Suspension Setup?

[johnsmith222]

Hi guys.

I have a ZX9R E1 and it has an ohlins rear shock and ohlins springs.

The problem I've been having is that the suspension is too "stiff". It feels as if the front end has two solid forks rather than any "springyness".

The suspension was set up for the previous owner who weighed around 15.5 stone. I'm a stone lighter. Also, I suspect it was set up for "sports" riding rather than real road riding. It's great as it doesn't bounce about at 100mph+ on smooth private roads. But on bumpy country roads its not good.

I'd actually say I'm faster on my ZZR600 with 10 year old bouncy suspension and pilot road 1 tyres than I am on the ZX9R.

I'm just used to feeling the bumps being absorbed etc.

I don't know a lot about adjusting suspension so I am looking for tips as to what I should start off with reducing.

There are suspension settings for the previous owner at the back of my manual. I can post these to work from.

[mitch1]

some good info here and some base settings to try https://www.sportrider.com/motorcycle_suspension/index.html

[johnsmith222]

Thanks Mitch. I'll have a look into that website as there seems to be loads of info there.

I also managed to come across this video in which Keith Code explains how to adjust suspension using the same bike I have.

Still, I will need to do a bit of reading and experimenting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBlqVx4mWUw

The only problem with the video is that the rider in the video knows how he likes the suspension. eg. "Cody, how do you like the rear?" "35mm".

I'll need to do some reading.

[Fizzer Thou]

The main item to adjust is the SAG,which is the amount that the bike squats with the rider on board.Once this is adjusted properly then move on to the rebound adjustment.This damping adjuster has some effect on the compression damping circuit.keep a note of which way you go on the damper 'clickers' after going +/- 3 clicks at a time so that you can feel a real differance,especially with Ohlins gear.

If the front end is too solid it may be that the fork oil is too heavy a grade.My R1 demands 5w,which is quite light.Together with Ohlins fork springs both ends can be balanced.Once I had installed the Ohlins shock and dialed that in I found that the front was severely wanting attention.Once sorted,although a bit hard for some,once I start to push the pace it gels and works as it should.

If you were anywhere near bexleyheath I would say pop by
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[johnsmith222]

[Barnaby]