Fazer Owners Club - Unofficial
Bikes, Hints'n'Tips => Fazer 1000/FZ1 corner => Topic started by: Dustydes on 31 May 2016, 10:37:09 am
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Need help with front suspension
I know there is a lot of info on this (Googled) but I want to make sure.
My front end has had upgraded harder springs but I don't know what? last owner just knew he had a rebuild with harder springs
Receipt is from Brook Racing but they don't keep records more than 3 yrs and this was Jan 2010.
Front end feels fine doesn't dive under braking but is hard when hitting bums and if you hit a bump when cornering feels like its going to skip bangs up through my arms.
The last owner was probably 3 stone heavier than me.
From what I have read the compression needs to be softer to stop skip and chatter.
7 clicks out from fully in on screw in bottom of forks is standard
I weigh about 15 stone with leather etc
fzs1000 2002
Des
compression
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its possible the springs are to heavy for your weight, if they are ktech springs in there the weight number will be stamped on the end of the springs. If they are infact to heavey for your weight, I have a stock set of springs I can sell you for a reasonable price (I have just upgraded my springs to ktech 9.5, I'm 14st)
You have the same issue that I have, but the first 3 things you should do are -
1. Set all the setting to default.
2. Then adjust the preload to set the static sag for your weight - which may be impossible if the springs are too heavy
3. Then lower the compression damping (adjusters on the bottom of the fork), one click on each fork at a time untill the harshness is reduced to a comfortable level.
If adjusting the comp.-damp make no different (as in its stiil harsh after that), then its time to change the fork oil. At this point you can either do what I have done and do a full strip and clean the forks (I am replacing all the usual items, bushes, seals, oil). Or if you dont want to go down the full strip route just empty the forks -
- flush with brake cleaner and refill with the correct amount of fresh oil - check the haynes or workshop manual for the exact instructions.
Then if after all that its still to bloody harsh then you/I will have to look going down the Maxton/ktech update where the damping internals are completely replaced.
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Thanks b1k3rdude
Need a few good days to set her up. Not today its raining :-(
Will back off compression a few clicks for now and see what she feels like, then when I have time to do a proper job start from scratch.
Des
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In case your not familiar with setting the "static" sag this is how to do it. You need a mate to assist.
If you cant get within the readings in red then the springs (either front or rear) are either too soft or too hard for your weight
F9
[size=0pt]Measuring: [/size][size=0pt]
Preload on the spring/springs is very important, [/size]
because it affects the height of the motorcycle
and the fork angle. Consequently, handling characteristics
can be changed, even negatively.
Proceed as follows (it will be much easier if done
by two persons):
A Place the motorcycle on a stand.
B Lift up the rear end to a fully extended
position.
C Measure the distance, eg, from the
lower edge of the rear mud guard or
from a point marked by a piece of
tape, immediately above the rear wheel
axle, to the wheel axle. (R1)
D Make a similar measurement on the front
axle, e.g., from the bottom of the upper
fork crown to the front wheel axle.
The fork must also be fully extended. (F1)
E Allow the motorcycle (without rider) to
apply load on the springs and repeat
the measuring procedure. (R2, F2)
F Then take the same measurements
with the rider and equipment on the
motorcycle. It is important that the
rider has a correct riding posture,
so that the weight is balanced on the
front and rear wheel in the same way
as when riding. (R3, F3)
The measurements may not differ from the
following sizes:
Without rider:
Rear: 5-10 mm (R1-R2)
Front: 25-30 mm (F1-F2)
With rider:
Rear: 30-40 mm (R1-R3)
Front: 35-48 mm (F1-F3
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48 on the front seems like alot even as a maximum amount, half the front travel as sag? I have my front set to 30 mm and I've raised the fork oil level with heavier Springs and heavier oil and i get a pretty good range of travel. I can still use pretty much all the front travel with braking in a road situation though. My zip tie around the fork leg usually ends up at 95 to 100mm up the leg after a few commutes and i don't think i stop super hard.
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Stronger springs would generally require less compression damping but more rebound damping. I found setting the sag as described worked OK with the stock progressive springs but with heavier linear springs was too firm. Using a cable tie I have set the preload so that I'm using all the fork travel apart from the last inch or so.
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Thanks for all replys
Ive backed off damping a couple of clicks just for now and its better.
When I have time and sun will do a proper job from scratch and go from there
Des