(05-09-2021, 04:37 PM)Tev62_imp Wrote:

(05-09-2021, 01:45 PM)Whoops_imp Wrote:

(05-07-2021, 06:44 PM)Tev62_imp Wrote: 2017EX MY - I am 120Kg all clobbered up and found the bike a bit reluctant to go around corners on the factory settings, naturally so. My weight is raking the front end out.

I had mentioned before that I jacked the rear up to 4/5 on the rear and dropped one ring on the front from factory and had the bike handling very well. The spring rate on the front does seem very low though and it is easy to use up 50% static. I quickly gave up on the target of 30% rider SAG on the forks which was achievable on the rear.

After a change of tyres though I found the bike super sharp. I went from the OEM Dunlops to Bridgestone T31's which had a big impact on the handling. With new tread and possibly different tyre profiles there was an obvious extra nose down attitude to the bike which had me turning incredibly easy.

This allowed me to gain back a little front suspension preload in that I could wind the preload in completely and get perfectly acceptable handling. I settled on one notch less front preload for optimum handling in the end. Just shows what impact a change of tyre can make.

I am 122 kg and was just living with the suspension as is. Now you all make me realize that I am probably bottoming out quite a bit.

What do you have your front set to? I will try adjusting my bike to your settings as a starting point since my weight is very similar.

I am 122 kg and was just living with the suspension as is. Now you all make me realize that I am probably bottoming out quite a bit.

What do you have your front set to? I will try adjusting my bike to your settings as a starting point since my weight is very similar.
The rear is easy and is on 4 out of 5 (+ve preload) which is a good place as it will allow you to add a little extra should you add a pile of luggage. SAG levels seem reasonable at the rear.

If I were you I would keep the maximum amount of preload you can on the front without harming the handling. Start with the front fully wound in, take a screwdriver with you on a test ride and adjust out one ring at a time until you feel the bike handles around corners best for you. Aim to have as much preload on the front as you can while maintaining good handling. Depending on your tyres you may find anywhere in the preload range but hopefully nearer the end with it fully wound in for max suspension travel.

(05-11-2021, 04:11 AM)Olof_imp Wrote: A bit late perhaps but anyway.

My weight 85 kg with gear, bike CB1100RS

Starting point (factory settings):
Front preload: 2 lines showing
Front static sag: 52/107 mm
Rear preload: setting 2/5
Rear static sag: 39/114 mm

Ended up with:
Front preload: 1 line showing
Front static sag: 47/107 mm
Rear preload setting: 3/5
Rear static sag: 34/114 mm

Verdict: probably no real gain, but the placebo effect works wonders and I imagine it's a bit more eager to turn in. Plus it was a satisfying way to spend a rainy evening in the garage.

(05-11-2021, 05:56 AM)Houtman_imp Wrote: I have discovered a very difficult way to improve the suspension on my bikes : STAY AWAY FROM ICECREAM !