Do YOU need different springs??

Well I posted awhile ago in an attempt to find out if I needed new springs for my new BRP. Unfortunately I didn't get an answer so I had to look elsewhere. So, after reading everything possible on the subject I will share my findings with you.

First let me start by saying there is an excellent post on how to set up your race sag right here. They recommend a race sag of between 3 3/4 and 4 1/4 inches. Now what you need to do is set your free sag. To do that, measure the distance from the rear wheel up to a point on the bike when the bike has NO weight on the rear wheel. Now let the bike down on both wheels and take the same measurement with the suspension supporting only the bikes weight. This measurement should be between 25 - 35 mm.

Now, sit on the bike in your riding position with your gear on. Have someone steady the bike and another person measure the distance again. If the measurement does not fall in between the recommended race sag......you need new springs. If the measurement is less than 3 3/4 (difference in bike's measurement without any weight and you sitting on it) get a new bike because this one is waaaayyyy too big for you!!!! Just kidding. If that is the case, you need a lighter spring. If the measurement is greater than 4 1/4 then you need a heavier spring.

I hope this helps because I noticed alot of people viewing the last post.

Yo Jim,

that's the rear end - what about the front? Maybe you want to give us the link to that specific thread you found.
Also, surely you know that, instead of buying & mounting new springs, you can adjust the pre-tension of the rear shock's spring? Wind up or down the double ringnuts which hold the spring & Bob's your Uncle I'd say. Iinfinitely adjustable, and if this works for you then it beats the work (and $) of mounting a new spring.

I am aware that the spring can be adjusted. You can't adjust that to your race sag and think that the spring will be fine. If you adjust the race sag and it falls outside of the free sag then the spring is not suited for your size. For example, if the spring is too light for you but you crank the adjuster all the way up so it fits your race sag then the free sag would probably be zero. For $109 spring from racetech, I think it would be better to change it properly.