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Buell Motorcycle Forum » XBoard » Buell XBoard Archives » Archive through July 29, 2004 » XB12S Suspension... « Previous Next »

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Trenchtractor
Posted on Thursday, July 22, 2004 - 05:38 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Well, a couple of my good mates are picking up their new bikes shortly and I'm due a set of tyres...

So I reckon it's time to get serious about the suspension on the Muell. It's a 12S.

What are the settings everyone else is using?? I'm happy with the the rear at the moment, I think the front could be better. I have reduced the front pre-load to 6 rings in an effort to get enough sag. The rear is at the third collar position.

Since the tyres are due replacing, I can't really offer too much feed back on how the bike feels, I stopped making adjustments a month ago on account of the tyres. I'm looking for ideas at the moment so I can really get back into it with the new tyres.

I am 80kg/180lb 177cm/5'10" and ride pretty aggressively. I carry a lot of my weight in my legs.

I have never had much trouble with setting the suspension on any of my other bikes, but the Muell can be difficult, it seems.

I found some links...

http://beta.communities.msn.co.uk/xb9r/20022003fireboltsuspensionsetup.msnw

http://www.sportrider.com/bikes/146_susp_settings/

You'll note there is a fair bit of difference there between the 12 and 9 on the sportrider settings... Those settings no where near work for me... Not enough front sag.

Comments, anyone??



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Austinrider
Posted on Thursday, July 22, 2004 - 09:31 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Try going to this site www.roadracinghelp.com

Go down to Free Stuff --> Tech Articles


Marcus is one of the best people in this area when it comes to suspension.
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Wyckedflesh
Posted on Thursday, July 22, 2004 - 10:29 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

TT I am 5'7" 180lbs and run the front at 4.5 rings.
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Trenchtractor
Posted on Friday, July 23, 2004 - 03:03 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Austin,
found that website before, and using the sag set-up guide along with numerous other tech articles i have at home and experience from other bikes is how i got to 6 rings on the front pre-load.

Wyked,
What's your sag measurements?? You're on a 12R, aren't you?? That would mean you get more wieght over the front through the bars, I guess.

I am getting the impression guys with R's play with suspension and guys with S's don't bother??
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M1combat
Posted on Saturday, July 24, 2004 - 01:01 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I run mine at the factory setting with a little more preload at the rear. I'm 5'10" and 210 though. I'll be picking up the upgraded springs from Buell ASAP because it's impossible to get proper sag measurements with the stock stuff. I can get the proper total sag, but I get MAYBE 1mm of static sag.
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Spyder12s
Posted on Saturday, July 24, 2004 - 11:43 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I'm with ya on that one M1, but I am thinkin bout that new spring set from Buell thinkin that might be for thoes of us over the 200 club...
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M1combat
Posted on Saturday, July 24, 2004 - 11:59 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Well, I fluctuate from 190-210 so even if it's that high, I'll be good. I'll just crank the pre-load down.

Anyone know what the spring rates on the old and new springs are?
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Starter
Posted on Sunday, July 25, 2004 - 09:11 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

My weight is 200lb.

On an XB9R I ended up firming the daylights outta the rear at preload 6 (second from the highest and stock rebound and comp) and softening the front to 4 1/2 lines with the comp 1/2 turn more than stock and the rebound stock. BTW has anyone noticed preload 7 on the rear w/ the stock spring seems to be past it's working limits?

I've tried lots of settings with the comp and rebound rear to try to eliminate squat when getting on the throttle but to get rid of it always really adversely affects the pre-apex stabilty. The reason I went with soft front is I'm trying to get the front able to accept braking into the corner. I've yet been able to find a comp and rebound setting that actually works with the front to absorb bumps and I'm very close to replacing the oil type and making sure everything in the forks is working properly.

I'm not sure I need stiffer front springs but I definately need alot heavier rear. Is the upgrade available separately?
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M1combat
Posted on Sunday, July 25, 2004 - 09:15 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I think American Sport Bike sells rear springs.
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Wyckedflesh
Posted on Monday, July 26, 2004 - 01:23 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

TT that is the same setting I was running when it was still a stock 12S as far as sag I am not sure, the book with those numbers written down is still packed.
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Opto
Posted on Monday, July 26, 2004 - 05:07 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I weigh about 140lb and on the 12S I originally set the suspension up by the book, but ended up going rear: preload 2, comp 2.5, rebound 1, and the front: preload 6, comp 1.5, rebound just over 1.5
Some of these settings are way softer than what the book suggested.
I did a track day couple months ago on a tight and fairly bumpy track, the setup felt good, could have firmed up the rear a bit, but on the real roads the rear end is already on the firm side. The front end feels great on any surface, just cop some minor kicks from the rear end on bumpy roads. Might try softening the rear comp damping one day soon and see what happens.
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