Fork spring question

In the middle of changing out the fork oil. When I removed the spring to check the free length which checked OK. The spring is more tightly wound at one end than the other. Which way does this end go up or down? Another question is this spring original or after market?

 

Closer spaced coils go up.

 

No, the springs are not OEM (probably Progressive Suspension replacements); either close-wound or wide-wound ends up (the difference in unsprung weight is minor), but make sure both springs are oriented the same way. BTW - the PS springs I have came with a PVC pipe spacer. You probably need one too if one was not in the tubes. Check the PS site to download their installation guide.

 

I believe the stock springs were dual rate - close wound on one end, wide wound on the other.

Progressive springs have the winding tightening up continuously from one end to the other. You have to look at the transition to know if it might be a stock spring (there may be/have been dual rate aftermarket springs too).

The service manual will tell you to put the tighter windings at top (you do have a service manual?). Because the tight wound end is heavier having it at the top decreases unsprung weight and increases sprung weight. The lower the ratio of unsprung to sprung weight the better the suspension performs.

 

The stock springs in the 550 Seca do get more tightly wound near the top as well. Unless you replaced them, they probably are original. Fork spring replacement is/was generally a "knowledgeable enthusiast" thing, and not real common.

The 550 Secas do not utilize a preload spacer, not with the original springs nor with Progressive Suspensions upgraded springs.

Did you check length to see if they're still in spec, or sagged out?

 

I don't think the PO was an enthusiast. The bike has had a hard life. The chain had broke and snapped off the starter and had been laid down on the rightside,but it does have 4 into 1 exhust. The free length is 508 mm or 20 inch which is in spec by my Clymer manual.

 

Cool. They should be OK but you won't believe what a difference a set of Progressive's will make if you can go the $70.

I saw your bike at PD13; it shows a hard previous life but a current caring owner, much like mine.

 

Not this winter I spent too much money on new rear shocks, recovering the seat and repaint.

 

I just PM'ed you.

+3 on shocks, seat and paint. Where's the pics? (Please tell me you didn't paint it purple.)

 

i put about a 3/4 in. PVC spacer in one of my xs650 and it helped alot, both forks one bike