Front suspension options.

Bruce Bell

Registered
Ok, I've got a 06, front lowered 1 1/2 (back lowered also), I weight 225???. The question i have is: what setting should it be set at. I've heard about different weight oil, different springs. Another is, how often should oil be changed? Road in maine are rough to say the least, so I'm thinking the the suspension is working a little harder then you flat landers :rofl:.
 
You need to set the sag first. YOU need to be sitting on the bike and have someone take the measurements. Then the front and rear suspension off the ground and unloaded, so a forklift stand on the front, and lower the rear off of a swingarm stand on to a frame stand or 5/8" rod through the engine mount bolt on to jackstands(or a center stand should you have one). This way the swingarm has no weight on it and the spring is not compressed. Measure again, adjust accordingly.
You would probably benefit from stiffer fork springs at 225lbs. 7w or 10w fork oil may improve the feel for you, I've found it to be more of a preference. I have been told that the stock 5w is better for rough roads/general street riding as the thinner oil can allow the valving to work faster than heavier oil.
Hold the front brake and quickly push down hard on the front. Let off your pressure as soon as they want to pop back up, allow the forks to do this on their own. You want them to come up quickly and stop, without any double bounce and noticeable slack at the top.
The rear should be done the same. It should return from compressed quickly and smoothly and stop immediately at the top.
The front/rear should compress and rebound at the same speed. The front/rear suspension work together, if one of the two is off, it will effect the other.
Search for "Jinkster attacks suspension" it's a great DIY Busa sag set up. Ohlins and Race Tec also have several good Youtube videos on sag.
Once the sag is set, go for a ride(on the same stretch of road) and make small adjustments.
Being a great suspension guy(which I'm not)is rare, but learning how to make adjustments and improvements is pretty easy once you get the hang of it.:beerchug:
 
At 225 you should definetly consider putting some new springs in. That will make it ride a little rougher though.

What is the bike doing that your not happy with?
 
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