Hyperpro springs, or just new oil?

[modman]

At 18000 miles BMW told me my front forks need an oil change on my 2008 F800GS. This is £170 with them. For that price I'll do it myself for a considerable amount less, however I have read a lot about Hyperpro fork springs which I can buy for £132 (Incl the oil)

For a relatively novice rider who rides mostly on tarmac (Although I have just come back from Iceland where I did a lot of dirt! and loved it) would Hyperpro fork springs be worth it for me or would they be wasted?

Any suggestions or advice welcome.
Thanks - Daniel

 

[mrjim130]

If you found the front suspension was not performing well enough then it's worth it. If your happy with it now then just change the oil. Even an oil change will make a difference!

 

[MikeMike]

BMW charge about 3 times as much for a bottle of their fork oil. One bottle will not fill the forks, you have to buy two and then you have almost all the second bottle left over.
Clever on the part of Spandau.
Get the aftermarket springs and some good aftermarket oil and enjoy a front end that should have been like that on the bike in the first place.
You will need a friend for the job and some way of supporting the bike along with the centerstand. In addition to the bike on the centerstand, you will need something under the motor, be careful as the support is the oil pan. Be careful you don't damage the heat exchanger (located next to the oil filter).
Your friend will be needed to compress the fork tops so you can carefully get the little wire "C" shaped spring steel clips out of the groove in the forks. Be patient and you will be able to re-use them.
Save yourself the money and do it with the new springs and oil.

 

[thomo57]

Fit the the Hyperpro springs, will come with SAE10 heavier fork oil, they will transform the handling of the bike on tarmac...

 

[modman]

It's such a shame I did the steering bearings a few weeks ago as it would have been ideal to do both at the same time. So I have enough confidence and experience to get the front end off.

For a luddite like me, could people explain the characteristics that make the Hyperpro better? Is it things like less 'diving', better damping etc? I'm just keen to know in what way are they better is all.

Also are there any special tools I need do you know?

Thank you for your comments so far, much appreciated.

 

[Smythson]

Don't know about characteristic stuff but may be worth a look here to get an idea of tools...

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=229263

S

 

[thomo57]

Take a look at

http://www.hyperpro.com/hyperpro/en/node/21

It explains the benefits of progressive springs v linear..

It does what is says on the tin

 

[modman]

That's spot on, the instructions and the characteristics. Thanks both. I think I will go for the kit, at the end of the day it's not a huge amount of money either. Thanks.

 

[ralphy]

Fit the the Hyperpro springs, will come with SAE10 heavier fork oil, they will transform the handling of the bike on tarmac...

I'll second that, did the job just before a tour around Spain and the difference was significant.

Don't know about characteristic stuff but may be worth a look here to get an idea of tools...

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=229263

S

FWIW, I didn't remove the wheel, brake or forks to do mine: seemed like a lot of extra work to go through it all.

R

 

[modman]

Did you just loosen the top pinch bolts then and remove the fork caps. Drain the oil from the bottom and then just something to support the bike to stop the front from falling down when you drained them?

If you have any tips on doing it that way I'd be keen to hear them please.