2009 Norge

[NWrider]

Just picked up a 2009 Norge with Matris FKE fork kit and Penske rear shock.   There's a blue Hyperco rear spring - can't see any numbers on the spring but there's no preload on the spring on the centerstand (you can easily rotate the spring by hand).  There's also an Eibach spring rated at 600#/in (10.6Kg/mm) 152mm long with an ID of 57mm.  Any info on what came stock on the 09's ?    Also it looks like I need more preload on the forks, but the Matris FKE preload nut has so much resistance, I'm concerned about damaging the aluminum top nut.

I'm curious if anyone else is running a similar set up with a dressed rider weight of about 215#.   Spring rates, shock settings, etc.  would be appreciated ( I didn't get any information on either the Matris kit or the Penske shock and my searches on the net haven't turned up anything on the Norge).

TIA John

[ITSec]

Some Penske shocks come with blue/purple springs - that may not be a Hyperpro spring at all. Penske shocks for the CARC bikes are custom built/assembled to spec for the rider, just as Hyperpro and some others are. That shock as installed may be what the previous owner ordered, if he/she was light and/or short.

The Matris kit I have seen for the Norge 2v has its own adjusters included in the kit; they should be strong enough to handle anything the springs they are sold with can do. Is it possible they have a locknut or something similar that you may have missed?

Do you know the bike's previous owner or history, or where he/she got the suspension bits? I know Todd at GuzziTech sells both these products, but others may too. It would be good to look for some history, contact the seller and see if some guidance can be obtained there.

[NWrider]

Thanks for the thoughts,



It took a short cheater bar to break loose the pre-load screws -- someone had to have really reefed on them.   Fortunately, once freed they turn smoothly.   I thought the threads might be damaged.    I was hoping to find out what the stock spring rate was.   From what the salesman told me, the last prior owner weighed in at 250+.    The blue spring label is HYPERCO but they might be an affiliated company with Hyperpro.   I'll have to see if I can find a Penske shock tool --- it's a different set up from the usual lock ring set up.

[ITSec]

See if your shock looks like this one (it may have a piggyback or remote reservoir):



If so, it's a model 8987, and the info is on this page: http://shop.penskeshocks.com/PENSKE-RACING-SHOCKS-8987-SERIES-TRIPLE-ADJUSTABLE-SHOCK/

There is a user manual and other info. Hyperco may indeed supply the spring to Penske - they are a supplier of springs for lots of racing suspension, but I wasn't aware of their stuff being used by Penske. See http://www.mw-ind.com/locations/hyperco

[NWrider]

ITsec,

Thanks for the links -- too bad they don't show the Norge but I think the extra spring I got with the bike was probably the one for the Penske which was 600#/in made by Eibach -- I found out today that the last owner only weighed 135+ pounds -- that was why there was no preload on either the forks or the shock with the light blue spring.    I'll have to remove the shock anyway since the threads have been dinged and I'm unable to increase the preload on the shock.   I did increase the rebound damping on the shock from "0" to 10 turns (+) which helped control the rear end, but it really needs preloading.   Apparently the original owner weighed 250+, so I'm guessing that if I go ahead and use the 600#/in spring it should be close, especially if I carry some luggage.

My shock is adjustable for high speed compression damping, rebound damping and preload with a remote reservoir that's attached to the subframe probably the same 8997 in your post.   If you enlarge my picture, you can see the remote reservoir.   I haven't increased the high speed damping as yet -- that's next to try before I change the spring.

[ITSec]

The page of directions in the PDF linked from Klaus' site (http://epmperf.com/faqs.htm) is probably the best simple set of instructions on how to adjust a motorcycle's suspension, and why you make certain changes at the front or the rear. Take a quick read - you may know some of this stuff, but it never hurts to get a refresher.

[NWrider]

I've seen that chart -- a good reference.    I pulled the shock out this morning and found that the blue Hyperco spring is 800#/in whereas the Eibach is 1000#/in.    I also discovered that there was a radial bearing between two shims between the adjusting collar and the spring -- nifty idea.     I didn't see the set screw holding the collar in place while it was on the bike which explains why I wasn't able to turn the collar.  I'm going to try a preload setting at about a 25-30% rider sag.   If it's still too harsh, I'll go for a 700#/in. spring which is shown for my weight on an Aprilia Futura, which should be about the same weight as the Norge,  just don't know what the leverage differences might be due to the linkages.

7 turns in on the front preload is about right, but will probably change with the rear shock adjustment.

[NWrider]

Update:  The 700#/in spring is still too stiff with a range of preload between 1/2" and 7/8" ,with zero compression damping and 20 on the rebound damping.   The 700/800 and 1000# springs are all 6" long.   

When I had an 07 Norge I installed a Hyperpro shock with a 7" 600-850 #/in progressive spring which was a bit too stiff when I weighed 230# ready to ride but was perfect when loaded to go camping. 

I'm wondering if the stock Norge spring is 7" or 6" long and what the stock spring rate is/was.   If anyone has that information, I'd sure like to find out.   Also, it may be that the Penske shock internals are way out of the ballpark for my weight.   If anyone knows a good motorcycle suspension shop in the Portland, OR area,  I'd like to contact them.

TIA
John