Recently bought a 2001 E. The fork springs felt pretty stiff, but the valving felt stock (Not dampened enough for the stiffer springs). Springs felt much stiffer than my buddies stock 400E. The rear spring is a 5.7 so I figured someone had resprung the front heavy to match the rear. But when I opened up the forks there are Eibach springs (974.045.0) in there, which I assume are .45 kg/mm, although I can't find that exact part number in the catalog. That is only slightly stiffer than stock. And the oil height was set with 138mm or air gap, which seems too low. The oil was very clean, but seemed fairly thick and green. I guess my question is why would someone bother replacing the front .44s with .45s? Is a 138mm air gap too much for this fork? Would thicker fork oil make the forks feel harsher? I'm confused. Thanks.

I had a similar question as to which guidance people are following on springing their front.  

For the rear, I can set the sag and it gives guidance on whether you have the right spring.  Where do I find the same guidance on springing the front.  The racetech web site seems to be recommending some really stiff springs .50 for the front for my weight 182 lbs.

Its been a couple/few years now but Racetech has revised their recommendations for the DR-Z spring rates. The new rates are quite a bit higher now than they used to be. Back when I bought they recommended .48 kg/mm and 5.7 kg/mm springs for a 215 lb rider. If I were you, I'd call Eddie Sisneros and have him recommend spring rates for your weight and riding style/ability. I think he goes by or recommends rates closer to the old recommendations.

Edited by ptgarcia, 12 June 2012 - 03:56 PM.