Rear ride height.

[Schtum]

I'm currently running with lots of rear preload to achieve a decent rear ride height. It's not that I weigh a lot, probably about 12.5 stones in my riding kit but my experience is that I need this level of ride height on the rear to get the bike to turn with the required degree of alacrity. The increased weight over the front end also leads to more feel and a greater trust in the front of the bike. It also increases the stability of the bike.

However.....jacking up the preload to achieve the desired ride height is, at best, a quick 'n' dirty fix. I'm getting tired of the resulting lack of droop in the suspension when it's unloaded and the resulting jittery ride.

I'm therefore wondering if anyone else has found a better solution to setting the ride height? Spacing the rear shock appears to be a non starter given that both of its ends have an eye through which a bolt attaches to the subframe and swing arm, respectively. Do any of the aftermarket shocks have ride height adjustment which is independent from preload? At only 8k miles, I'm still a bit loth to go changing the shock(s). I managed 16k on the VFR before going the Ohlins route.

Any other thoughts, observations or ideas.....?

 

[Den]

Fit a smaller front wheel. Works with the 1150

 

[Schtum]

Fit a smaller front wheel. Works with the 1150

That would work but it's probably a relatively expensive solution and it would reduce the ground clearance a bit so I'd end up dragging my feet and the pegs more than I do already.

 

[Malcvtr]

However.....jacking up the preload to achieve the desired ride height is, at best, a quick 'n' dirty fix. I'm getting tired of the resulting lack of droop in the suspension when it's unloaded and the resulting jittery ride.

Not only is it quick 'n' dirty, mate, it's potentially dangerous. What you describe as a course of action in a static situation will alter the geometry of the bike and quicken the steering. HOWEVER that is not the whole story - by doing what you propose you will have virtually no rear sag. This will make the bike unstable. With little or no rear sag you are likely to lose the front end in long fast power bends, although the bike would tip in initially more easily on the brakes.

Malc

 

[Schtum]

Not only is it quick 'n' dirty, mate, it's potentially dangerous. What you describe as a course of action in a static situation will alter the geometry of the bike and quicken the steering. HOWEVER that is not the whole story - by doing what you propose you will have virtually no rear sag. This will make the bike unstable. With little or no rear sag you are likely to lose the front end in long fast power bends, although the bike would tip in initially more easily on the brakes.

I'm pleased to say that in practice, you're incorrect. I do have some rear sag, just not enough and the bike is anything but unstable in long fast bends.

Now, if you've got any ideas about how to increase the rear ride height and retain 30% or so static sag on the rear, I'd be more than happy to hear them.

 

[Malcvtr]

I'm pleased to say that in practice, you're incorrect. I do have some rear sag, just not enough and the bike is anything but unstable in long fast bends.

Now, if you've got any ideas about how to increase the rear ride height and retain 30% or so static sag on the rear, I'd be more than happy to hear them.

OK mate, sorry if I offended you. I was just trying to help and to make sure the "jack it up on preload to quicken steering" idea isn't taken as a safe fix. The advice I gave was first given to me by a guy called Roger Ditchfield of Revolution Racing (see his website at http://www.revolutionuk.co.uk ) who knows more about suspension set up than you, me and the rest of the list put together.

As for ideas, if no-one has already come up with a different length shock for the back, or a spacer/bracket to do a similar job, I guess most people don't feel the need to quicken the steering any further. If I were in your position of being unhappy with the speed of turn-in, I'd contact Roger and get his advice. He's a really decent bloke who is happy to give advice to anyone who's prepared to listen.

Malc

 

[Schtum]

As for ideas, if no-one has already come up with a different length shock for the back, or a spacer/bracket to do a similar job, I guess most people don't feel the need to quicken the steering any further. If I were in your position of being unhappy with the speed of turn-in, I'd contact Roger and get his advice. He's a really decent bloke who is happy to give advice to anyone who's prepared to listen.

I think that most people who ride the 1200 hard do feel the need for more ride height on the rear. I remember reading the first road test in Bike which said that "on the standard rear preload the 1200 drags its arse worse than a dog with worms." I dismissed that as journalistic licence and persisted with the rear on the standard setting for quite some time.....until I gave in and jacked it up. This produced significant benefits in terms of rate of turn, and stability.

I'm not alone, there was a recent thread over on Adv Rider about this...

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=114503

 

[Den]

I'm pleased to say that in practice, you're incorrect. I do have some rear sag, just not enough
.

I never noticed. You keep it well hidden.

 

[Schtum]

I never noticed. You keep it well hidden.

How true....especially for a man of my advanced years......

 

[Deadskin]

What about some ADV shocks ?
i'm sure someone would swap

 

[Schtum]

What about some ADV shocks ?
i'm sure someone would swap

Hmmm...... I'd only want a rear one though and realistically, who's going to want my 8k mile rear shock which has been thrashed over bumpy Scottish B roads for most of its life and has done the odd bit of off-roading.

So has anyone fitted Ohlins to their 1200 and if so, do they come with independent ride height adjusters? I can see SWMBO's face if I tell her I want to buy a pair of Ohlins....

 

[SpyInTheCamp]

I'll be interested in the conclusion that you arrive at Mike. My bike is just shy of 8k miles too and I was debating the very same 'jittery ride' issue with someone last week (following the joys of the A708 to Moffat).

Over the past week, I've backed off the preload by three clicks which does seem to have calmed it down a bit. But ... !

Kai

 

[shedracer]

I had Wilbers on my last GS12, they can be adjusted for ride height. As standard, they come slightly longer, so if you only want the rear, this would raise the rear straight away. (By the way, when you order, you can custom order to Lower, Same or Higher than standard shock). I realy liked them and if I find the GSA12 shocks lacking when I get it, I`ll probably go for a set again.

I bought mine from Wilbers in Germany, as at that time there was no importer in the UK, I believe now there is, but I`m not sure who.

 

[st247]

Not sure if the standard shock is rebuildable. But you could try contacting someone like Maxton . They may be able to rebuild or remanufacture the original shock to give you more rear height.

 

[Mouse]

I was thinking about this recently, as I'd like (assuming I had the funds) to raise my GS front and rear by maybe an inch, to improve off road performance. Although I'm happy enough with the road handling on the standard shocks.

But is it actually possible to raise the rear ride height? It looks to me that a shock any longer than standard would cause the swinging arm to touch the exhaust when on full extension.

 

[Brian ROSEN]

What are we hoping for?

'Although I'm happy enough with the road handling on the standard shocks.'
I would agree with that - the roads around here are pretty empty but my cornering speed has very little to do with what could be achieved - it is more a case of what is prudent (ha, ha) under the circumstances. I know that I am far below the limit - even if well above the speed limit!