View source for Fork Spring Rate Verification

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;Reference
: [http://electricmotorcycleforum.com/boards/index.php?topic=5320.msg39353#msg39353 How to Verify Fork Spring Rate]

;Tools
* A tip-tie long enough to wrap around the fork tube.

;Steps
# Add a zip-tie to the the fork tube.
#* Make sure it is snug so it stays in the place it was last pushed too.
#* Once the zip-tie is on the fork tube, you push it up to rest it against the upper fork.  
# Measure ''bike sag'' (unloaded)
#: Lift the front fork off the ground and measure the gap (zip-tie to fork gap) created by the front weight of the bike.
# Measure ''rider sag'' (loaded)
## Now push zip-tie back up the fork, then sit on the bike and raise your feet so all of your weight is carried through the suspension.
## Then carefully dismount and put kickstand down.
## Measure the gap (zip-tie to fork) created by your weight.
## Add this gap measurement to the ''bike sag'' measurement, this is the ''total sag''.
#: This measurement should be around 25% of the working range of the front suspension.
#: Now that is a guideline; it can be higher or lower than 25%.
#: It depends on what is happening when you are loading up the suspension (upper end).  
# Checking the upper end by using the zip-tie.
#: After riding, check the location of the zip-tie: the gap from the fork to the zip-tie.
#: Lets say the measurement is 5". Then you would know the total max travel used was 5" + ''bike sag'' measurement.
: That total measurement should never equal the total suspension travel amount (6", I think based on your posting).
:* If it equal, then you are bottoming out. Increase the preload and see if this keeps you from bottoming out.
:* If you use max preload and are still bottoming out, you will need stronger springs.
:* If you find you are only using 75% to 80% of the max suspension travel, you can reduce the preload spacer length some or you can live with this.
:* If you are only using ~50% or less of the suspension travel, your springs are probably too stiff. You should swap springs to a lower rate spring.
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