Suspension tuning question

derf · 05-21-2010, 10:41 PM

So I rode someone elses 900 today and really noticed the difference in turn in which I can really only attribute to the fact that my bike has been lowered. It was like that when I bought it and I just sorta left it the way it was. So i rode this other 900 today and it handles way better than mine. i had my suspension set up by wheeler last year at the rally and after that i noticed an improvement.

So after work today I take my bike and raise it back up to stock height and take it for a ride. Just like I thought, big difference. Right away the bike is much easier to lean into the corner at speed and holds the line slightly better.

Anyway my real question is about suspension tuning. I had it set to my weight last year by wheeler and was wondering if the bike should be set up again. I can't do it, I just dont understand the black art of suspension tuning

Dave · 05-21-2010, 10:47 PM

whose 900 was it? *checks garage for blade*

i hear speedwerks in delaware is good for setup/tuning

derf · 05-21-2010, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave

whose 900 was it? *checks garage for blade*

i hear speedwerks in delaware is good for setup/tuning

It was actualy just some dude I met in the parking lot of the shoppette on Dix. I went in to get a soda and some gum and he was parked in the same spot as me and we started talking. I wound up spending 45 minutes with him and mentioned that I hadnt ridden another 900 yet so he threw me the keys.

Dave · 05-21-2010, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by derf

It was actualy just some dude I met in the parking lot of the shoppette on Dix. I went in to get a soda and some gum and he was parked in the same spot as me and we started talking. I wound up spending 45 minutes with him and mentioned that I hadnt ridden another 900 yet so he threw me the keys.

sweet deal. one of the other ncos from my unit has offered me a ride on his 09 zx10. just havent seen him yet

you're more than welcome to take mine for another spin now that i have new rubber and no more nascar alignment

derf · 05-21-2010, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave

sweet deal. one of the other ncos from my unit has offered me a ride on his 09 zx10. just havent seen him yet

you're more than welcome to take mine for another spin now that i have new rubber and no more nascar alignment

Yeh i kinda was scared of your bike the one time I rode it. It really wanted to turn and I kept thinking the back wheel would eventually find a way to pass the front wheel

Dave · 05-21-2010, 11:27 PM

well shes in great shape now. you guys still coming over for the party tomo?

Amber Lamps · 05-22-2010, 08:04 AM

Yea you might want to adjust that but remember that the suspension was set up for weight and shouldn't be too affected IMHO. Didn't you also go to a 17 " front wheel?

derf · 05-22-2010, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amber Lamps

Yea you might want to adjust that but remember that the suspension was set up for weight and shouldn't be too affected IMHO. Didn't you also go to a 17 " front wheel?

There were issues whith that wheel

Homeslice · 05-22-2010, 11:50 AM

Yeah a lot of guys will deny this, but lowered bikes suck for handling. Not to mention they've got less ground clearance.

How was it lowered, was it simply the forks, or did it have an aftermarket link on the rear shock as well?

I would still take it to the tuner, because the geometry has totally changed now that you've raised it. For him to adjust the preload, clickers, and fork height should only cost $50-60 anyway, right?

derf · 05-22-2010, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Homeslice

Yeah a lot of guys will deny this, but lowered bikes suck for handling. Not to mention they've got less ground clearance.

How was it lowered, was it simply the forks, or did it have an aftermarket link on the rear shock as well?

I would still take it to the tuner, because the geometry has totally changed now that you've raised it. For him to adjust the preload, clickers, and fork height should only cost $50-60 anyway, right?

The bike handled fine, but it took some muscle to move it around. It was lowered by flipping the suspension link plates around, also the front wassnt lowered

05-21-2010, 10:41 PM	#1
derf token jewboy Join Date: Nov 2008 Moto: CBR 900, KLR ugly ass duckling, Gas Man Posts: 10,799	Suspension tuning question So I rode someone elses 900 today and really noticed the difference in turn in which I can really only attribute to the fact that my bike has been lowered. It was like that when I bought it and I just sorta left it the way it was. So i rode this other 900 today and it handles way better than mine. i had my suspension set up by wheeler last year at the rally and after that i noticed an improvement. So after work today I take my bike and raise it back up to stock height and take it for a ride. Just like I thought, big difference. Right away the bike is much easier to lean into the corner at speed and holds the line slightly better. Anyway my real question is about suspension tuning. I had it set to my weight last year by wheeler and was wondering if the bike should be set up again. I can't do it, I just dont understand the black art of suspension tuning __________________

05-21-2010, 10:47 PM	#2
Dave Chaotic Neutral Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Cherry Hill NJ Moto: GV1200 Madura, Hawk gt Posts: 13,992	whose 900 was it? checks garage for blade i hear speedwerks in delaware is good for setup/tuning __________________ TWF Post whore #6

05-21-2010, 11:27 PM	#6
Dave Chaotic Neutral Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Cherry Hill NJ Moto: GV1200 Madura, Hawk gt Posts: 13,992	well shes in great shape now. you guys still coming over for the party tomo? __________________ TWF Post whore #6

05-22-2010, 08:04 AM	#7
Amber Lamps Moto GP Star Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 14,556	Yea you might want to adjust that but remember that the suspension was set up for weight and shouldn't be too affected IMHO. Didn't you also go to a 17 " front wheel?

05-22-2010, 11:50 AM	#9
Homeslice Elitist Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: SF Bay Area Moto: Gix 750 Posts: 11,351	Yeah a lot of guys will deny this, but lowered bikes suck for handling. Not to mention they've got less ground clearance. How was it lowered, was it simply the forks, or did it have an aftermarket link on the rear shock as well? I would still take it to the tuner, because the geometry has totally changed now that you've raised it. For him to adjust the preload, clickers, and fork height should only cost $50-60 anyway, right?