Higher Tire Pressure = More Suspension Compliance?

[CIP57_imp]

^^^^^^. This is getting interesting. Good posts Bob and CIP. Making me think a little harder about something I thought I knew something about.

CIP, what you are saying is that, the greater the preload, the less dive. This is because spring travel is effectively reduced. But once compression begins the rate of dive is a function only of compression damping. Have I got that right?

My view on preload is basically:

1. once compression begins preload is no longer a factor. Spring rate is.

2. Ride height (static sag) is controlled solely by preload

3. Preload, correctly adjusted for load, ensures that the suspension operates within the optimum range. This is why recommendations for baseline preload adjustments are predicated on anticipated load (pillion etc.).

4. The ratio of rear to front preload affects handling in that less front means easier turn in and conversely more front resists turn in.

There is a little more but that's the basics. Point 3 is the reason that the wallow I referred to in previous posts is now reduced with preload adjustment. Further adjustment is only available through adjusting damping, quite obviously not available on the stock CB, although someone did mention changing oil viscosity. Maybe it was you CIP?

One question for you both (Bob and CIP). On the CB, does preload affect spring rate? This of course would depend on the spring itself. Straight rate or progressive rate?

Looking forward to your comments. Don't spare me, I've been around long enough to know how to cope with disappointment .

Cheers

Loading the spring is minimal on this bike .6 less than in inch. Standard position in 9mm and fully loaded is 15mm or .2"

By pre- loading the suspension you create more tension therefore need more pressure to compress the front end initially. Example: The front end will feel different to someone at 250 than 160 pounds. This is why we set sag for the rider. I'm 170 and notice a difference by pre-loading the front end. Someone who is 250+ may not notice as much because they have already loaded the front end.

Pre-load does not change spring rate, only the initial load you have created.

As Bob mentioned there are other ways to control brake dive which are more effective with a fully adjustable front end.