Suspension Static Sag

[Houtman_imp]

How is the suspension on your Kawa 400 in comparison with the CB 1100 ?

[ozigoo]

I put Wilbers progressive springs in the Kawa forks which made a heap of difference, but the Kawa has 'Clubman' clip on style handlebars, so its a bit of a cafe racer. As such your leaning right over the tank so its a totally different riding experience. Its hard to compare the two bikes, its a bit chalk and cheese'ish. I prefer riding the Honda but the Kawa is a real buzz, no gutz being a 400, but its fun to ride. I am supose to be riding the Kawa on my restricted licence for a year, but I tend to take the Honda out alot more than I should...

[Tev62]

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.

[the Ferret]

Yea I'm 76 kg (168 pounds). It's hard for manufacturers to set up bikes from the factory with their cost/benefits restraints that will be comfortable and handle well for both of us. Then they stick crappy tires on them and that throws a real wrench in the works.

I personally have never messed with sag. When I get a bike I ride a section of road at the factory settings. Then I put it on full soft and ride the same road. Is it better or worse? Then I stick it on full hard and ride the road. Is it better or worse? Then I have a basis for dialing it in. It usually ends up pretty close to the factory settings. I must be pretty close in weight to the median they shoot for.

[dave]

You need heavier springs.

[Tev62]

You need heavier springs.

Yes, I do at the front. With my Africa Twin it was the exact opposite, the rear spring rate was really low but the fronts were fine.

As the bike is only for day runs it is not worth the upgrade, I haven't managed to bottom them out yet but then that is because I ride fairly easily and the suspension is rarely tested hard.

[Whoops]

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.

[Tev62]

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.

[GoldOxide_imp]

I never bottomed out my CB1100 and it experienced some nasty potholes. For reference:

* Full tank ('14 CB1100 standard model)
* Rider 220 lbs
* Front dialed as "standard from dealership" (don't remember the factory settings)
* Rear was set to 4 of 5 preset
* Factory recommended tire pressures

In addition, I sometimes had a pillion (about +140 lbs), but we rarely struck potholes or speed bumps. Rock solid to 170 for 50 kms. Corners (~40 km/h) and U-turns (~15 km/h) were undramatic.

I am pretty sure sag exceeded 30% under many of these conditions.

I thought the CB was nice to control.

= = =

The few times I felt the CB was a wee unstable was on hot tar snakes and steel grate draw bridges. However, that could have been a function of the tires and not suspension.

[Tev62]

I never bottomed out my CB1100 and it experienced some nasty potholes. For reference:

* Full tank ('14 CB1100 standard model)
* Rider 220 lbs
* Front dialed as "standard from dealership" (don't remember the factory settings)
* Rear was set to 4 of 5 preset
* Factory recommended tire pressures

In addition, I sometimes had a pillion (about +140 lbs), but we rarely struck potholes or speed bumps. Rock solid to 170 for 50 kms. Corners (~40 km/h) and U-turns (~15 km/h) were undramatic.

I am pretty sure sag exceeded 30% under many of these conditions.

I thought the CB was nice to control.

= = =

The few times I felt the CB was a wee unstable was on hot tar snakes and steel grate draw bridges. However, that could have been a function of the tires and not suspension.

I think so, I found my OEM tyres didn't like those but the new T31's don't seem to mind them at all. They do run a little noisier mind.