Author Topic: Suspension settings, anyone had a fiddle? (Read 4230 times)

JZS 600 · « **on:** 28 May 2012, 10:17:59 am »

Took the rear pre load up one click (harder) and screwed the forks preload down one notch and now the bike seems a little better in the handling department.

Could be because I'm 90Kg and probably heavier than the standard settings allowed for. Anyone else had a play about? Running 32/36 tyre pressures as well.

clayt74 · « **Reply #1 on:** 28 May 2012, 12:22:25 pm »

I put my rear up 2 clicks cos im nearer 95kg plus take pillion on weekends, i found clicking the rear up really did improve things.

I had began to worry alittle bit about the front tho, it was feeling a little twitchy and not very confidence inspiring, but then i noticed that my front had been wound all the way to 3 lines showing!!! much too hard for me, I set it back to 5 lines showing as per standard and am now liking that alot

so mine is +2 on the rear and standard front, my bridgestones are at 36/42 as per bridgestone recommendation and i have no probs at all

CRH · « **Reply #2 on:** 28 May 2012, 12:45:16 pm »

changed fork oil to 15w...set front pre load to 2 rings showing!!...rear pre load...on 7...like being on rails???? transformed it!!!

CRH · « **Reply #3 on:** 28 May 2012, 01:01:01 pm »

oh, fgot ?...tyre pressures ....34/38.......34/42..with pillion!!!!

JZS 600 · « **Reply #4 on:** 28 May 2012, 04:14:02 pm »

Interesting, I'm on 6 at the back and 3 rings showing, will try this for a bit to see how it goes then might have another fiddle

Fazerider · « **Reply #5 on:** 28 May 2012, 06:09:36 pm »

Those tyre pressures sound a bit low, I'm just two thirds of your weight and find 34/37 psi to be optimum (though best pressure will also depend on the make and model of tyre).

Dead Eye · « **Reply #6 on:** 28 May 2012, 06:15:33 pm »

I have 9 on the back (im a fat b*stard - 120kg ish) and cant change the front ('99 Model). Found the change significant though as it was on 1 beforehand. Need to check my tyre pressures again though, running Bridgestone BT023s so thinking 36/42 should be the sensible choice.

JZS 600 · « **Reply #7 on:** 28 May 2012, 06:55:09 pm »

I'll whack it back up to 36/42 and see how it goes!

Fuzzy · « **Reply #8 on:** 30 May 2012, 08:43:09 pm »

I'm only 60kgs and I have 3 rings showing on the forks and I'm on 7 at the back (though 6 is better for solo only riding). Running Bt023 on the front & Bt021 at the back at 36psi & 40psi respectively.

JZS 600 · « **Reply #9 on:** 30 May 2012, 08:44:40 pm »

Bumpy ride?

Fuzzy · « **Reply #10 on:** 30 May 2012, 08:45:56 pm »

Quote from: Dead Eye on 28 May 2012, 06:15:33 pm

I have 9 on the back (im a fat b*stard - 120kg ish) and cant change the front ('99 Model). Found the change significant though as it was on 1 beforehand. Need to check my tyre pressures again though, running Bridgestone BT023s so thinking 36/42 should be the sensible choice.

Last time I checked the bridgestone site it recommended 36psi for both tyres for the BT-023. Might be worth looking into it.

Fuzzy · « **Reply #11 on:** 30 May 2012, 08:57:53 pm »

Quote from: JZS 600 on 30 May 2012, 08:44:40 pm

Bumpy ride?

It's not bad at all surprisingly, maybe my shock is just knackered. I have the preload at 7 as that's the best compromise for me: I ride 2 up (pillion same weight as me), with a topbox, and sometimes extra luggage frequently aswell as solo without any extra stuff onboard. I do notice that it's a bit bumpier when I'm riding solo and if I could be bothered to change it I would to 6 which I reckon is best.

My bike came with 5 at the front and 2 at the back and when I changed it back to stock (5 & 4 I think?) it was a revelation in the bike's handling and I've built on that since to get it right for my taste.

