Is it easy to swap fork spring on 2012 650L

[sertguy]

I have a 2012 XR650l with 3k miles and want to swap out the stock springs with ones more suitable for my weight. I searched the web and not much out there that I could find.

Below are some questions I have. I apologize is some are lame.

1) do I have to remove the forks from the bike?

2) is it just an easier job if I remove the forks from the bike?

3) Are any special skills or tools needed to remove and install the springs from/in the fork tube?

4) if I swap out the springs, is there anything else I HAVE to do (oil, seals...), or is as easy as removing the old and putting in the new?

5) is there anything I should do to the fork when replacing the springs?

I'm not a "mechanic" but I'm mechanically inclined. I've completed all mods and maintenance myself (carb mods, LED conversion, oil cooler, Clark tank ect .)

Thx.

[brianhare]

I have a 2012 XR650l with 3k miles and want to swap out the stock springs with ones more suitable for my weight. I searched the web and not much out there that I could find.

Below are some questions I have. I apologize is some are lame.

1) do I have to remove the forks from the bike?

2) is it just an easier job if I remove the forks from the bike?

3) Are any special skills or tools needed to remove and install the springs from/in the fork tube?

4) if I swap out the springs, is there anything else I HAVE to do (oil, seals...), or is as easy as removing the old and putting in the new?

5) is there anything I should do to the fork when replacing the springs?

I'm not a "mechanic" but I'm mechanically inclined. I've completed all mods and maintenance myself (carb mods, LED conversion, oil cooler, Clark tank ect .)

Thx.

 

(1) no...just remove the handle bars,,,loosen the upper triple clamp bolts,,remove the top cap

 

(2) nope not really easier,,,either do it on the bike and remove the handle bar and set aside with cables still attached,,or remove the front wheel and slide the forks out,,about the same amount of time in my book..

 

(3) nope,,raise the bike,,can`t have weight on the wheel,,do as said in step 1....all that`s left is removing the top alloy cap by holding the nut on the damper rod and wrenching the cap loose and spin it off..

 

(4) changing the fork oil would be nice,,but you gotta remove the forks and dump/flush the oil and measure the correct amount of new oil..

 

(5) trick question.........if it`s got a lot of miles,the fluid should be changed,,the forks completely torn apart and at least new seals and slider bushings installed...WITH 3K ON IT,,I`D JUST CHANGE THE SPRINGS..

 

B

Edited August 29, 2015 by brianhare

[sertguy]

Awesome. Thanks for your time!

[TimeToStartRidingAgain]

Follow up question if it is okay to hijack this thread since its now a year later.

Does anyone make progressive springs for the 650L?

Be nice to keep the comfortable soft first half of travel for small bumps, but have them get stiffer and stiffer.

Thanks

[Hollerhead]

...Does anyone make progressive springs for the 650L...

Ummm...Progressive

[TimeToStartRidingAgain]

Ummm...Progressive

Their site doesn't show any for the 650L though.

Or am i doing something wrong?

[Hollerhead]

If you click the word "Progressive" above that takes you to the L spring.