Suspension Tuning

[madmcnish]

Have there been any posts regarding suspension set-up for dummies?
I've tried a couple of searches, but haven't found what I'm looking for.
I've heard that a good basic suspension set-up can transform the way the bike rides and handles.

Questions:
1) What should I set-up 1st? 'Static' Sag (Bike Only) or 'Total' Sag (Bike + Rider)?

2) What 'Static' and 'Total' sag measurements should I be looking for?

3) If I can't get the 2 sag mesurements into the required zone, how do I know if my spring rates (Front & Rear) are too hard / soft?

4) Front forks: Top of forks= rebound damping adjustment. Bottom of forks= compression damping adjustment. There is no adjustment for the spring pre-load. Is this correct?

5) Rear shock: Spring pre-load adjusted using the two rings. What adjusters are for the compression and rebound damping?

6) Front forks (again): Can the oil be drained from the forks without dissassembling them? I have no idea how much fork oil I'm running at the moment!

All these questions are regarding my '95 steelie.
Sorry if these questions seem pretty basic, everyone's got to start somewhere.

[dannygraves]

here are some good tips
http://www.factoryconnection.com/index2.htm

"RIDERSAG
Measurement A : Place bike on a stand, wheels un-weighted;
measure from the left inside fender bolt to a point on the rear axle.

Measurement B : With the bike off the stand, place the rider w/gear on
the bike in a normal riding position with feet barely touching the ground. Have someone measure between the same two points as before.

• Measurement A - Measurement B
Remember these are only “General” recommendations. Different riding styles, tracks and manufactuer brands may vary these set-ups. However, listed below is a good starting point to choose from:
65cc ............. 70-75mm
85cc ............. 85-90mm
125-650cc ..... 100-120mm

If Factory Connection has re-valved . . . check the starting point section of this pamphlet for the recommended rider sag measurement.

Too much rider sag indicates you must increase pre-load to the spring by turning the Spring/Pre-load Adjuster clockwise.
(decreases rider sag measurement).

Too little rider sag indicates you must decrease pre-load to the spring by turning the Spring/Pre-load Adjuster counter clockwise.
(increases rider sag measurement).










--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FREESAG
Measurement C : With the bike off the stand and the rider off the bike; push down on the back end and let the bike come up by itself. Measure between the same two points as before.

Measurement A - Measurement C (Generally 25 - 35mm)
If you set your rider sag and your free sag does not fall within the recommended range; a spring change may be needed.

HINT: Less than 25mm generally indicates a stiffer spring is needed and more than 35mm indicates a softer spring is needed.

NOTE: 1" = 25.4 mm "

[iggys-amsoil]

First of all, If the spring rates are not correct for your weight setting the sag is almost worthless. I said almost cause close is better than out there.

Then setting the sag depends on what type of riding will be done.

I set mine for moto x (cause its mostly what I do) so it sits higher for cornering. It does very well for trails and the dunes. And its setup when I need it for that.

Stock spring rates are usually for someone 170-180.

Sounds like may as well have them rebuilt?

#4. top is compression. bottom is rebound.

#5 same.

#6 I believe so.

[madmcnish]

Thanks for the info guys.
I'll try setting the sag and having a play around with the adjusters this weekend to see how much of a difference it makes.
I see that the sag measurements on the factoryconnection website are only taken at the back of the bike.
Is the same true for setting up the forks?
Cheers!

[AlisoBob]

Is the same true for setting up the forks?
Cheers!

Yup.