Bandit Alley

MODEL SPECIFIC => BIG BANDIT BANTER => Topic started by: land_shark on September 30, 2005, 11:11:55 AM

Title: Spacers and progressive springs
Post by: land_shark on September 30, 2005, 11:11:55 AM

Has anyone had any experience with using spacers in their forks?  

I installed progressive springs a while back, and honestly don't remember what the bike used to feel like.  I think that I would still like a little more stiffness up front, and have thought about using spacers.  What can I expect from an inch or so of PVC in my forks?

Title: spacers
Post by: tacoman on October 03, 2005, 03:12:12 PM

PVC works great.  its cheap, easy to  cut, and you can make it any length you want.  Just be sure after cutting that you file or sand it good to get all the shavings off.

Title: Spacers and progressive springs
Post by: 97RedBird on October 13, 2005, 11:31:29 AM

I know I have a B6 and it is quite different from your B12, but I just rebuilt my forks and instead of the 9 7/8" spacer I used 10 7/8"  1" PVC pipe.  

That reduced the front end dive considerably (only slightly dives under extreme braking now).  The fresh fluids and seals also made bumps much more smooth.  I weigh in just over 170 lbs and 1" extra was necessary.  If you are any bigger I'd consider increasing that a bit.

I still have to test the new setting with 2-up.  My wife refuses to ride when it is cold.

Good Luck!

Title: Spacers and progressive springs
Post by: FreediverGa on January 22, 2006, 12:05:05 AM

should you change out the seals at every fork oil change?   I'm not getting any leaking from mine and they clean under seal boots,  this only have 8500 miles on them so I don't think I need to change out with oil this weekend!

Title: Spacers and progressive springs
Post by: Red01 on January 22, 2006, 01:05:36 AM

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Title: Spacers and progressive springs
Post by: FreediverGa on January 22, 2006, 01:18:08 AM

Red know any other place I can look for a used b12 rear shock for my 01 B6 other than Ebay?

Title: Spacers and progressive springs
Post by: zeebandit on January 22, 2006, 08:43:13 AM

I have a 1200 shock with less than 3,000 on it if you're interested? It's off my 2000 Bandit. Pay shipping and it's yours. :motorsmile:

Title: Spacers and progressive springs
Post by: 2005B12S on January 22, 2006, 12:27:07 PM

Quote from: "FreediverGa"

should you change out the seals at every fork oil change?   I'm not getting any leaking from mine and they clean under seal boots,  this only have 8500 miles on them so I don't think I need to change out with oil this weekend!

If the seals are not leaking they do not need to be changed. Fork seals will usually last for several years unless they are abused by excessive wheeling or riding on unimproved roads. In any case, when they begin to weep, they need replacement. It is not cheap, unless you have the proper tools, they will need to be shop disassembled.

Ride On, Ed.
2005 GSF1200SZ
1983 GS750ED

Title: Spacers and progressive springs
Post by: Red01 on January 22, 2006, 07:17:34 PM

Quote from: "FreediverGa"

Red know any other place I can look for a used b12 rear shock for my 01 B6 other than Ebay?

In the classified sections of this and other Bandit related boards.

Quote from: "zeebandit"

I have a 1200 shock with less than 3,000 on it if you're interested? It's off my 2000 Bandit. Pay shipping and it's yours.  :motorsmile:

Except he has a a 2G B6, so he'd be looking for a 2G B12 shock.

Title: Spacers and progressive springs
Post by: SHREDDER on January 23, 2006, 03:00:18 AM

If it ain't broke then your not trying hard enough!

Title: Spacers and progressive springs
Post by: solman on January 23, 2006, 04:31:42 AM

Quote from: "SHREDDER"

If it ain't broke then your not trying hard enough!

More like doing improper wheelies.  I have a friend of mine that tore up his seals fairly quick from doing wheelies all the time.

Title: Spacers and progressive springs
Post by: chupacabra on January 23, 2006, 06:49:13 AM

zeebandit, I'm looking for a shock for my G1 B6.
Sent you a message!
Hope we can work something out. :grin:


FreediverGa, I saw some one selling a Works rear shock in the bikes/parts for sale posts. I think thats where I saw it.

Title: Spacers and progressive springs
Post by: Bazza on March 12, 2006, 02:44:38 AM

I installed progressive front springs in mine and used 10w shock oil (against the advice of the parts man at the dealers counter).

I actually find mine a little too firm, just like Mr. parts guy said I would.