Posts: 333
Threads: 81
Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Dec 2016
I promise, no more questions today after this one!
A month or so ago, I was looking over the CB1100 forum, and came across an interesting suspension thread. Several members responded, many saying they thought their bikes were spring too softly. OTOH, others had exactly the opposite experience ... felt the ride was harsh.
I thought I'd bookmarked the thread, but cannot find it, and the search function isn't getting me to the thread, either
Anyone? I brought my 2014 Black home yesterday, total 250 miles, over 80 or so miles of old US 250 between Fairmount WV and Wheeling WV. This road isn't in the best of shape, what with all the truck traffic from the fracking/pipeline truck traffic. I felt like the combination of somewhat rough roads and rather stiff suspension made for a not so good experience.
I think that particular thread might point me in the right direction (which I hope is more related to fork oil wt and level vs "you need to begin changing things like springs and shocks.")
BTW - I weigh approx. 160 lbs. Fork preload set at ring 3 and shocks at next to lowest preload setting. Carried 35psi front and 37psi rear, lower than factory recommended specs because of my weight and not carrying passenger or luggage.
Thanks,
Bob
Posts: 8,025
Threads: 21
Likes Received: 180 in 103 posts
Likes Given: 121
Joined: Apr 2025
There really isn't enough info there to know what thread you want. I searched on suspension and a ton of threads came up. Here is one:
http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread....suspension The thread is titled Front suspension harshness.
Posts: 333
Threads: 81
Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Dec 2016
(04-11-2017, 03:34 AM)Lord Popgun_imp Wrote: There really isn't enough info there to know what thread you want. I searched on suspension and a ton of threads came up. Here is one: http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread....suspension The thread is titled Front suspension harshness.
Popgun, you found exactly what I needed. Lots of good info in this thread.
Thanks,
Bob (Ohiorider)
Posts: 23,403
Threads: 697
Likes Received: 482 in 220 posts
Likes Given: 594
Joined: Apr 2025
Bob, IMO if you think it is too harsh, the first place you want to start is to make your stock suspension as soft as possible. I believe that is with all lines showing on front (4 rings?) and deepest valley on the rear shocks and see how that feels and go from there.
Posts: 333
Threads: 81
Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Dec 2016
(04-11-2017, 04:57 AM)The ferret_imp Wrote: Bob, IMO if you think it is too harsh, the first place you want to start is to make your stock suspension as soft as possible. I believe that is with all lines showing on front (4 rings?) and deepest valley on the rear shocks and see how that feels and go from there.
That's where I'll start.
Bob
Posts: 1,267
Threads: 108
Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Feb 2015
Ohio Rider: Not gonna tell you anything you prob don't already know. I saw you listed your body weight as 160. That's pretty light and if your stock suspension is already set at its "softest" setting and you think the ride is too harsh then you really only have two options. Start replacing the OEM suspension bits to get that ride you want or get a 50 pound bag of rice and wear it in a back pack and start dialing in the ride. With 11.2K miles and at 240 pounds (+/-) I have no complaints about the suspension. The rear shock is sitting on the 3rd preload notch and I think the front is, well I really don't know without looking. I always thought that the Honda had a plush/competent ride for no high end aftermarket bits in the stock set up. As an aside observation from my own experience, it seems like the riders I've known on a personal basis that were lighter guys (170 pounds on down), have the most trouble with making STOCK suspensions work for them. Case in point is my buddy Bobby (155 on a GOOD day), has had 6-7 bikes in the 8 years I've known him. 3 are sitting in the garage right now. NOT ONE has had the stock suspension on the rear and two of the bikes had spring work on the front.
Posts: 2,635
Threads: 125
Likes Received: 1 in 1 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Jun 2016
Harshness and spring rate are 2 different things. The springs are there to support your weight.<-period.
It is the valving and associated oil weight and level that affect the movement of the shock/fork from and back to static.
So, you spring the bike to have the bike settle to a static position while stationary. The spring rate will depend on your weight, as well as any accessories you have...and yes to an extent how hard you ride- BUT that is a crutch- getting off the primary intent of the springs- stiffening springs based on hard riding just takes some work off of the fluid (movement through valving)...and has it's own compromises.
So yea- think of them as 2 different things-that overlap in the middle- which muddies the waters, or oil in this case... but springs should 100% be changed to proper riding weight before any attempts to revalve or change oil level or weight.
Yea- I know that oil is cheap and easy.. but that doesn't mean it is correct. Just like preload- there is only so much it can do to fine tune- the foundation (springs) needs to be right first.
Posts: 206
Threads: 4
Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 16,115
Threads: 342
Likes Received: 664 in 364 posts
Likes Given: 773
Joined: Apr 2025
(04-11-2017, 10:02 AM)BestStandard_imp Wrote: Read this and understand spring rate you will...
http://fixbroke.tumblr.com/post/39188918...-really-do
I was hoping to read this and be able to respond, 'understand it I don't'. But I did, which means it's correct title is Spring rate for dummies.
Thanks BestStandard; it was a good read.
