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Setting up suspension on a bike

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Feasty
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Joined: 01 Nov 2006
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PostPosted: 16:00 - 15 Dec 2009    Post subject: Setting up suspension on a bike Reply with quote

I think my bike suspension is set up completely wrong at the moment... well I know it is!
But I'm not sure how to approach this to get the best road holding ability out of my bike. Okay so it's only an SLR650, hardly a racing bike but the suspension appears to be way too soft at the moment. The hagon shock at the rear bottoms out and the front forks move up and down by about 2-3 inches during normal riding.

Is it better to aim for minimal movement in the front and back suspension so that it's a harder ride, or because my bike is a part off roader, should I expect it to have more movement than a normal road bike has?

P.S I don't do any off roading on the bike - all commuting!

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Previous: Aprilia Habana Retro 50cc (beauty), Yamaha SR125 (fell apart), Honda XR125 (nippy little commuter), Honda SLR650 (Geewhizz), Yamaha Diversion 900S (Smoooooth) written off courtesy of a stupid escaped horse.
(7 year gap), BMW F650 (Relaxing ride). Aprilia Caponord ETV1000 (Big and bold). Yamaha FZS600 (got me in trouble too quick!).
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MarJay
But it's British!



Joined: 15 Sep 2003
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PostPosted: 18:52 - 15 Dec 2009    Post subject: Reply with quote

https://www.marjay.co.uk/setup.pdf
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British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.
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G
The Voice of Reason



Joined: 02 Feb 2002
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PostPosted: 22:28 - 15 Dec 2009    Post subject: Re: Setting up suspension on a bike Reply with quote

Two to three inches doesn't seem to excessive for a trail bike on the roads, but you definitely shouldn't be bottoming out.
Find out the pre-load for your bike or other bikes with similar suspension travel, then set it; suspect Marjay's doc will explain how, though the figures may be for street bikes.

Generally, the idea is actually to have the suspension as soft aspossible without bottoming out. For race use, this tends to be very hard still.
Soft suspension will transfer less forces to the wheels, meaning they are less likely to break traction. For general 'ride' on a trail bike this isn't always the best way however.
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