Setting Up the S40 Suspension
Reply #20 - 10/04/17 at 04:35:22
 
Will do. Ordered the springs, have to measure them before I order the emulators.

Thanks for your effort in this topic, it's a good read.
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Gary_in_NJ
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Re: Setting Up the S40 Suspension
Reply #21 - 10/04/17 at 06:16:48
 
The ID of the fork tubes is 33mm. The 29mm or 31mm valve will work, but I'd order the 31mm so the 29mm springs have a good surface upon which to rest. Post photos of it when you get it. I'd like to see how it differs (if at all) from the GVE.
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Re: Setting Up the S40 Suspension
Reply #22 - 10/04/17 at 07:36:07
 
Well done Gary...I've wondered what and how to address my suspension issues.  Time to break out the tape measure and tools. Thanks!
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Re: Setting Up the S40 Suspension
Reply #23 - 07/11/18 at 22:36:32
 
I'm a heavy guy 240 I have been replacing my rear tire about every other year my wife seams to think my heavy ass is causing my fender to ride on the tire because of the shocks are worn out. I have not smelt rubber burning or felt the fender being hot.  what you thought?
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Dave
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Re: Setting Up the S40 Suspension
Reply #24 - 07/12/18 at 03:27:04
 
Jody72 wrote on 07/11/18 at 22:36:32:
I'm a heavy guy 240 I have been replacing my rear tire about every other year my wife seams to think my heavy ass is causing my fender to ride on the tire because of the shocks are worn out. I have not smelt rubber burning or felt the fender being hot.  what you thought?


Do you see any marks on the tire or fender or bolts that makes you believe anything is rubbing?
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Re: Setting Up the S40 Suspension
Reply #25 - 07/12/18 at 07:46:07
 
Looks like a great chance for me to share some insight while building up to 10 posts.  How many miles do you ride in a year?  What kind of tire?  What air pressure?  I would speculate that rapid acceleration/deceleration and hard cornering (you are riding a Savage, after all) have something to do with it.  I don't think 240 pounds is enough to affect the rear tire wear.  When we were younger, my wife and I rode together.  Our combined weight was more than your 240 pounds yet we easily got between 12 and 15k out of a rear tire on the Savage.  Riding solo, I didn't ride as conservatively and couldn't get nearly that many miles from the same brand rear tire, but I have slowed down this year and tire wear slowed with me.  Who would have thought?
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Jody72
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Re: Setting Up the S40 Suspension
Reply #26 - 07/12/18 at 11:13:39
 
i get between 1500 to 2000 miles on a rear tire the front one i just changed last year at around 16,000 yes it could of been done a little sooner.
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2004 21,000+ miles. center of Washington the state Smiley
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Dave
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Re: Setting Up the S40 Suspension
Reply #27 - 07/12/18 at 12:18:58
 
Jody72 wrote on 07/12/18 at 11:13:39:
i get between 1500 to 2000 miles on a rear tire  


Do you participate in a lot of burnout contests? Huh

I buy Pirelli Sport Demons which are renown for being soft and sticky and wearing out fast.....and I can go 6,000 miles on a back tire.
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Jody72
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Re: Setting Up the S40 Suspension
Reply #28 - 07/12/18 at 15:31:22
 
nope no burn outs for me. I do spin them from time to time in the grave in my driveway. it's mostly back and forth to work 9 mile one way 3 stop signs and 4 turns.  I don't see any signs of rubbing just a bald tire every other year.  maybe it's just cheap tires. what high mile tire you recommend?
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2004 21,000+ miles. center of Washington the state Smiley
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Re: Setting Up the S40 Suspension
Reply #29 - 07/12/18 at 19:05:37
 
This needs to move to a tire thread.
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