Fork setting

[boomerang]

When I first got my 06 I thought that the forks felt a little stiff. At a slow rolling speed when I would apply the front break hard the forks would make a sudden but abrupt dive. So,I backed them off a few clicks and it seemed to help smooth that out. Now I'm wondering if it may be too soft. When I settle down for a curve the front sets down nice and smooth but, I'm not sure if it's not dipping too much. So, I guess what I'm asking is, how much should the front dip, and is softer better or worse?

 

[thompsonian]

I always thought that harder was better than softer. Ooops.....what are we talking about again?

 

[monk69]

Rider weight: 183 lbs.

Typical Bike Payload: Yamaha side bags and top bag, 25 lbs. added cargo

Riding style: Moderately aggressive, frequent 3-digit speeds, rapid braking and acceleration common.

FRONT

* Preload, Line-2 (this means one line exposed above the cap, one line flush with the cap/adjuster). Stock setting is Line-3.

* Rebound, 6 clicks out. Stock setting is 12-clicks out. (this is the top adjustment)

* Compression, 8 clicks out. Stock setting is 12-clicks out. (this is the bottom adjustment that protrudes off the side of the fork)

REAR

* Preload - Hard (find the lever!)

* Rebound - 6 clicks out. Stock is 10-clicks out. (think of the rear rebound clicker as a right-hand thread)

Something to start with......

 

[HaulinAshe]

All new stock suspension feels stiff. You probably made the adjustments before putting 2,000 - 5,000 miles on the bike. It takes that long for things to settle.

Good numbers already posted above, provided you weigh 185-200 lbs.

 

[kiteman11]

How would the numbers adjust for a rider of 220lbs with sidebags and little or no cargo normally?

 

[HaulinAshe]

How would the numbers adjust for a rider of 220lbs with sidebags and little or no cargo normally?

I would recommend matching the front rebound and compression clickers to 7-clicks each, as a starting point.

The rear rebound setting depends as much on your height as your weight, but 6-8 clicks is the typical range preferred by most. You might want to try 8-clicks rear rebound with the Preload set to SOFT for slabs and general riding, HARD reserved for tight twisties or fully-loaded conditions.

 

[charismaticmegafauna]

So, I guess what I'm asking is, how much should the front dip, and is softer better or worse?

Generally, softer is better -- imo. As long as your suspension movement continues to be well damped and doesn't bottom.

Like a lot of things in life: It's hard to know when you've got it good -- but easy to know when it's bad.

If your bike wallows when accelerating through a curve -- you (probably) need to 'beef-up' your suspension (add spring pre-load and increase damping.

If your telescopic front forks dip when the front brakes are applied -- you need a BMW.... :huh:

Starting with the settings listed in the owner's manual may be good advice and then keeping track of (even writing it down) the changes/adjustments you make.

 

[fjrrider]

IMO the settings mentioned above and even using factory stock settings are good places to begin. If you really want to know what your suspension is doing (or not doing), the best way to find out is to set yourself up a "test" section. Create a route (close to home if possible) try to include a little of everything twisty turns, rough road surfaces, sweeper turns, hard breaking, trail braking sections etc... Make small adjustments to your suspension, then take test ride, doing this over and over again. This way you will figure out how compression, rebound and preloads settings affect your bike. Dont take someone else's settings and think it will work for you.

Good Luck!

 

[Back In The Saddle]

WOW! I mean holy crap, batman. I just changed from totally stock to 8-8-2 and soft-8 and boy, this feels like a totally new bike!

It's still a little rough on the bumps - but the slab riding is actually a bit more smooth (!). I'm toying with the settings now, changing a click or two here and there - but man oh man - what a difference it makes. Plus, the "bar buzz" is almost 100% gone... the handling is even BETTER than it was before.

THANKS very much for sharing this info - it's really made a huge difference in my ride (that I already LOVE).

 

[bergs]

FRONT* Preload, Line-2 (this means one line exposed above the cap, one line flush with the cap/adjuster). Stock setting is Line-3.

* Rebound, 6 clicks out. Stock setting is 12-clicks out. (this is the top adjustment)

* Compression, 8 clicks out. Stock setting is 12-clicks out. (this is the bottom adjustment that protrudes off the side of the fork)

REAR

* Preload - Hard (find the lever!)

* Rebound - 6 clicks out. Stock is 10-clicks out. (think of the rear rebound clicker as a right-hand thread)

Something to start with......

:blink:

(not directed at anyone but) What in the hell??

My set current up:

Fr:

Preload- 0 lines

Comp: 2 out

Re: 4 out

Rr:

Soft

Re: 2 or 3 out (I don't recall exactly)

My weight nekkid: 160-ish

And it's STILL too soft!!