Fazer Jake · « **Reply #12 on:** 30 May 2012, 09:35:09 pm »

i'm 6'2 and 17 stone and my fazers jacked up to 25mm running 42 at the rear and on the max on the shock was so bumpy it was unreal

spider · « **Reply #13 on:** 31 May 2012, 12:22:02 am »

i am 12 stone. got bt023 front and rear. doing my first track day. what tyre pressures do i need. front forks i cant adjust. did pay £300 for fork service. on the rear is it best to make it as hard as possible

b3tarev3 · « **Reply #14 on:** 31 May 2012, 11:18:35 pm »

I have the rear shock on the top setting and have got 2x two inch spacers in the front forks (98 model no adjustment)........ handles like a dream

Motorbreath · « **Reply #15 on:** 31 May 2012, 11:58:09 pm »

Front:1kg/mm linear springs (79€ shipped from BM suspension, maybe they still sell them) sae 20 oil and 2002 preload adjusters (with shorter preload spacers).
Rear: FG Gubellini rear shock with jack up kit.

Little preload needed now

b3tarev, I bought my bike with similar settings as yours and now it handles much better

scottomus0 · « **Reply #16 on:** 01 June 2012, 01:02:19 pm »

i need to change my settings, i feel every bump in the road and can hinder my riding, especially around corners. i weigh around 96kg, what settings you recommend as a guidance?

also ive just had 2 new bt-023s fitted yesterday, not sure on the psi there at and i dont have any pumps, are tescos pumps reliable for checking the psi?

JZS 600 · « **Reply #17 on:** 01 June 2012, 01:11:29 pm »

3 rings showing on the front, No6 setting on the back, tyres on 32/36 (though I might change to 36/42 again and weigh in at 90Kg's

Seems comfortable and stable, def. giving it more on roundabouts/corners with no wobble or wallow.

Fuzzy · « **Reply #18 on:** 01 June 2012, 08:12:26 pm »

Quote from: scottomus0 on 01 June 2012, 01:02:19 pm

i need to change my settings, i feel every bump in the road and can hinder my riding, especially around corners. i weigh around 96kg, what settings you recommend as a guidance?

also ive just had 2 new bt-023s fitted yesterday, not sure on the psi there at and i dont have any pumps, are tescos pumps reliable for checking the psi?

The factory settings might be a good place to start, which would most likely be too soft, and then adding preload step by step towards what is most comfortable for you. Takes some experimentation.

Petrol station pumps often seem to be off the mark, if you want more accurate readings I would recommend getting a gauge. I have a draper one and I think it's pretty good. Bridgestone site says 36psi for both tyres for the bt023.

Dead Eye · « **Reply #19 on:** 01 June 2012, 08:21:38 pm »

Quote from: scottomus0 on 01 June 2012, 01:02:19 pm

i need to change my settings, i feel every bump in the road and can hinder my riding, especially around corners. i weigh around 96kg, what settings you recommend as a guidance?

also ive just had 2 new bt-023s fitted yesterday, not sure on the psi there at and i dont have any pumps, are tescos pumps reliable for checking the psi?

Not sure on Tesco, but I often go to Sainsburys as they are FREE! I don't think Tesco's are... b&st&rds

JZS 600 · « **Reply #20 on:** 02 June 2012, 12:17:40 pm »

Got a Halfords pressure gauge for a fiver or something like that and it works really well, no problems getting it on the valves etc.

Buzz · « **Reply #21 on:** 02 June 2012, 01:36:05 pm »

I got this from Ebay and it's turned out to be the best pressure gauge I've ever had. Solid brass nozzle and totally accurate readings..can't go wrong for a tenner.

kebab19 · « **Reply #22 on:** 02 June 2012, 04:15:01 pm »

I think some of you might be confusing optimal shock settings with a shock that has lost its damping. I have no idea what mileage the OEM shock goes at, but it almost certainly needs replaced / rebuilt at 20000 miles

JZS 600 · « **Reply #23 on:** 02 June 2012, 04:51:10 pm »

Oh dear, mines done 30K

Dead Eye · « **Reply #24 on:** 02 June 2012, 06:12:43 pm »

Mine is at 23k so its about due I guess...

Any hints, tips or advice on this?