Suspension

[the Ferret]

On today's ride after thinking about Stichill's buddy Jim and my buddy John, I got to thinking about the recent suspension threads here on the forum. I paid close attention to my suspension... how compliant it was, how it handled irregularities in the road, how it handled the curves and I thought "wow, this suspension feels really, really good to me". The ride was cushy, small lines in the road were not felt, held my line thru the curves without wallowing or running wide. Just like it was on rails. Smooth rails. I am really pleased with the stock suspension. I am not a new rider..as of mid May next month I will start my 53rd year of continuous street riding on 29 different street motorcycles (plus 10 years of racing motocross). I've keep good records daily since 2006, and averaged 11,500 miles a year before retiring and 25,000 a year since retiring 4 years ago. I have felt good suspensions, and I have felt bad suspensions. To me the CB's suspension is excellent, especially for cheap, stock, barely adjustable suspension.

I weigh 185 without gear, probably 195 geared up with helmet, jacket, gloves, jeans, boots. I have my suspension set on 4 rings visible in front and softest (deepest slot) in rear.

Maybe it's the roads I ride on, or the speed I ride them at. Maybe it's the compliance of the Michelin Pilot Road 3 tires. I dunno. All I know for sure is I won't be shelling out any bucks to fix something I don't think is broken (YMMV)

Great ride again today!

(as I tell my wife when she asks "How was today's ride?" and I say "Great, they are ALL great hon")

[TCinNC_imp]

I have found the front suspension to be on the harsh side while riding some of our rougher roads here in eastern NC. I weigh about 170 fully geared up and the front suspension was set at 2 rings showing. I recently adjusted to 4 rings showing, and the ride has improved slightly, but I was hoping for a little better result. I guess I will have to make a decision whether it bothers me enough to explore new springs for the forks.

[gtmn_imp]

i say it all depends on how you like the ride to be
i like to feel the road under me and i like it firm and responsive
many guys think the exact opposite. i say great i wish i felt that way and then i would not have to spend the money
i would say that the cb was plush when i first road it and you are correct
i am fat at 240lb so for me any suspension on these new bikes are pretty bad
as we have all heard before, if it aint broke dont fix it
my ctx1300 was the worst suspended bike i had ever ridden and 50% of the guys on that forum thought it was the best they ever had. i changed that bike at 160 miles, i did this bike at 500 miles
when you know what you like you just know
this is not a poke in your direction Ferret i agree with you, we just look at it differently

[Stichill_imp]

Riding weather was nice for contemplation today, eh Ferret? I'll bet the roundness of the alloys rims and the quality of today's tires help a lot. Honda knows how to sort out a bike's suspension (without breaking the bank) very well.

[the Ferret]

i say it all depends on how you like the ride to be
i like to feel the road under me and i like it firm and responsive
many guys think the exact opposite. i say great i wish i felt that way and then i would not have to spend the money
i would say that the cb was plush when i first road it and you are correct
i am fat at 240lb so for me any suspension on these new bikes are pretty bad
as we have all heard before, if it aint broke dont fix it
my ctx1300 was the worst suspended bike i had ever ridden and 50% of the guys on that forum thought it was the best they ever had. i changed that bike at 160 miles, i did this bike at 500 miles
when you know what you like you just know
this is not a poke in your direction Ferret i agree with you, we just look at it differently

No, No, No I understand completely gtmn, and I agree with you too, if you feel it needs to be changed by all means you should. I just thought for stock suspension, for me, this stuff is really pretty good. I would prefer Cadillac plush to Corvette taut, but that is my preference.

On my 01 FZ-1 it got Traxxion ATK20 kit in front and Hyperco spring in back but with those mods it ended up being too taut for me. My 04 FZ-1 remained stock.

and yes it was Stichill. Great day.

[ohiorider_imp]

Riding weather was nice for contemplation today, eh Ferret? I'll bet the roundness of the alloys rims and the quality of today's tires help a lot. Honda knows how to sort out a bike's suspension (without breaking the bank) very well.

I'm one of those who rides some of NE Ohio's most scenic two lane roads. I've owned multiple BMWs (K and R Series,) a Kaw W650, a Honda ST 1300, and a 2003 Triumph Bonneville, along with a 2008 Moto Guzzi Sport and a Guzzi Griso 8vSE. And now a Honda CB1100. Of all these bikes, only the Griso 8vSE and the Triumph Bonneville (and now the CB1100) have beaten me up, and caused me to take alternate routes to avoid less than perfect road surfaces.

