HOW TO: Motorcycle Suspension Setup 101

***DanQ*** · 11-23-2012, 06:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greenstreak9205

I'll have to recheck the numbers, but I had Meister set it all up for me earlier this year. As for what it isn't doing...it bottoms out periodically. Under hard breaking it dives pretty hard starts to compromise some stability when it bottoms. I've upped the compression a bit, but I honestly can't recall how many clicks in or out I am. Another issue I'm having is I can't seem to get it to hook up coming out of a corner very well. That I'm sure is just a set-up concern. Last problem I'm having, whick I'm almost positive is a set up issue, is I can't seem to get it to turn in very well

Edited to add; it likes to skip across mid corner bumps and gets unsettled. But idk if that's something you can really "fix"

I'd definitely be interested in the sag numbers. If they are in the right range, you may be able to service the components and increase the oil level slightly to help with the bottoming issue without putting so much spring in the front that the bike won't turn. You corner entrance comment makes me believe that you are either too stiff on spring, or too slow on compression damping in the front. Could also explain the skipping.

It's really an accumulative thing. If we start with a decent sag number the rest starts to come into place.

greenstreak9205 · 11-23-2012, 07:26 AM

I'll get back to you with that and we'll go from there then

Thanks!

playero_loko · 11-23-2012, 01:22 PM

how can help me out/teach to work my suspension in/around Nashville TN? i'd be more than willing to meet up with you... even giveyou a couple bucks for your time! pm me if you're able to help me out!

***DanQ*** · 11-23-2012, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by playero_loko

how can help me out/teach to work my suspension in/around Nashville TN? i'd be more than willing to meet up with you... even giveyou a couple bucks for your time! pm me if you're able to help me out!

That's a bit off my normal routes out here. Do you go to any track days?

playero_loko · 11-23-2012, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanQ

That's a bit off my normal routes out here. Do you go to any track days?

i wish there was one, i know that maybe once a year there's a nascar track where they've been having track days for motorcycles from STG or whatever they're 3 letters are... but right now i havent been able to go there since i've been gone for work (army) during that time.

greenstreak9205 · 01-27-2013, 04:49 PM

Out of curiousity, how much can temperature affect sag #'s? Like if I were to check now in the 2X* temp in Wisconsin or the +70* temp I'll be riding in

Meister37 · 01-27-2013, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greenstreak9205

Out of curiousity, how much can temperature affect sag #'s? Like if I were to check now in the 2X* temp in Wisconsin or the +70* temp I'll be riding in

Yes, slightly depending on components and settings. Maybe a MM or 2

greenstreak9205 · 01-27-2013, 05:32 PM

my forks are a little sloppy

TheForumGay · 01-27-2013, 05:53 PM

PJ and sloppy, two words that go together

Dan, I'll be calling you and texting you this coming Saturday, I hope you're ready to walk me through my suspension settings

Meister37 · 01-27-2013, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greenstreak9205

my forks are a little sloppy

Quit doing the triple lindy with them and they won't be!

You Tube

greenstreak9205 · 01-27-2013, 06:17 PM

Lets just say they've loosened up a little bit throughout the season since you set it up on our way to the forum trackday at JGP

Front sag is at 40mm and it's been tightened up a couple clicks as I got faster. Pretty sure we set it up a little stuff initially as well thinking I would need it with my pace quickening

Meister37 · 01-27-2013, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greenstreak9205

Lets just say they've loosened up a little bit throughout the season since you set it up on our way to the forum trackday at JGP

Front sag is at 40mm and it's been tightened up a couple clicks as I got faster. Pretty sure we set it up a little stuff initially as well thinking I would need it with my pace quickening

Time for a rebuild anyway.

***DanQ*** · 01-27-2013, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greenstreak9205

Out of curiousity, how much can temperature affect sag #'s? Like if I were to check now in the 2X* temp in Wisconsin or the +70* temp I'll be riding in

Not much directly, if any. Have to remember that sag is dependent on overall spring rate and independent of damping. The damping may have more of a pronounced affect though.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gearheaded

PJ and sloppy, two words that go together

Dan, I'll be calling you and texting you this coming Saturday, I hope you're ready to walk me through my suspension settings

No problem. Text me before you call so that I'm sure to be looking for the call. Unless I'm in a movie or working on bikes, I'll be good.

greenstreak9205 · 01-27-2013, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanQ

Not much directly, if any. Have to remember that sag is dependent on overall spring rate and independent of damping. The damping may have more of a pronounced affect though.

I guess I was thinking how it would affect the dampening when you compress or retract the suspension for L2/L3 measurements. Thanks guys

***DanQ*** · 01-27-2013, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greenstreak9205

I guess I was thinking how it would affect the dampening when you compress or retract the suspension for L2/L3 measurements. Thanks guys

Realistically it will slow the damping, but not change the travel too much. If you wait long enough for the measurements the suspension will still go full stroke. However when I start fresh, I actually open the damping fully to set sag.