suspension set up

[ericthebrave]

Hi, i've got a 1200 with the suspension set up as standard. Only done about 600 miles, and it seems ok, but i keep reading things about people setting up their suspension to make the bike perform to their weight / riding style better.

Well, i would do the same except i dont have a f'ing clue about suspension (i'm sure i cant be the only one!!). So, can anyone either point me in the direction of a SIMPLE suspension guide (all the ones i can find seem to have track days and stuff in mind), or give me a brief explanation of what i should tinker with 1st! (i weigh about 70 kilos)

I do find it a bit of a stretch to reach the ground comfortably sometimes, so could i lower it a bit by adjusting the suspension? (& how!!) Or will it sort of bed in and sag more with time & miles

Thanks in advance

 

[Schtum]

I do find it a bit of a stretch to reach the ground comfortably sometimes, so could i lower it a bit by adjusting the suspension? (& how!!) Or will it sort of bed in and sag more with time & miles

You've got conflicting demands. In order to get it to steer and handle you really need to jack up the rear preload to somewhere approaching maximum. This will make it harder for your ickle legs to get your feet all the way to the ground.

At c. 72 Kg with a 29/30" inside leg, I have the front shock preload on the second click, from fully soft, the rear shock approaching maximum preload (this isn't really the best way to set the rear ride-height and is, at best, a quick 'n' dirty fix) with a bit more damping dialled in on the rear shock.

In order to get my feet down I also have the low seat fitted.

 

[Deadskin]

Hi Eric
I weigh around 11 stone and the settings below work well
for me

Front 1 notch up from fully soft
rear pre load medium
damping 1 full turn of the screw back from full hard

Dunlop tyres fitted and air pressures as per manual

 

[ericthebrave]

cheers, i'll try those settings and see how it compares!

 

[VAL. H.]

You've got conflicting demands. In order to get it to steer and handle you really need to jack up the rear preload to somewhere approaching maximum. This will make it harder for your ickle legs to get your feet all the way to the ground.

At c. 72 Kg with a 29/30" inside leg, I have the front shock preload on the second click, from fully soft, the rear shock approaching maximum preload (this isn't really the best way to set the rear ride-height and is, at best, a quick 'n' dirty fix) with a bit more damping dialled in on the rear shock.

In order to get my feet down I also have the low seat fitted.

hi
eric I have my front set one notch up from soft, just as these guys. I like the back end a little softer though, and then wind it up about three full turns for a pillion. Not sure exactly where the rear is set, I just turned it till it felt right to me (I like a soft'ish ride) I set the damping soft'ish to give it a light quick action.

As far as ride hight goes, don't try to compensate with too soft suspention. It'll just mess up the otherwise excelent handling and put you off.
You have two choises here,

1. Get a low seat new or second hand (I got mine 'looked unused' off eBay, £47.00)

2. Have your rear shock profesionaly shortend. Though you'll be better off having both front and rear done to keep the stearing angle correct. Now having just said that, someone will no dought tell us that it's not possible to do it as the shocks are none serviceable. If thats the case you'll need to buy new shocks with custom adjusted springs. Ouch!

I like the low seat option,

Ps: I knew a guy who had custom soles made for his boots so he could do the DAS 'Big Bike Test' Quite funny at the time, but it worked.