I'll be on the phone tomorrow with Traxxion Dynamics to discuss their suspension kit for the front fork of the CB1100. If the conversation goes well, first step will be to install their kit. And if that works out, next step will be a more compliant set of rear shocks. I'm not one who spends $$ on aftermarket exhausts. But if in my opinion my CB1100 requires more compliant suspension for the roads I ride and my weight, that's the route I'm taking., and I'll throw some $$ at it.
My buddy who owns one of the new Triumphs (2008 T100) and even newer 2016 T12, agreed with me that the CB1100 and his T100 were similarly rough riding on our roads. OTOH, his new T120 is compliant when riding our two lane, chip and seal secondaries. We both agreed to this.

If I lived in SoCal, or perhaps further south where the roads don't take such a beating from our winters, (or perhaps weighed another 30-40 pounds,) the CB would probably be ok 90 % of the time. But I don't, and it isn't.

I like everything else about the bike. The engine and tranny are fine. The fuel injection seems to be mapped as good as any FI bike I've ridden. Overall fit and finish is super.

Bob

[TCinNC_imp]

Riding weather was nice for contemplation today, eh Ferret? I'll bet the roundness of the alloys rims and the quality of today's tires help a lot. Honda knows how to sort out a bike's suspension (without breaking the bank) very well.

I'm one of those who rides some of NE Ohio's most scenic two lane roads. I've owned multiple BMWs (K and R Series,) a Kaw W650, a Honda ST 1300, and a 2003 Triumph Bonneville, along with a 2008 Moto Guzzi Sport and a Guzzi Griso 8vSE. And now a Honda CB1100. Of all these bikes, only the Griso 8vSE and the Triumph Bonneville (and now the CB1100) have beaten me up, and caused me to take alternate routes to avoid less than perfect road surfaces.

I'll be on the phone tomorrow with Traxxion Dynamics to discuss their suspension kit for the front fork of the CB1100. If the conversation goes well, first step will be to install their kit. And if that works out, next step will be a more compliant set of rear shocks. I'm not one who spends $$ on aftermarket exhausts. But if in my opinion my CB1100 requires more compliant suspension for the roads I ride and my weight, that's the route I'm taking., and I'll throw some $$ at it.
My buddy who owns one of the new Triumphs (2008 T100) and even newer 2016 T12, agreed with me that the CB1100 and his T100 were similarly rough riding on our roads. OTOH, his new T120 is compliant when riding our two lane, chip and seal secondaries. We both agreed to this.

If I lived in SoCal, or perhaps further south where the roads don't take such a beating from our winters, (or perhaps weighed another 30-40 pounds,) the CB would probably be ok 90 % of the time. But I don't, and it isn't.

I like everything else about the bike. The engine and tranny are fine. The fuel injection seems to be mapped as good as any FI bike I've ridden. Overall fit and finish is super.

Bob

I'm one of those who rides some of NE Ohio's most scenic two lane roads. I've owned multiple BMWs (K and R Series,) a Kaw W650, a Honda ST 1300, and a 2003 Triumph Bonneville, along with a 2008 Moto Guzzi Sport and a Guzzi Griso 8vSE. And now a Honda CB1100. Of all these bikes, only the Griso 8vSE and the Triumph Bonneville (and now the CB1100) have beaten me up, and caused me to take alternate routes to avoid less than perfect road surfaces.

I'll be on the phone tomorrow with Traxxion Dynamics to discuss their suspension kit for the front fork of the CB1100. If the conversation goes well, first step will be to install their kit. And if that works out, next step will be a more compliant set of rear shocks. I'm not one who spends $$ on aftermarket exhausts. But if in my opinion my CB1100 requires more compliant suspension for the roads I ride and my weight, that's the route I'm taking., and I'll throw some $$ at it.
My buddy who owns one of the new Triumphs (2008 T100) and even newer 2016 T12, agreed with me that the CB1100 and his T100 were similarly rough riding on our roads. OTOH, his new T120 is compliant when riding our two lane, chip and seal secondaries. We both agreed to this.

