Fazer 1000 suspension

[mikelockyer]

Hi Have just spent 4 hours at MCT Suspension at Stowmarket. I now have a 2004 bike with suspension rebuilt to suit me and the bike. Highly recommended. They will rebuild a rear shock, replace front springs and set it up for your own personal preference to suit the way you ride and what you use the bike for. Just saved me 8 grand for a new bike. Stop messing with your suspension and consult the experts.
Regards Mike

[sadlonelygit]

Experts..........this place is full of them!!!!

[PieEater]

I'd rather mess with my own suspension than have anyone else set it up for me, that way I have a better understanding of what each adjustment does and could tune it without assistance should my requirements change. I had the good fortune to meet an ex-racer on these forums who lived locally and offered to help me get my suspension set up, we spent half a day riding the roads I like to ride at the pace I like to ride with him making tweaks to the damping front and back without telling me what he'd done and me saying "better" or "worse" purely from how the bike felt, then discussing what he'd done and why it had had the effect on the bikes handling. I'd recommend this method to anyone as you come away with a bike perfectly set up for you, by you.

[Mick-H]

I'd rather mess with my own suspension than have anyone else set it up for me, that way I have a better understanding of what each adjustment does and could tune it without assistance should my requirements change. I had the good fortune to meet an ex-racer on these forums who lived locally and offered to help me get my suspension set up, we spent half a day riding the roads I like to ride at the pace I like to ride with him making tweaks to the damping front and back without telling me what he'd done and me saying "better" or "worse" purely from how the bike felt, then discussing what he'd done and why it had had the effect on the bikes handling. I'd recommend this method to anyone as you come away with a bike perfectly set up for you, by you.

Or by an ex-racer.

[PaulSmith]

Personally, I think you would be better off having an expert set it up correctly at least once, then you are making adjustments from a known good state and when you screw it up, at least you can go back to their settings. 

[PieEater]

Or by an ex-racer.

I get your point but would say it was 50/50 the main thing being that I was making the decisions as to what felt right after each small adjustment not a paid "expert"  who could only set it up according to their preference in a limited amount of time. Plus I got the experience of learning exactly how each adjuster affects the bike by physically feeling the difference.

[CharlieDee]

Or by an ex-racer.

I get your point but would say it was 50/50 the main thing being that I was making the decisions as to what felt right after each small adjustment not a paid "expert"  who could only set it up according to their preference in a limited amount of time. Plus I got the experience of learning exactly how each adjuster affects the bike by physically feeling the difference.

Time for me to find an ex racer I thinks!! 

[PieEater]

Time for me to find an ex racer I thinks!! 

You could achieve the same results with any riding buddy and a bit of time,  stopping them making minor adjustments with you looking away then riding with you concentrating on how the bike feels to you and whether the change improved the ride or not. Stopping when you had made a decision to discuss your findings and learn what had been adjusted, rinse and repeat until the bike is set up just how you like it on your favourite roads at the speeds you like riding.

[mikelockyer]

Hi everybody
First of all I must apologize for not making myself clear about what work was done on my suspension. First of all the rear shock was rebuilt because it had lost its gas over a period of 11 years. It was also treated to a new spring matched to my weight and that of a pillion. Other work was done on the internals needed due to wear and tear. The front suspension was treated to new springs and revalved as the front is well known to be too soft anyway. Everything was measured to detect any wear in shims, spacers etc. All this took place only a few feet from where I was sitting and was invited to watch and ask questions at any time during the work. A chart with all the specifications and settings provided and those for adjustment for pillion, luggage etc is provided. After the workshop treatment it is taken for a safety inspection ride and any adjustments made. Then I was asked to take it down the same route and return to the workshop where I was invited to make comments and ask for any adjustments to change what I needed in the way of ride comfort. Only then are you asked to pay. Finally I must say after years of adjusting and reacting on so called clever peoples suggestions this bike has never been so comfortable, ridden the bumps or cornered so easily. Suspension is a complicated business and what you change at one end may affect the opposite end. Not many of us understand what bit to adjust. Its your safety after all. Some of the comments left just show how many of us know so little about our machines. Leave it to the experts.
Regards Mike

[sadlonelygit]

some like to fiddle..........some like to pay
all part of life's rich tapestry

[PieEater]

I bought a Niton shock set up by the factory for my requirements and refurbished the forks myself with new bushes seals and linear springs and oil to suit my weight based on KTechs recommendations. It's not news to anyone that this type of work is going to make a huge difference to the bikes handling especially with suspension that hasn't been serviced for 11 years. As SLG said if you're happy to pay for someone to do this for you fair enough but anyone with technical competence could achieve the same results.

[mikelockyer]

Hi
A last few words on this subject. At the age of 76 I feel lucky to still be riding. I am fit enough to participate in my local IAM Group activities and enjoy the occasional European trip. Unfortunately I have a service related injury that makes physical work in the garage difficult. Cleaning has to be spread over 2 or 3 days. I have reached the point where I have to pay the experts to do the work. I have been riding bikes for nearly 60 years and hope that all of you out there have the same luck and opportunity.Look after yourselves and ride safe.
Mike