GSX1400 Owners .org

Technically Speaking => Suspension => Topic started by: Speedy1959 on Sunday, 27 August 2023, 10:27 PM

Title: Proggresive or Linear?
Post by: Speedy1959 on Sunday, 27 August 2023, 10:27 PM
I am thinking of upgrading the front sprigs..
My pre load is wound a fair way in to get the sag something like..
This makes the front end quite harsh..
Basically are the standard springs classed as Proggresive or Linear?

Photo doesnt say one thing or the other to me.
Title: Re: Proggresive or Linear?
Post by: Andre on Sunday, 27 August 2023, 11:31 PM
A well known German suspension guru told me that they are slightly progressive. Something like 5-10%. I assume that refers to the length of the progressive vs. entire length of the spring. Both ends appear to be the progressive part; all the other progressive springs I am aware of have only one end as progressive (much more substantial length though).

I think he was anal about it. To me they are linear - for all intent and purpose.

Title: Re: Proggresive or Linear?
Post by: Eric GSX1400K3 on Monday, 28 August 2023, 09:08 AM
AFAIK, in std form the springs in our 1402's are linear, in that the coils are all wound on the same pitch for the entire effective length of the spring. (The ends are discounted due to manufacturing, and these don't really work when the springs are installed anyway. the little bit of varying stifness is negligible).  Your photo shows linear springs.

Progressive springs have the coils wound on a varying pitch along the effective length, from wide to a close pitch, making them progressively firmer as the spring compresses until minimum length when the coils are all touching and the spring is effectively a solid tube.
Title: Re: Proggresive or Linear?
Post by: Speedy1959 on Monday, 28 August 2023, 04:27 PM
Thank you both,

S.
Title: Re: Proggresive or Linear?
Post by: grog on Monday, 28 August 2023, 06:39 PM
So glad you ended that Speedy. I thought would turn into which is better thread, has happened many times. Same category as oils, tyres etc.