If I lived in SoCal, or perhaps further south where the roads don't take such a beating from our winters, (or perhaps weighed another 30-40 pounds,) the CB would probably be ok 90 % of the time. But I don't, and it isn't.

I like everything else about the bike. The engine and tranny are fine. The fuel injection seems to be mapped as good as any FI bike I've ridden. Overall fit and finish is super.

Bob
I agree ohiorider, the CB1100 is great 90% of the time suspension wise, it's just that other 10%. My knowledge of motorcycle suspensions is rudimentary at best, I was looking at the Traxxion Dynamics site today at the CB1100 front fork kit for around $300. Would that be more worthwhile then say just the Race Tech fork spring replacements for $110?

[gtmn_imp]

ok so heres what i know
there is a fine line between soft, firm, and track
we all like our own way of thinking, however its very hard to get it perfect. you know the way you want it
so some guys leave it soft and this bike is very smooth, what it really needs is some rebound and it would be pretty darn good
the most important thing to do with any bike is to set sag if you can set the sag with factory springs ride on baby your in
if not you need firmer springs. i think on this bike alot of guys could get away with springs and be happy
after that if you ride this bike hard in the corners you will need to go a bit further
i have done 3 bikes with traxxions damper kit and 1 bike with ak20s
all 4 bikes were a marked improvement over stock
remember im fat not all of you have that problem
the reason to go the entire fork kit is to improve the dampening of the fork
remember as in cars the spring holds it up and the valving slows the motion
you would not need to go full on cartridge kit on this bike but a damper rod kit works great
there is a reason honda and showa are using a new fork on the new bikes " showa duel bending valve "
we should probably have a sticky on this as every time i open the forum there is a question about suspension
i am using a 1.0 springs in the front and the 3 turns on the gold valve
if you have questions on these kits pm me and i can answer or just call Dan at Traxxion
just remember to tell him Bill in Minnesota sent you his way
did any of that make sense. i could go all night on this one as i have done on 3 other forums

[ohiorider_imp]

Riding weather was nice for contemplation today, eh Ferret? I'll bet the roundness of the alloys rims and the quality of today's tires help a lot. Honda knows how to sort out a bike's suspension (without breaking the bank) very well.

I'm one of those who rides some of NE Ohio's most scenic two lane roads. I've owned multiple BMWs (K and R Series,) a Kaw W650, a Honda ST 1300, and a 2003 Triumph Bonneville, along with a 2008 Moto Guzzi Sport and a Guzzi Griso 8vSE. And now a Honda CB1100. Of all these bikes, only the Griso 8vSE and the Triumph Bonneville (and now the CB1100) have beaten me up, and caused me to take alternate routes to avoid less than perfect road surfaces.

I'll be on the phone tomorrow with Traxxion Dynamics to discuss their suspension kit for the front fork of the CB1100. If the conversation goes well, first step will be to install their kit. And if that works out, next step will be a more compliant set of rear shocks. I'm not one who spends $$ on aftermarket exhausts. But if in my opinion my CB1100 requires more compliant suspension for the roads I ride and my weight, that's the route I'm taking., and I'll throw some $$ at it.
My buddy who owns one of the new Triumphs (2008 T100) and even newer 2016 T12, agreed with me that the CB1100 and his T100 were similarly rough riding on our roads. OTOH, his new T120 is compliant when riding our two lane, chip and seal secondaries. We both agreed to this.

If I lived in SoCal, or perhaps further south where the roads don't take such a beating from our winters, (or perhaps weighed another 30-40 pounds,) the CB would probably be ok 90 % of the time. But I don't, and it isn't.

I like everything else about the bike. The engine and tranny are fine. The fuel injection seems to be mapped as good as any FI bike I've ridden. Overall fit and finish is super.

Bob

I'm one of those who rides some of NE Ohio's most scenic two lane roads. I've owned multiple BMWs (K and R Series,) a Kaw W650, a Honda ST 1300, and a 2003 Triumph Bonneville, along with a 2008 Moto Guzzi Sport and a Guzzi Griso 8vSE. And now a Honda CB1100. Of all these bikes, only the Griso 8vSE and the Triumph Bonneville (and now the CB1100) have beaten me up, and caused me to take alternate routes to avoid less than perfect road surfaces.

