K75S Forks: Progressive Springs vs Cartridge Emulators?

[Lucas]

So today I put on a Progressive shock and it was a definite improvement over my stock shock, my forks feel a bit squishy in comparison. So I'd like some advice what kind of improvements there are.

I have a 1992 K75S. I did the fork oil about 9 months ago, and that helped a bit.

I've read that these already have progressive springs? Is this true?

If the Cartridge Emulators are a good mod, how hard are they to install? I don't have a workshop or garage, so is there drilling involved or are they drop ins?

Basically, whats the best price/performance ratio?

[Brad-Man]

I haven't done emulators yet, but be aware that almost anyone who knows about them say they should be used with single rate springs - not progressive.

[mjydrafter]

It's not too difficult to pull the springs and have a look. 

I recently upgraded from stock springs to Progressives and I am very happy that I did.

I don't know too much about the emulators.  I had a KLR and guys were always doing them on those, but I'm not sure the KLR fork is even as nice as a stock K-fork.  I know they are different beasts, but to a point a fork is a fork.

There is a lot of feedback on the progressive springs. I don't think I found any negative remarks.

[Scott_]

Another option would be a little heavier oil to stiffen up the forks.
The stock wt is 7.5, I have read of quite a few that have gone to 10wt or a little higher.
At least it is something fairly simple and inexpensive to try.

[TaosBob101]

 I'm putting a Progressive Spring set in Sat. My BMW tech friend is going to use 10wt .

[subforry]

The "guts" of my K1100 forks look pretty complex.  Not sure that cartridge emulators would do much over stock, also I expect there would be hacking and fabrication involved.
Springs don't cost much compared to the benefit.  Get some springs that match your weight.  Dropping them in from the top with the forks in place is easy.

I have Race Tech springs.  Very happy.

[Inge K.]

The "guts" of my K1100 forks look pretty complex.  Not sure that cartridge emulators would do much over stock,

Your RS allready have a cartridge fork.

[Brad-Man]

Hey Inge:

I was looking @ the 'fiche on Max's BMW site and the K75S and early (2V) K100's seem to have the same (damper rod) suspension while the 4v/1100 seem to have cartridge types - if I'm understanding what I see.  I'e never seen a cartridge type fork broken down...

Can you verify what was in each model?

I've heard that for my K100 2v that going to the 4v/1100 front end would net me progressive springs - which kinda goes against current thinking of using linear springs w/emulators/cartridges - if in fact they DO have cartridges.  But if BMW did it I'm sure it's well thought out...

[Inge K.]

Beside the K11's also K100RS16V and K1 did get the cartridge fork late in their production lifetime.

About the combination cartridges/progressive springs I would guess that Marzocchi (who made the fork)
also know what they're doing after more than 50 years of fork production.

[Brad-Man]

Thanks for verifiying what I thought I saw Inge!

Since I have the 4v front end that I will be adding to my '85, I should only probably have to mess w/oil weight when freshening for my weight.

No spring no emulator purchase - I'm in heaven!

[Inge K.]

If it from a K11 or a late K1/K100RS16V and have a 12 mm oil filler plugg it's a cartridge fork, early 4V
Marzocchis is traditional damper rod fork, and have a 10 mm oil filler plug.

The cartridge version have different oil capacities L/R (if only drained) 350/400 cc.

If you have a complete front end (wheel, brakes, triples), you would also need a 20 mm master, that is a
different throttle assy...you must mod the throttle cable.

[Brad-Man]

I have non-BMW controls on the bike and the lever doesn't move much - good thing I have a good grip.

Bought it this way, si I'm thinking I have a master cylinder for a bike w/4pot brakes already...

I'll check out the forks the next time I'm rummaging in the garage.

Thx...