WP Cone valve fork spring rate recommendation

Hi all,

I’ve just purchased a new generation very slightly used XACT pro 7548 cone valve fork, I’m intending on sending this fork away to Kreft moto eventually to get set up for me personally but I thought I’d start with the correct spring rate first and go from there! previous owner had this on their 2019 KTM 450SXF they weighed around 86kg/190lbs and have 4.8nm/0.49kg fork springs installed. Forks are now going on a 2020 KTM 250SXF I weigh 77kg/170lbs with no gear and consider myself an intermediate rider who rides a mix of moto and cross country style racing. The race tech calculator recommends a 4.4nm/0.45kg springs but that seems a bit light don’t you think? Do you guys think a 4.6nm/0.47kg rate is more suitable?

Thanks in advance!
|
AJ565
Posts
2349
Joined
3/12/2012
Location
San Antonio, TX, USA
9/11/2020 6:12am Edited Date/Time 9/11/2020 6:12am
Sounds pretty close. I have .45 or .46 springs in my 250 2 stroke.
9/11/2020 6:18am
AJ565 wrote:
Sounds pretty close. I have .45 or .46 springs in my 250 2 stroke.
And you’re obviously pretty happy with those rates? How much do you weigh etc
CarlinoJoeVideo
Posts
7517
Joined
11/30/2013
Location
Portland/Los Angeles, CA, USA
9/11/2020 1:43pm Edited Date/Time 9/11/2020 1:43pm
AJ565 wrote:
Sounds pretty close. I have .45 or .46 springs in my 250 2 stroke.
And you’re obviously pretty happy with those rates? How much do you weigh etc
I'm 165lbs and have the Xact Pro on my 19 350 with 46 or 47 springs. I think Enzo might even have done a split rate.

Id start at 46 for you then you can add a turn or 2 or preload. if it feels too soft, try the 47 with no preload and soften the compression. It really will depend on the type of dirt and tracks you ride. I have my bike set up for Hard dirt, rough tracks.
1
AJ565
Posts
2349
Joined
3/12/2012
Location
San Antonio, TX, USA
9/11/2020 4:03pm
I'm pretty happy with it. I had a bottoming problem and Powerband added 10cc more oil and it fixed the issue. Without gear I'm 173 lbs and would be a faster intermediate rider. My bike is a little lighter than the 2 stroke though so I'm not sure how much more rate you'd need.
1

The Shop

9/12/2020 12:17am
From what I've seen in the past guys tend to run similar rates between the 250t and 250f. Still unsure as to what I should order though! now excuse the lack of knowledge if I do go with the .45kg springs how would I know if its the correct rate? and how would I know if its not the valving or oil volume that's making it feel light/soft?

I've also never had a fork with adjustable preload so realistically if the spring rate is on the light end for me how far can you go in on the preload on these forks and will that change just the initial height/feel of the fork or make it stiffer throughout?

Thanks again guys
brian9
Posts
57
Joined
7/2/2018
Location
Panama City Beach, FL, USA
9/18/2020 7:11am Edited Date/Time 9/18/2020 7:17am
I just got the same forks (shock as well) and use 48 front springs on a 2019 250sx (which the XC tank). I only weigh 156 lbs out of gear and 177 lbs in gear. I ride mainly off-road and just a bit of moto. I like the bike stiff. Bike feels great.

Zero preload added by the outside adjusters, as I like to use the spring's full travel.
752dad
Posts
601
Joined
11/24/2014
Location
Hartland, MI, USA
9/20/2020 7:09pm
.48 on a 450 with a 170 lb B rider
FGR01
Posts
6139
Joined
10/1/2006
Location
USA
Fantasy
1/31/2023 9:16am

What do you currently have the sag at, and how much preload on the spring to achieve that sag?  That will give you some clues as to what direction to go.

But, at 160lbs, I think a 45NM shock spring is going to be too much for you.  I think you're going to be better off going softer on the fork springs.

1
AJ565
Posts
2349
Joined
3/12/2012
Location
San Antonio, TX, USA
1/31/2023 2:50pm

I’m 175lbs and run a .46 front spring and a 45 rear spring. I think your front is too stiff and the back is just right. Swap the front springs, set the forks to the second line and run the sag at 103mm. 

1
YZed250
Posts
1365
Joined
11/9/2014
Location
Costa Mesa, CA, USA
1/31/2023 3:15pm
AJ565 wrote:
I’m 175lbs and run a .46 front spring and a 45 rear spring. I think your front is too stiff and the back is just right...

I’m 175lbs and run a .46 front spring and a 45 rear spring. I think your front is too stiff and the back is just right. Swap the front springs, set the forks to the second line and run the sag at 103mm. 

Thanks, everyone.

Does anyone have a reference for a spring chart that shows dia and length by Cone Valve model or year?

My plan is to install a set of 0.46 (maybe a little softer) and tune from a known rate.

Usual story: bought a set of used CV forks and although I have the setup sheet, it's not always reliable, so it will be good to get a set of 0.46s in there. 

AJ565
Posts
2349
Joined
3/12/2012
Location
San Antonio, TX, USA
1/31/2023 3:40pm
AJ565 wrote:
I’m 175lbs and run a .46 front spring and a 45 rear spring. I think your front is too stiff and the back is just right...

I’m 175lbs and run a .46 front spring and a 45 rear spring. I think your front is too stiff and the back is just right. Swap the front springs, set the forks to the second line and run the sag at 103mm. 

YZed250 wrote:
Thanks, everyone. Does anyone have a reference for a spring chart that shows dia and length by Cone Valve model or year? My plan is to...

Thanks, everyone.

Does anyone have a reference for a spring chart that shows dia and length by Cone Valve model or year?

My plan is to install a set of 0.46 (maybe a little softer) and tune from a known rate.

Usual story: bought a set of used CV forks and although I have the setup sheet, it's not always reliable, so it will be good to get a set of 0.46s in there. 

You should send them to someone that has experience with cone valves to 1. Make sure you get the rate you need. 2. Make sure you have the right set of cones for what you’re riding and that it’s setup right (preload spring tension, oil level, ect.). 3. Replace the seals and bushings as needed. 

Cactusone
Posts
14
Joined
11/7/2020
Location
Mesa, AZ, USA
2/3/2023 11:31am

Get a set of 4.4 try them, if you want to go 4.6 split it with a 4.8 (which you have already have).  So in reality you have 3 spring rates available to try. 

Post a reply to: WP Cone valve fork spring rate recommendation

The Latest