Fork springs/dampening.

[tonup69]

So, I finally have some of the kinks worked out on the 3 1/2 and I went for a short but brutal ride yesterday. She runs great, except for at very high revs when she cuts out a bit, but the main problem is the front end. It really is clunky. I replaced the stock preload spacers with longer ones to try to get some more life out of the springs, but there is no hope. Anybody try aftermarket springs? Progressives? What about Race Tech? Anyone ever use their valve emulation system in a Morini? If I am going to fix it up, I may as well fix it all the way and make it as usable as I can. I tend to ride hard so a good stable front end is critical.

Cheers,

LTR

[MarkB]

Congratulations on getting it running. My '75 Strada had standard springs (Paioli forks) when I bought it, which felt rather crude. I bought some progressive ones from Hagon which have a much better feel, although they are very soft at low speeds - slightly bouncy around town - but firm at higher speed. I put 15w oil in rather than the 10w I had been using with the standard springs. They felt fine at the Cadwell track day, so they can't be too bad!

Regards, Mark

[mgill]

What about Race Tech? Anyone ever use their valve emulation system in a Morini?

LTR

This will be the next step for my racer. Are you in the states?

Mathew

[tonup69]

Yes, I live in Memphis, TN. I just ordered a dampening kit for my '73 Rickman Montesa. I'll let you know how it works out. If it does, I am thinking about doing this for the Morini.

LTR

[atreyu]

I have used valves in Marzocchi forks before, Pleanty of adjustment but I have found the standard setup faultless. You could also retro-fit other internals if you wish.

[EVguru]

I think we need a bit more information than 'clunky', that's hardly a technical description of what you're finding lacking in the front suspension.

Springs are the first thing to consider. Rising or dual rate springs are a common option and should ideally be tailored to the rider's weight. It's usually recommended that cartridge emmulators are paired with straight rate springs.

Marzocchi seemed to supply several different versions of the internals and it's worth playing with the fork oil viscocity. Increasing the amount of oil will increase both the rate of the air springing and it's rate of rise. Damper rod forks tend to be underdamped at low deflection velocities and overdamped at high.

Damping has no effect on the amount of dive, just how fast it happens. Braking technique makes a big difference. Grabbing the front brake is always going to upset the bike, it will just do it less with shim stack (cartridge) forks.