The CB1100 Community Forum

Full Version: Stiffening the suspension?
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Hey guys! I recently noticed on my ride to work today that my 2013 CB1100 suspension is way too soft and I can’t even hold a line right without it bouncing all around. I am about 205lbs. The rear shocks are set to 2nd setting from softest and I haven’t messed with the front yet. Can any one recommend a good setting for my weight?

Much appreciated!
(06-17-2022, 10:36 PM)gretle_2.0_imp Wrote: [ -> ]Hey guys! I recently noticed on my ride to work today that my 2013 CB1100 suspension is way too soft and I can’t even hold a line right without it bouncing all around. I am about 205lbs. The rear shocks are set to 2nd setting from softest and I haven’t messed with the front yet. Can any one recommend a good setting for my weight?

Much appreciated!

I would first recommend setting both tire pressures at or near to their maximum pressures. I run 36/42 psi front/rear.
From there, if needed, just increase the preload on the rear shocks evenly one notch at a time. Once you find a good setting in the back, then start adjusting preload on the front forks one step at a time.
The shock adjustments are preload only, no amount of adjusting will affect the softness or hardness of your ride and it won't stop them bouncing around. At your weight it would be reasonable to add one extra notch on the rear preload but you could also experiment with an extra two as long as you can achieve some sag sitting on the bike. After adjusting the rear try leaving the front forks at stock preload and see how the bike handles, the steering will feel a little quicker now you have raised the rear. Wind off the front preload (anticlockwise) if you would like to make the steering a bit quicker again. If your bike is bouncing around at the rear it is more likely that the damping element of your shocks are shot though and they just need replacing.
I used a heavier weight fork oil last time I did fork seals and that seemed to stiffen a bit( at least it felt that way)
probably gotta crank up the preload all the way. Even then it'll be very soft and will pogo like crazy. Thicker oil will cause it to compress and rebound a tad slower... you could try that first.

I would get with http://www.traxxion.com and get some 1.0 fork springs and new spacers. Makes a great difference.