Front springs are different length?

bradt390 · Dec 30, 2013

I have purchased a set of Factory connection springs for my 08 550FE and the springs are different length.
stock ones came out at 484mm and the new set is one at 484mm and one at 476-477 mm.
Should I be concerned or is that in tolerance? it seems a little excessive and is there a way to work around it.

Thanks for your help in advance.

Taffy · Dec 31, 2013

there's something wrong there! I'd get them changed. that is a ridiculous difference!

there is a 5mm difference between the older forks and those that you bought so i reckon someone could have mixed them up.

regards

Taffy

bradt390 · Dec 31, 2013

That is what I was thinking but they are both stamped with the same information so thought maybe there was some tolerance that was allowable.
Hopefully I did not just waste money on a set of springs.
Thanks for the help.

Johnf3 · Dec 31, 2013

Factory WP springs are the same price. They are always my first preference for fork springs for Husabergs and KTMs with WP suspension. They always fit perfectly and the spring rates are always correct. If you can I would send the FC back and get your money back and order factory WP fork springs from Slavens Racing or another vendor that is a WP dealer.

As far as the tolerance, the factory preload shims come in different thicknesses to address this and 7mm is not a deal breaker if the springs are the same otherwise. I work on a bunch of forks and it is not uncommon,

bradt390 · Jan 1, 2014

Johnf3 said:
Factory WP springs are the same price. They are always my first preference for fork springs for Husabergs and KTMs with WP suspension. They always fit perfectly and the spring rates are always correct. If you can I would send the FC back and get your money back and order factory WP fork springs from Slavens Racing or another vendor that is a WP dealer.

As far as the tolerance, the factory preload shims come in different thicknesses to address this and 7mm is not a deal breaker if the springs are the same otherwise. I work on a bunch of forks and it is not uncommon,

I purchased this set from some one else who was looking for a stiffer set than these so I did get a good deal on them. Can I get a 7mm spacer anywhere or would I need to go to a dealer? I will contact Factory Connection and see what they think. if you think it will be ok to put in a spacer that me be less hassle than sending them back etc.
my bike two big spacers from the factory already in there?
thank you for the help.

Johnf3 · Jan 1, 2014

bradt390 said:
Johnf3 said:

Factory WP springs are the same price. They are always my first preference for fork springs for Husabergs and KTMs with WP suspension. They always fit perfectly and the spring rates are always correct. If you can I would send the FC back and get your money back and order factory WP fork springs from Slavens Racing or another vendor that is a WP dealer.

As far as the tolerance, the factory preload shims come in different thicknesses to address this and 7mm is not a deal breaker if the springs are the same otherwise. I work on a bunch of forks and it is not uncommon,

Click to expand...

I purchased this set from some one else who was looking for a stiffer set than these so I did get a good deal on them. Can I get a 7mm spacer anywhere or would I need to go to a dealer? I will contact Factory Connection and see what they think. if you think it will be ok to put in a spacer that me be less hassle than sending them back etc.
my bike two big spacers from the factory already in there?
thank you for the help.

The white plastic spacers that are stock in WP forks are available in several different thicknesses. They are available from any KTM or Husaberg dealer for around five bucks each depending on the thickness. You could probably fashion something yourself if you are so inclined.

Yes, it will be OK. With springs of different lengths, and I am speaking of significant differences, not applicable to your slight issue, all you have to worry about is "coil bind", which happens when a spring compresses all the way before the travel runs out. In your situation, you are not even close to having to worry about that. All you have to do is figure out how much preload you want to run (this is what the stock plastic spacers are for) and then make up the total length on the shorter spring with a thicker spacer so in the end they are even.

bradt390 · Jan 1, 2014

Thanks a bunch for the help, I won't worry about trying to get them to take the springs back.
In your opinion how much preload do you like to run. the manual has them set at a stock pre load of 5 turns in.

bushmechanic · Jan 1, 2014

0 - 3mm max prelaod is the sweet spot

you may need more if the springs are too soft

bradt390 · Jan 2, 2014

I will see if I can round up some spacers from a local dealer and give it a try first at zero preload.
after reading your posts on the 07-08 fork I feel like I'm spinning my wheels.
I have changed from the stock 44 to these 49 springs to help keep the front end in the initial part of the stroke.
with the stock spring the bike was extremely harsh on square edge and horrible on slap landings.

Thanks for all the input.

Johnf3 · Jan 2, 2014

bradt390 said:
I will see if I can round up some spacers from a local dealer and give it a try first at zero preload.
after reading your posts on the 07-08 fork I feel like I'm spinning my wheels.
I have changed from the stock 44 to these 49 springs to help keep the front end in the initial part of the stroke.
with the stock spring the bike was extremely harsh on square edge and horrible on slap landings.

Thanks for all the input.

The right springs will make a huge difference. Don't start worrying yet. The other advice I have is to make sure your rear spring is balanced correctly with your stiffer front springs. My old Husaberg had the exact same frame/chassis as yours, and that bike, as far as fork performance, was very sensitive to having a balanced set up. Mine was a 2005 and I had it dialed in before it was stolen a few years ago. I loved that bike. The previous model Husabergs are outstanding motorcycles with a little set up.

bradt390 · Jan 2, 2014

Johnf3 said:
bradt390 said:

I will see if I can round up some spacers from a local dealer and give it a try first at zero preload.
after reading your posts on the 07-08 fork I feel like I'm spinning my wheels.
I have changed from the stock 44 to these 49 springs to help keep the front end in the initial part of the stroke.
with the stock spring the bike was extremely harsh on square edge and horrible on slap landings.

Thanks for all the input.

Click to expand...

The right springs will make a huge difference. Don't start worrying yet. The other advice I have is to make sure your rear spring is balanced correctly with your stiffer front springs. My old Husaberg had the exact same frame/chassis as yours, and that bike, as far as fork performance, was very sensitive to having a balanced set up. Mine was a 2005 and I had it dialed in before it was stolen a few years ago. I loved that bike. The previous model Husabergs are outstanding motorcycles with a little set up.

I have put on a FCW4 rear spring which is believe is something around a 8.5-11.3 or so progressive with a set of .49 for the front with that set up with 4mm preload it sits right at 35mm free sag and I'm right at 100mm RS.
any input on what you did would be great.

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