'86 VF500f Front Fork Question and my Junkyard Visit

Ok, so I picked up a used F4i shock from a local junkyard today, and shipped off to JD for rebuilding etc. for my '86VF500F... so for the time being, I'm on hold with the rear suspension.

As for the front, my local Honda dealer says they can't get factory or aftermarket springs, so I'm buying seals and stock-equivalent oil to 're-do' the front fork. QUESTION: I'm a big guy (190lbs nekkid) and like to take my GF on rides and normally take saddlebags and or a tank bag. How can I 'help' the fork compensate for the weight? The tech at the dealer recommends 'pre-loading' the springs with a PVC spacer of 1"ish in the fork...

Also, the JY had a bike just like mine... about 80% of it was there, and tank was in pretty good shape, couple of minor dings on the front, no cap. Also had a couple of carb assemblies in the back, some front fairings, fork arms, couple of gauge clusters... debating going back for the parts and selling them myself...

 

Ok... never mind on the springs. I got a pair thru Performance Cycle that are .9 as compared to the stock .61 for $118... That should put me in a good weight range for me and some luggage and/or a rider.

 

Well it changed AGAIN. Silly me didn't check with Daugherty and he stocks the right spring rate for what I need at $30 less... Lesson learned.

 

Look into heavier weight fork oil for extra damping. It's a poor mans solution but moving up to 12.5 or 15wt makes a world of difference

 

That's an option I'm weighing if the spring isn't enough, but Jamie's telling me the 1.0 spring will be plenty of a difference.

 

Be sure to adjust the shock when you get it back from JD and before you install it in the bike.

I was having tire clearance problems when I'd ride with a passenger....mind you I was using an F2 shock and the F2 wheel and wider tire.

 

I'll be sure to check that. Thanks for the advice. I'm on vacation now, the bike is in a shop getting tuned up, and Daugherty is shipping the springs right to them, so they can do the front with the new seals and oil I got.