by GMP » Mon Feb 02, 2015 9:44 am
If you think a lighter check spring makes a difference then try one. Ultimately that's what makes people believe in something. I didn't do it on my 48s but on a few sets of old WPs I did in an attempt to get some compliance and it made no difference. I used KYB springs. Last year I revalved my son's open chamber KYBs that had a clamped midvalve(brutal). I needed a spring to build a conventional mid so used what I found in a selection kit at work, stiffer than the Zoke spring. Forks were plush, so I don't think about that as a significant variable anymore. At this point in life just because something is marketed doesn't mean it's necessarily worth it.
Cavitation control is all about balance. Sure a stiff base keeps pressure up and allows a stiff mid. Great if you want that. Adding pressure via ICS (modern CC fork) is just another level and allows a greater range of tuning. Again, try it. Take the 2kg out of your 48s and try a 1.4kg. It will feel sloppy soft with no other changes. Back when the 48s came out I tried to wrap my head around the concept of variable ICS pressure and it's effects. I can only conclude that, in addition to a minor additive spring rate/preload effect, it changes the stability level of the oil which affects the valving. The effect is much greater than a .6kg change in ICS rate, or with the PFP fork, adjusting the PFP preload a couple turns would indicate.
I'm no pro tuner, I do stuff for myself and my friends. I do feel I have a good understanding of the physics involved though. I'm up for a good discussion, if you have some different ideas / opinions I'm all ears.
Glenn
'13 Beta 300RR Racing