R1200GS Suspension Settings for rough tarmac road

[arrjo]

Hi all,
I have a 2010 R1200GS with standard alloy wheels and Tourance EXP tires and I have the regular suspension, not ESA.
I am mainly riding on rough, bumpy tarmac roads and gravel roads with potholes in them.
What suspension settings would you recommend for these roads?
And what tire pressure would be okay? 1,5?
I weigh 75 kg and I usually don't carry any loads.

If I compare my bike to my dad's R 1150 GS Adventure, then the Adventure is smoother and softer on such rough roads. I'd hate to discover that the R1200GS has too firm suspension for such roads...

Any recommendations for suspension settings?
Thanks!

Johannes

 

[Rasher]

Have you tried experimenting?

Settings on one bike do not always work the same on another, the GS hardly has a huge array of adjustment with just pre-load up front and pre-load / rebound damping at the rear.

I found my front very clunky and horrible until I fitted a Wilburs which transformed it, as you can only adjust pre-load try moving it a bit and seeing if it helps.

At the back just soften it up a bit, try taking off some damping first, then maybe try adjusting the pre-load.

Just make one change at a time (i.e. do not change damping and preload or make adjustments to back and front at same time) take some notes and after a while you should find settings you prefer.

 

[Mr K]

Tyre pressure should be about 2.5 bar back and 2.3 front.

I have my front shock on position 2 and the rear set just so "medium" is just visible on the adjuster.

Probably not perfect for you, but may be a starting point.

 

[arrjo]

Hi,

Thanks for the tips. Yesterday I tried setting the suspension to the firmest setting at first and then to the softest setting - both were quite horrible to be frank. I'll try making one adjustment at a time and see where it takes me.

tire pressure 2,5 would be too harsh for the roads i'm riding on, i'll get thrown off the bike with such pressures

Cheers,

Johannes

 

[Mr K]

tire pressure 2,5 would be too harsh for the roads i'm riding on, i'll get thrown off the bike with such pressures

Cheers,

Johannes

Enjoy the mangled wheel rims and punctures then.

 

[Schtum]

tire pressure 2,5 would be too harsh for the roads i'm riding on, i'll get thrown off the bike with such pressures

Not for tarmac - 1.5 Bar might be ok for the dirt bit it's far too soft for paved roads. Even 2.5 is too soft. 2.5/2.9 F&R is usually the best setting for handling and roadholding.

 

[Packer]

If you can get your weight up 30kgs it will help to smooth out the ride quality. Pies are good for this application.

 

[arrjo]

Thanks for the pie tip