CB1100 Featured on Race Tech Website

[aschem_imp]

Was looking for front fork springs and saw this: http://www.racetech.com/Newsfeed/2016/01...ech-Setup!

[Frulk_imp]

Call me overly sensitive but I think it's an overreach for Race Tech to call the stock suspension "mediocre". Almost all factory bike suspensions could be improved upon but that doesn't justify RT's use of mediocre to describe the CB's suspension to hype and sell their products.

[aschem_imp]

To me the stock suspension is mediocre at best when compared to the stock suspension of many other bikes I have ridden/owned.

[spacetiger_imp]

To me the stock suspension is mediocre at best when compared to the stock suspension of many other bikes I have ridden/owned.

Well, it does date back to the 60's.... so it is old.

The emulator is an upgrade - IF you get it adjusted properly. Other wise, not so much.

I have not seen a lot posted on how to get one set up properly.

Jerry

[AzBob_imp]

The stock suspension on this bike can handle anything any average to above-average street rider can throw at it. It isn't meant to be a race bike.

[Olyrider]

The dreaded suspension thread!

Where opinions are stated as facts. Downhill from there.

My new Ohlins shocks were on my doorstep yesterday. On the bike today. No chance to ride. It rained all day.

I'll get the emulators, along with stiffer springs. I weigh 210# dry, and the bike is too soft in front with little adjustability. (Fact)

I know what I want in a suspension, and it isn't the OEM settings. (Opinion)

I'm not going to street-race or track-day this bike. That would mean insanely uncomfortable rearsets, and wind blasting in my face. Nor am I looking for Marzocchi 45's to replace the spindly forks. I think "spindly" is a not-unkind word, and accurate, so I'm calling that a "fact".

I will end up with a much-improved ride on our bumpy local roads (opinion) and I believe it is worth the cost (opinion). Getting the Ohlins for half-price was a major score! Didn't see that one coming.

[spacetiger_imp]

yes, you are right AzBob. But setting up the suspension should not be taken as an effort to make it a race bike. It just makes the riding nice and pleasant.

Anyone considering adding emulators, I would tell you they are good devices. I spent a little time studying them and figuring how to best set them up for a comfortable ride and try to eliminate the nose dive under hard braking. Here is what I found:

Pic 1: the emulator taken apart. Separate rebound and compression circuits.

[url=http://s93.photobucket.com/user/spacetiger81/media/Testing%2094_zpshsvqsx9i.jpg.html]

Pic 2: Preparing the emulators. drill out the other two 3mm holes (4 total) to handle the small bumps in the road and use the blue springs with 6 turns not the yellow springs. Then put the device all back together.

[url=http://s93.photobucket.com/user/spacetiger81/media/Sportster/Testing%20107_zpsczgjt14o.jpg.html]

Pic 3: For those nurds that like graphs, here is why you want the blue spring with six 360 turns for additional preload. This keeps the main compression oil flow from happening until a specific pressure. This helps control quick nose diving under hard braking.

[url=http://s93.photobucket.com/user/spacetiger81/media/Testing%20106_zps3l4akoms.jpg.html]

When all ready to put in, use oil no greater than 5wt I found 3 wt oil was on the edge (too low) and 7.5 wt (too high). Also, reduce the oil level because the emulator takes up some volume; 1" less than the factory recommendation is safe.

Pic 4: tuned emulators ready to go in.

[url=http://s93.photobucket.com/user/spacetiger81/media/Sportster/Testing%20108_zpsahtlxuwl.jpg.html]

Jerry

[4 Paws_imp]

Imagine that, a suspension component company suggestion stock suspension could be improved upon!
Well, they are correct.

Then again, every time I've had an insurance review the answer was buy more insurance.
Glad to the CB featured, more farkles available the better.

[the Ferret]

Holy smokes Tiger...you are really into this stuff lol

[aschem_imp]

Thanks Spacetiger, your post will save me setup time. Would you increase or decrease the amount of turns for a heavier rider?