Magic carpet ride

[MarJay]

Ever since I've had the Street I've been unsure of the suspension. I was fairly convinced that nothing would ever touch my Buell for handling perfection because Mr Erik Buell kindly worked out a bunch of different set ups depending on the rider weight. I always knew the Street R had potential to handle very well, but I wasn't sure how close I could reach it, especially as I'm a ten stone weakling. I figured that it might be good to get the suspension set up, so I booked it in at GP Performance in Oxfordshire.

I arrived and explained what I was after, and the boss, Grant, went off on my bike for ten minutes. When he came back and told me that it wasn't the worst handling bike he's ever ridden, I was a little discouraged but he measured the sag and bounced the bike a bit, then measured the sag with me sat on the bike. He told me that he was worried the front spring rate was a little high for me but the sag was spot on. He said there was too much compression damping at the front and rear, and not enough rebound at the rear. He took out a screwdriver, made a few clicks and then before I knew it he went off out on the bike again.

When he returned he had a huge smile on his face, and said that he was much happier with it, and that if anything the rear end might be a bit off now, but that I should try it.

Holy Shit! What a difference. A couple of clicks on the forks and a few clicks on the rear shock totally transformed the bike. It went from a vague feeling hard sporty bike to a smooth magic carpet that wanted to turn with me on it. It really is hard to express how different the bike felt. he's definitely got the right touch and he clearly knows how to set a bike up. The bike doesn't need different springs, the spring rate is right on the edge of where I need it, so there is no point changing it. It would be easier for me to put on a little bit of weight I think!

So, my Street now feels nimble, smooth, easy to turn, stable and above all fun!

If you're thinking about getting someone to set up your bike for you, it's well worth it especially if its a fully adjustable mad thing that you're slightly uncomfortable with. I'm now a happy man!

Although, I decided as it started raining this afternoon that I would fit the Arrow full system I bought a couple of months back. Rusty exhaust nuts now have scuppered me temporarily. Oh well, c'est la vie.

I know, I know. Brool story Co. etc!
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British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F; Cheap project: CBR900RR FireBlade
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

[Babba]

[Rob W]

[instigator]

Think I need to do the same as you with my D675. It's been lowered for the previous owner and has squared off tyres so it handles like shite. However...whats the difference from what you had done to the article which performance bikes did a few years ago, on how to set up standard suspension? All you need to follow their instructions is a mate who measures the necessary bits whilst you're sat on the bike.

On a separate note, have you got ridden the daytona 675 before and if so, how do they compare?

Cheers

[P.addy]

[Rob W]

[MarJay]

[Red Devil]

Can you send me that pdf please?
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Thundersport Pre-National Sport 600 2014 #92
EMRA Roadstock 600 2013 - 3rd
www.facebook.com/MattJohnstonRacing

[Rob W]

[MarJay]

Here
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British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F; Cheap project: CBR900RR FireBlade
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

[MarJay]

Oh yeah, and next time someone on this forum says "Why don't you write something interesting about bikes that people will want to read?" I'll point them at Babba and tell them "That is why."


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British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F; Cheap project: CBR900RR FireBlade
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

[Sload]

[P.addy]

[weasley]

I'd be interested to know what you've done with the Thundercat; I 'set mine up' about 9 years ago and have either hit the nail on the head or adapted to it.
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Yamaha XJ600 | Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat | KTM 990 SMT | BMW F900XR TE

[swiftb]

setup can be a bitch. Ive been round and round in circles with my 750 and just cant get the bike exactly how I want it. I am convinced it is due to the spring rate being too stiff at both ends though as thats the common perception of my model.
Ive considered getting someone to set it up for me since I got it but have convinced myself they couldnt do any better than how I have it. I may be right - but I also may be wrong so could be worth a shot for the sake of £40 just to find out.

Glad you got some good results though Marjay - I still honestly cant believe how many people I know and in general who buy a bike with fully adjustable suspension and just ride it as it is.
The difference between a bike in some random form of setup and a bike setup to your style and weight is night and day - amazing how many people are missing out on the true handling/potential of their bikes. Quite worrying infact.

[Blau Zedong]

[Sako]

[Spudly]

Cheers for that file, I've been wondering what I can do about the suspension on my GZ - six feet tall and the wrong side of 20 stone, I think its safe to say the suspension wasn't set up with me in mind!
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The Old Apprentice