you think the klr is top heavy....

[Sean Smith]

I'm trying to install a stiffer spring on my KLR's oem shock. I compressed the spring, removed both the c-clip and allen head bolt. When I started to release the compression on the spring the pre-load adjuster would not move past the plastic cap covering the nitrogen valve. I filled the cap down to where I don't think it's preventing the preload adjuster from coming off. I still cannot get the preload adjuster off of the shock body- even though there's still some pre-load on the spring. What am I missing? -- Sean Smith Louisiana '04 R1150RT (For Sale Again) '03 KLR650

[Devon]

ssmith@... wrote:

>I'm trying to install a stiffer spring on my KLR's oem shock. > >I compressed the spring, removed both the c-clip and allen head bolt. >When I started to release the compression on the spring the pre-load >adjuster would not move past the plastic cap covering the nitrogen >valve. I filled the cap down to where I don't think it's preventing the >preload adjuster from coming off. I still cannot get the preload >adjuster off of the shock body- even though there's still some pre-load >on the spring. > >What am I missing? > >

That the spring comes off the other end of the shock. The spring keeper on the bottom of the shock has a slot in it for the shaft, you compress the spring far enough that the keeper can be tilted and slid out. This means compressing the spring another 2" from where it rests, which is hard. Putting the new 9" spring on is much easier. You could pry out the cap entirely with a small screwdriver, but something tells me the preload adjustor won't come off that way. Don't remember exactly why, but I've changed springs on four shocks and don't remember being able to do it. Devon

[Sean Smith]

False alarm... I had NOT filed down the cap enough. A little more filing and she came right off. Fixing to grease the pre-load adjuster then install the new 400lb spring from e-shocks.com Sean Smith wrote:

> I filled the cap down to where I don't think it's preventing the >preload adjuster from coming off. > >

-- Sean Smith Louisiana '04 R1150RT (For Sale Again) '03 KLR650

[Sean Smith]

Devon wrote:

> That the spring comes off the other end of the shock. > >

I know that now The pre-load adjuster will come off if you either, remove or file down the black cap, and remove the c-clip and allen bolt. With the exception of more work compressing the spring, the way you mentioned would be a hell of a lot simpler. As usual, I did things the hard way... -- Sean Smith Louisiana '04 R1150RT (For Sale Again) '03 KLR650

[bigfatgreenbike]

ssmith@... wrote:

> > The pre-load adjuster will come off if you either, remove or file down > the black cap, and remove the c-clip and allen bolt. > With the exception of more work compressing the spring, the way you > mentioned would be a hell of a lot simpler. > > As usual, I did things the hard way... >

Maybe not! Removing the stock spring by compressing it enough to remove the keeper requires a SERIOUS amount of force- I was never able to do it by myself. The two times I did it easily, my helper was over 250lbs. I can get the progressive springs or any other 9" spring on and off pretty easily. You don't have to grind out the schraeder valve cover- it can be pried out with an awl or small screwdriver. So set the adjustor to 1, pry out the black cap, remove the allen bolt, compress the spring enough to get the circlip off that retains the preload adjustor..... That was it right? You may have the new easy way to get the stock spring off. -- Devon Brooklyn, NY A15-Z '01 KLR650 '81 SR500 cafe racer "The truth's not too popular these days....." Arnold Schwarzenneger, in The Running Man

[Jim]

While at Song Dog last weekend we saw two KTM250 riders with huge backpacks on their back riding the off road trails looking for a camp site. I posted a picture in the photos section in a folder labeled Song Dog '04 along with 3 others from the area. Enjoy. --Jim A-15