2015 R nine T roadster chassis. Disappointing!

[PIGGLET]

Having looked at my mates 2015 R Nine T for a few years and having thought it looked great, I've ended up buying it. I bought it for pootling around in the summer on back lanes, basically to use in the same way many people would use an old brit classic when the suns shining. It's small and easy to handle, everyone who sees it remarks on how cool it looks, particularly non bikers which was a major factor in buying it BUT......
What an absolute atrocity the stock chassis is! It's harsh as hell, doesn't turn in and feels like it's going to bounce off the road when cornering on anything other than a perfectly flat road.

I didn't buy it for it to be the fastest thing from A to B and it's not a pleasant place to be at 70mph anyway being a sit up, completely naked bike but Jesus, what a bag of shite! I wondered if I was just over expecting from it based on it's looks and those S1000 forks but no, a quick spin on the same roads on a completely stock 21 year old 1150 GSA highlights how bad it really is (or how good the stock 1150 really is ((which as a light rider I always thought was massively improvable anyway)).

I'm thinking It's going to have to go to K-tech in York for a shock and fork cartridges as the damping platform is shite, the forks feel overly soft under braking yet harsh at the same time and the rear feels massively over sprung for my weight.
I haven't measured the head angle but I'm wondering about raising the rear to improve turn in but don't want to if sorting shocks and possibly a tyre change will sort that.
As a caveat I would say I'm a light rider and usually benefit from custom tuned suspension anyway but this is truly awful.

So based on the above, What have you done to your roadster suspension and how much improvement has it made? Has changing from the stock Metz tyres improved turn in?

 

[g00ner]

can’t argue with that, stock my R9T Urban was terrible.

Plenty on here have had mods done, personally I’ve a new rear shock and it was booked in to have the forks modded but have put it off for a bit.

MCN Fleet: Bargain suspension tweak transforms R nineT Racer

www.motorcyclenews.com

I just love it still, the torque and character. Got to get that suspension binned though

 

[elgringo]

I’ve got Road 6’s on mine, which feel far better than my mate’s bike that’s running the Metz’s. A few people run 36/36 psi F/R, I tried that, but to me the rear felt lazy and slow, so I’m happy with the standard 36/40.
I’ve also just fitted a Nitron shock, which has made quite a difference to the comfort, especially high speed bumps.

 

[Arsey]

can’t argue with that, stock my R9T Urban was terrible.

Plenty on here have had mods done, personally I’ve a new rear shock and it was booked in to have the forks modded but have put it off for a bit.

MCN Fleet: Bargain suspension tweak transforms R nineT Racer

www.motorcyclenews.com

I just love it still, the torque and character. Got to get that suspension binned though

Yup my Turban had the worst suspension on any bike I’ve ever owned . Beyond shite . Sold it asap

 

[Berin]

I had one of the first 9t’s, a 2014. Lovely eveything but you are spot on handing wise.

I planned to fit a slightly taller K tech shock and also get the fork cartridges, my brother did that to his and sorted it pretty much.

But then I traded it for a T120. I’m not sure the suspension is much better (though forks are more plush) but it’s quite a bit slower so I don’t notice.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[richardbd]

As Gooner says, many bods say the standard suspension is crap - and they're right.

I swapped the stock stuff on my Turban out for Nitron fork internals and a Tractive shock, raised the rear 30mm and the front 25mm. It has now stopped trying to shake my teeth out and seems to handle sufficiently well that I have decided it's a keeper.

 

[Baked Bean]

I've had mine 9 years now on Maxton front and rear. A bit firmer than plush but handles very well. Just done 180 miles around the west lakes today and not aching at all.

 

[barny]

If your any good with spanners its not rocket science to mod the suspension yourself. As said a good quality rear shock to suit your weight, change the fork springs and while your in there fit some Fork Emulators :- https://twsuspensiontech.co.uk/yss-...MIy6Tm5o2ahgMVcpVQBh3VZgvKEAQYASABEgLqcvD_BwE
Like these to suit your forks, then set the suspension sag and you have a decent base to start tuning the suspension. If the turn in is not that good check your tyres and pressures as above if they are OK have the shock made +10mm to raise the back of the bike slightly. Or you could spend a £1000 to get something gold and expensive.

I had the same feelings as you about the suspension so did the above and its now comfortable, well damped and handles very well cost approx £500 3 years ago. There plenty of info on emulators on youtube.

 

[PIGGLET]

Thanks for the responses guys. The MCN mod looks interesting so I might try that as a DIY option with some hyperpro springs and see how that works for a cheap starting point. I can always chuck an andreani cart kit in if I'm still not happy with it. I spoke to Graham at Reactive he said it seems K tech only make a race shock for the R nine which wouldn't be suitable. I would have thought that would have been OK provided it was sprung and tuned lightly for my requirements but apparently not. Waiting to hear back on alternatives.

Billy - your bike looks really nice. Are those K1600 wheels? Also, what riders have you settled? Being rather ape like I find the existing cockpit a bit low and want to remedy that before I start changing suspension.

 

[barny]

You could try these - https://shock-factory.co.uk/content/8-m-shock-absorber-for-bike

I've got them on 2 bikes R100gs and R9T GS very good ride, made to measure and will leave a bit of money left over. Fully rebuildable.

 

[g00ner]

You could try these - https://shock-factory.co.uk/content/8-m-shock-absorber-for-bike

I've got them on 2 bikes R100gs and R9T GS very good ride, made to measure and will leave a bit of money left over. Fully rebuildable.

I’ve the same on my Urban, can’t fault it

 

[Baked Bean]

Billy - your bike looks really nice. Are those K1600 wheels? Also, what riders have you settled? Being rather ape like I find the existing cockpit a bit low and want to remedy that before I start changing suspension.

From memory i think the wheels are from r1200r (2016?) They were a straight fit apart from one grease seal which had to be swapped. The risers are Hornig and LS bars.

 

[scooter paul]

If you’re not already familiar with Pier City Customs it’s worth giving them a call. They race, customise, service and basically do anything you want to Rninet’s . They will advise you from first hand experience.

 

[REKMec]

I spoke to Graham at Reactive he said it seems K tech only make a race shock for the R nine which wouldn't be suitable. I would have thought that would have been OK provided it was sprung and tuned lightly for my requirements but apparently not. Waiting to hear back on alternatives.

Bit late to reply, I’ve got the expensive premium K tech on mine and although it says race it’s perfect for the road. I had same comment with Brook suspension Bradford and they told me not to worry about the politics. This thing fully transformed the bike just like waving a wand.