One point to bear in mind when matching springs (main and rebound) to achieve the above mentioned zero preload and gap with rebound is that the main springs do settle. The guys at SSL obviously realised this when they developed the adjustable front RS kit although I admit if benefits them in marketing a one size fits all Classics kit.
I understand over time that the often presented ex factory setup of loaded rebound actually improves with age as the main springs settle to the point of ideal setting. In turn this avoids the undesirable of stiff suspension softening under further compression over undulations, contrary to ideal.
My own experience is that after around 9000 miles from new I found a static gap of a few mm under stub axle despite having fitted Cain's lower steering bearings which should have closed any gap by their thickness of 3mm.
At around that time I fitted the front SSL kit. Main reason was having sorted the over stiff factory 5 link rear with SSL dual rate coilovers the front needed sorting to match the improved rear. Again I found though after a further 6000 miles a gap under static stub axles of over 5mm had appeared as the new main springs settled. Not surprising, as I drive solo for much of the time, the drivers side was the greater. Easily adjusted out though.
After adjustment the first observation was lesser suspension articulation on rebound, so restoring the more comfortable ride over the notoriously rough roads in our county.
