Maintenance & Technical > KX500 Original
Front end likes to "wash out".....
ShanMan:
A while back, based in large part to the advice I got here on PitBull, I purchased new springs from Race Tech. I wound up with .48 in front, and 5.5 in the rear, and I weigh 235 lbs. My stock springs were like moosh under me, and I bottomed out over everything. With the new springs, the difference is incredible! My riding instantly got better due in large part to the confidence I gained by having a bike that provided me the proper feedback. Go to the Race Tech website and use their setup program to figure out what spring rates are best for you (based on your riding weight and your riding style). Then, you can either buy from them (about $200 total front/rear) or someplace else you might prefer. Good luck!
woodsy:
Thanks you guys for all the input! I am going to the Race Tech web page for a look as soon as I am done with this post response.
Rick - thank you for being so inquisitve. The reason that I didnt post whether or not I am having probs with over steering or under steering is that I didnt know how to articulate that (just not that sharp - but I am learning). I am having a problem with over steering. When I come into a berm I find myself going over the top sometimes. It is almost like the bike has to be "forced" to corner and if you do the front end washes out. Any more input would be GREATLY appreciated!
Thanks again to all!
Woodsy
sdkx500:
I had this exact problem..... I weigh 255 - 270 and once i had new springs really improved handling and confidence. Corners much better. I highly reccomend dropping the cash.
Rick:
For woods racing and tight technical desert stuff, I drop my forks between 1/2 and 3/4 inches to help get the big KX around the corners. Once you have your new springs (you're gonna love 'em), try a ride with just the spring change, nothing else (a mistake often made is to change more than one thing at a time. If you don't like the changes, you never know which change was bad). Once you put in few miles around your favorite loop, drop your forks and ride the exact same section of trail. You will then be able to evaluate the impact of the 2 different changes over the same terrain. Finally, if you don't like the forks at 1/2 inch above the tripple clamps, try 3/8 inch or 1/4 inch. You will be surprised at how such a little change can effect your ride.
Let us know how things work out.
Rick
ShanMan:
ok then, I want to get this right. What perse' is the effect of lowering the front of the bike via allowing the tubes to slide up inside the triple clamps? Will it quicken the steering at slower speeds but cause some head shake at higher speeds? If the answer is yes, than the basic effect is to actually shorten the wheelbase...does this sound about right?
I ask, because the fork tubes are flush with the top of my triple clamp at this point, and I am wondering if I could be helping the bike to turn better if I drop the front incramentally. Thanks in advance. :D
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