pre load and damping

[pitrat101]

Hi Guys, probably been asked a number of times but had a search and couldn't really find an answer, am new to this adventure style biking as always had sports bikes. Have read manual and am ready to adjust to the standard settings but that is for full tank and rider under 85kg, I weigh in at 115kg so how much do I have to compensate? Also when taking wife on back (85kg)and some luggage what settings should it be adjusted to? do I have to adjust the dampening as well as the pre load when 2 up? And can it be lowered slightly at the rear without changing shock out? We had an off on Sunday as I couldn't reach floor properly and would just like to get whole foot on floor! I have just purchased a low seat and foot almost flat on floor would just like another 10mm if possible!

Any help gladly received.

Thanks

Steve

 

[Bumhead]

would just like another 10mm if possible!

Steve

Wouldn't we all sir....wouldn't we all!

 

[AlexG]

With respect to the seat height if you regularly ride solo you may find with time you will become accustomed to the higher seat height...I came from sports bikes and did struggle to start with, but several years in I now have the standard seat at the higher setting! Never had to contend with a pillion though. To put this into context I'm 5'9" and 31".
After a while paying more attention to where you stop, particularly avoiding gradients and putting the 'correct' foot down becomes natural. I rarely try to get both feet on the floor together, preferring instead to plant one well...it works for me.

 

[seahorse]

Standard spring is a bit soft for most. You may need to wind preload right up. Tbh that is a big part of the reason why buying a new shock set up to your requirements is such an improvement never mind having better damping.

 

[Bendy toy]

With respect to the seat height if you regularly ride solo you may find with time you will become accustomed to the higher seat height...I came from sports bikes and did struggle to start with, but several years in I now have the standard seat at the higher setting! Never had to contend with a pillion though. To put this into context I'm 5'9" and 31".
After a while paying more attention to where you stop, particularly avoiding gradients and putting the 'correct' foot down becomes natural. I rarely try to get both feet on the floor together, preferring instead to plant one well...it works for me.

Same for me.

Its a heavy bike so once it tilts too far it going down. Getting both feet flat should help and feels better, but in reality makes very little difference.

I use both feet down while the passenger climbs aboard with suspension on standard setting. I use the side stand for then to get off the bike. Pillion should use left foot on footrest and stand up, then swing their right foot and sit down. Once the passenger is seated I use the ESA to crank up the preload. Clearly a non ESA bike would have to be adjusted first and that can compromise the driver's leg reach to the floor.

I tried the Kahedo low low seat and hated it. The leg reach to floor was reassuring but riding position was horrible. Knees scrunched like a sports bike and handlebars like custom bike ape hangers. I now use the standard height Kahedo which is the same as a GS seat but lower than the GSA seat.

I stop with the left foot on footrest and right foot on the floor. The one foot, two wheels tripod is pretty stable.

What all large bikes need but none ever have** is a side stand on both sides. These could be long enough to hold the bike nearly straight up and would solve most car park tumbles.

**Brough Superior had left and right side stands, so its not a new idea.

 

[RedRick Esq.]

Trial and error on this Im afraid or take it to a suspension set up company and let them do it

it gets a bit complicated with static sag and stuff

The best answer so far is a spring and shock built to your needs

 

[Bendy toy]

Revs Racing and Wilber's. Not cheap, but a proper job never is.

 

[RedRick Esq.]

Revs Racing and Wilber's. Not cheap, but a proper job never is.

Yep + 1