| Author | Message | ||
     Speedfreaks101 |
I have installed my Crossroads bars and while tuning the suspension I have run into one small issue. I took not of my preload adjustment on the forks for a starting point but I am not able to see the lines due to the bars. So what I need to know is how much rotation of the preload adjuster equals one line of preload (I really don't want to pull the bars to find out)? If anyone could help I would be grateful. Bart | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
I can't answer your question directly. However, believe it or not, it really doesn't matter. That's right. What you really want to know is what the sag in the suspension is when the rider in gear is on the bike. So.......... Get a Friend to help, or put a zip tie on the chrome inner tube of the front shock. Then lean the bike on the side stand until the front fork is completely extended. Then push the zip tie as far up as it will go. Now get on the bike with your riding gear and have your friend steady it as the suspension settles. Then get off the bike, and lean it again to let the fork fully extend. The distance the zip tie has moved should now be about 1 1/4". If it is more, add preload. If less, reduce it. OK? Setting preload by measuring the amount of sag is the way the fast guys, like Slaughter, do it. Slow guys do it too. Adjusting to the lines is just a way of approximating the amount of sag.  | ||
| Speedfreaks101 |
Ok I guess I need to study about sag, I do appreciate your help.  What about the rear? Why 1.25 on the forks? thank you, Bart | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
Rear sag is usually measured vertically, and is normally about 1 1/8". The reason that you need sag is so that when riding over a dip in the road the suspension can extend down into the depression without bottoming. Usually, the amount of sag is equal to around 30% of the total suspension travel. Setting up suspension correctly is really a very complex combination of art and science, but getting a pretty good set up isn't that hard. Here is a link to a very good article that reveals many of the secrets. Don't expect to become a suspension expert overnight. file:///Volumes/G5%20Stor01/%20A%20Motorrad/Motorc ycle%20Suspension%20Set-up.webarchive Just remember that the longest voyage begins with but a single step. Learning how suspension works is one of the most difficult, and most rewarding aspect of sport riding. | ||
| Speedfreaks101 |
Thank you sir. | ||
| Speedfreaks101 |
Do you have another link to the article you posted? How do compression and damping affect sag? I know that this a simple question with a complex answer but a excerpt will help me with a base of understanding. Thank you, Bart | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
Sorry that link was no good. Try this one: http://www.gostar-racing.com/club/motorcycle_suspe nsion_set-up.htm#Front%20Compression One of the first things they cover is damping, and they explain it much better than I ever could. Basically, spring rates, and preload determine how FAR a suspension unit will move. Damping will determine how FAST it will move. Of course it is a lot more complicated than that, but that's a good place to start. |
