suspension settings/please help

[big mike]

hi guys,hope some of you out there can help.ive had my bike a couple of months but only managed a few runs on it but after almost 1500miles i desperately need help with my suspension set up
ive spent a lot of my time on sports tourers and sports bikes but the big trailie isnt altogether a new concept as i had a tiger along with my gixer last year and had no probs with it

prob the easiest way to describe my problem is im sitting into the bike instead of on top of it. i fitted a normal seat to replace the low seat which did help
the bike feels as if tis dragging its arse in corners. i like my bike set up with a bit of height at the rear but when the preload is fully adjusted it is very bouncy
im about 16.5 stone and was hoping there are a few more lightweights out there who have had the same prob and can help a very desparate man

cheers in advance,mike

 

[Panzer Patrol]

Hi Mike,Try adjusting the damper. Turn the screw fully in then back it off quarter to half a turn. It should make a big difference in stiffening the rear shock, take off a bit of pre-load before you test ride it. Just my 2p worth.

 

[SpyInTheCamp]

the bike feels as if tis dragging its arse in corners

Turn up the rear preload as far as it can go. Then back off a bit until it gets comfiest. It isn't ideal as the handling will be juddery, but it should address the problem you have just detailed. It's a common observation about the GS12.

Kai

 

[chasr]

but when the preload is fully adjusted it is very bouncy

You don't say 'fully adjusted' which way. If it's wound up to the highest setting, the bounce may be caused by the suspension 'topping out', thus resulting in you leaving the seat over a bump. If it's set to the lowest setting then, at your weight, you would be bottoming out. Panzer is probably right about adjusting the damper.

IMHO, start with the book's stock settings for preload, and set the damper reasonably soft. You'll probably find you will then need to turn another 5 clicks hard on the pre-load. If the bike feels too squishy (there's a technical term), then firm up the damping.