by Puffs » Sun Dec 01, 2019 8:25 am
Not trying to say anything about your ancestors, of either of you, but I'd guess the bike was primarily designed for its home market, and Germans are not commonly regarded as 'petite'. But indeed, the bike was probably aimed at young guys, which tend to be lighter than Helmut Kohl (6'4", 300+lbs).
Anyway, on replacing the narrow spaced part by a longer spacer: yes, that will increase the spring rate (see formula above), BUT: you'll ruin 2 otherwise perfectly fine stock springs, and if you cut off a spring (angle grinder) without first properly shaping the end (oxyacetylene torch) it will bend on load & grind onto the stanchion. Yes, "what's the point?" springs to mind (pun intended).
I'd just add an ½" spacer (nylon ring) on top of the existing ones, raise the oil level a bit, and then just enjoy the bike the way it is.
You can't always get everything exactly as you want it. Which is good, for it leaves things to be desired!