Ohlins spring rating. What do they mean?

[raul507]

Hord,
  I'm trying to get some information about spring rates.  I've got a 05 CBR 600rr front end on the Bros and I wanted to update the springs.  I've seen Ohlins springs available but I was wondering what the rating on the springs mean.  I'm 190 without gear and I was told the stock springs on the CBR are at it's limit with my weight.  Is this true?  Either way can you give me some direction on what springs to get and if it's even worth going through the trouble.

[J.D. Hord]

Race Tech lists the 600RR springs as being .83kg/mm, so yes, those are at the limit for your weight.  You could try increasing the preload a bit, as they generally are not preloaded enough from the factory.  (internally)  If that doesn't sort things out it would be time for new springs, you need more like .90kg/mm for street use.  I don't sell Ohlins springs but I could get you Race Tech easy enough.

[raul507]

Yeah if you could give me some direction on the springs and internals.  I've seen alot of information about changing springs, compression parts, rebound parts, etc.  In your most wise opinion does someone "ME" who rides on the street with no track days really need to change everything or will the springs be enough?  Also if I change the springs will I get new spacers?  I'm pretty sure the stock and racetech springs aren't the same size.

I know there are alot of questions but I'm trying to sort out the front end.  I finally got that Ohlins I was telling you all about and I just wanted to take care of the front while I'm at it.

[J.D. Hord]

You can probably use the 600RR's valving "as is" and it will work fine for a Hawk.  The main thing will be getting the spring and preload/sag correct.  Race Tech springs come with spacer material for cutting to the proper length.

[raul507]

Hord,
  I'm finally back from my summer trip and got the fork springs but I didn't receive any spacer's to cut to length.  Any help?

[J.D. Hord]

I think the RT springs are supplied to the correct length for the RR, using the stock spacer.  It is one of those "long top out" type of forks.