03-24-2014, 08:34 AM
(03-23-2014, 11:22 AM)Aussieflyer_imp Wrote: Tortuga - good question and IMO a good topic for the forum remebering that factory specs are a guide rather than a rule ... how can one setting be right for all rider weights, riding styles, roads, application and climates!!
I run 30 - 32 PSI on the front and 36 - 38 on the rear. Given most of my rides are through the twisty roads and not high speed highway I feel better about running lower pressure. If it were a really hot day (e.g. 35C and higher) I might put a few more PSI up to the recommend specs to prevent excessive heat buld up.
My rear suspension is set at second softest setting and the front at three rings showing which gives me about 30% sag when I am on the bike. I had stiffened it previously in search of more 'direct' handling but I noticed it was just too rigid as here in AU a lot of our country roads are not in great shape. My weight is about 85Kg plus gear and I rarely take passengers. Other thing to note is I added a fork brace which does help the front end feel more stable when cornering over bumps - I went back to softer settings once I had the brace fitted. As a few of the boys on the forum have gone to the next level to fit rear Ohlins and resrpung the front with gold valves it would great to come up with a wide cross section of set ups experience in this one post.
Good luck in fine tuning to suit your needs.
I think I'll try these lower pressures. Should create a better contact patch and help get shot of the slippery bits on my tyres.
I too found the front end to be too harsh with only two rings showing, and was amazed it made so much difference!
Every other bike I've ever fiddled with it's made bugger all difference.