I'll be on the phone tomorrow with Traxxion Dynamics to discuss their suspension kit for the front fork of the CB1100. If the conversation goes well, first step will be to install their kit. And if that works out, next step will be a more compliant set of rear shocks. I'm not one who spends $$ on aftermarket exhausts. But if in my opinion my CB1100 requires more compliant suspension for the roads I ride and my weight, that's the route I'm taking., and I'll throw some $$ at it.
My buddy who owns one of the new Triumphs (2008 T100) and even newer 2016 T12, agreed with me that the CB1100 and his T100 were similarly rough riding on our roads. OTOH, his new T120 is compliant when riding our two lane, chip and seal secondaries. We both agreed to this.

If I lived in SoCal, or perhaps further south where the roads don't take such a beating from our winters, (or perhaps weighed another 30-40 pounds,) the CB would probably be ok 90 % of the time. But I don't, and it isn't.

I like everything else about the bike. The engine and tranny are fine. The fuel injection seems to be mapped as good as any FI bike I've ridden. Overall fit and finish is super.

Bob
I agree ohiorider, the CB1100 is great 90% of the time suspension wise, it's just that other 10%. My knowledge of motorcycle suspensions is rudimentary at best, I was looking at the Traxxion Dynamics site today at the CB1100 front fork kit for around $300. Would that be more worthwhile then say just the Race Tech fork spring replacements for $110?

I'm one of those who rides some of NE Ohio's most scenic two lane roads. I've owned multiple BMWs (K and R Series,) a Kaw W650, a Honda ST 1300, and a 2003 Triumph Bonneville, along with a 2008 Moto Guzzi Sport and a Guzzi Griso 8vSE. And now a Honda CB1100. Of all these bikes, only the Griso 8vSE and the Triumph Bonneville (and now the CB1100) have beaten me up, and caused me to take alternate routes to avoid less than perfect road surfaces.

I'll be on the phone tomorrow with Traxxion Dynamics to discuss their suspension kit for the front fork of the CB1100. If the conversation goes well, first step will be to install their kit. And if that works out, next step will be a more compliant set of rear shocks. I'm not one who spends $$ on aftermarket exhausts. But if in my opinion my CB1100 requires more compliant suspension for the roads I ride and my weight, that's the route I'm taking., and I'll throw some $$ at it.
My buddy who owns one of the new Triumphs (2008 T100) and even newer 2016 T12, agreed with me that the CB1100 and his T100 were similarly rough riding on our roads. OTOH, his new T120 is compliant when riding our two lane, chip and seal secondaries. We both agreed to this.

If I lived in SoCal, or perhaps further south where the roads don't take such a beating from our winters, (or perhaps weighed another 30-40 pounds,) the CB would probably be ok 90 % of the time. But I don't, and it isn't.

I like everything else about the bike. The engine and tranny are fine. The fuel injection seems to be mapped as good as any FI bike I've ridden. Overall fit and finish is super.

Bob
I agree ohiorider, the CB1100 is great 90% of the time suspension wise, it's just that other 10%. My knowledge of motorcycle suspensions is rudimentary at best, I was looking at the Traxxion Dynamics site today at the CB1100 front fork kit for around $300. Would that be more worthwhile then say just the Race Tech fork spring replacements for $110? Here's my thought on the matter. The Race Tech kit is more than different springs. If I understand the Race Tech system, it is designed to act like a cartridge fork vs the basic damper rod fork that comes on our bikes. So, what does that mean? I believe it means that the fork will respond over average smooth surfaces exactly like our stock forks. But when our front end encounters a harsh bump, the Race Tech cartridge emulator will allow a greater volume of fork oil to move through its valve pack, eliminating the harsh fork reaction caused by the fixed size (sort of a hydraulic lock-up) of the damping rod holes.

I'm not a suspension expert by any stretch of the imagination ..... I just know how I like a bike to respond over rough roads.

[gtmn_imp]

the gold valve cant work unless you remove the restriction of the to small holes in the damper rod
to do it correct you need to pull the damper rods out and drill the holes out
the damper rod is the problem inside the fork
this is why i recommend the traxxion kit at $300
170 i think for the gold valves and 120 for springs puts you at more then traxxions kit
and traxxion gives you precut spacers and the new rods with the gold valve already set up and the springs
to your weight its a no brainer
check out "suspension for mortals" on youtube its a little over kill for this bike but you may get some information from all the vids