| Author | Message | ||
     Silas_clone |
I always forget if its dampening or damping Anyway, I've been riding for a while with both front end and rear shock pre-loaded to the max. I like the rear shock maxed out, but the forks reminded me of my old Flattie w/ a springer. Bone jarring! I read an article on the KTM Supermoto where handling was much improved by softening up the fork adjustments amap, so I figured it mike be the same on an M2? I just went and softened the fork, both preload and dampening, then went for a little 30 mile spin. I think the ride is about the same, maybe better, but the harshness being gone makes it more enjoyable. Any comments? | ||
| Danny_h__jesternut |
Getting the pre-load set right is jest the first step. Then it gets realy complex. Start with/from the factory settings. Keep a log/record of the changes, make one change at a time, test ride and make notes yea or na. good luck. | ||
| Djkaplan |
Best way to baseline the preload is to set the front and rear sag within the recommended specs. If you are over 165lbs, chances are the stock front springs are too soft and you'll have to max-out the preload to get near the spec. | ||
| Bigblock |
Shawn Higbee wrote a great article on suspension adjustment in Battle2win some years ago which may be in the archives here? After setting preload as close as possible, set the compression so it is well balanced. To do this, get it adjusted so when you sit on the bike in riding position, it settles evenly front and rear. This is from no load to riding position. This is best done with a helper. This should be a decent baseline to then play with the firmness of compression to find what works best for comfort and performance for you. Keeping it balanced while making these changes is good, and when you get it in the ballpark, you may fine tune it from there, keeping careful track of your changes. Have fun! | ||
| Blake |
It's "damping", on account of your shock is a spring and "damper" assembly. "Dampening" is to make something moist.  | ||
| Aaomy |
dampening = blown seal = not fun!!! | ||
| Jayvee |
Recently I was trying to make my suspension softer over freeway bumps and changed the rebound damping on my M2. Went from 2 turns out to the "factory setting." Went for a ride over a familiar route, and man what a huge difference, it screwed it right up. Felt much worse, and oddly (to me) made the back end feel much worse too. Changed it back, of course. Just a little adjustment, but really made it worse. I bought this M2 used, and didn't know how much the former owner weighed, nor whether he even had it set up right for him. Guess I need to begin at the beginning and do it step by step, just like "they" say... | ||
| Sloppy |
If the preload is at max the adjusters won't do much for you. You need new springs or loose weight!!! First step is preload. Then you fine-tune with compression at the highest you can comfortably take and then adjust rebound to the lowest you can take without the "cadillac bounce". Then you can adjust from there for better turn in or better drive out. I've never liked the "bounce the bike" method as you're giving the suspension a very low speed bump but purely on the unsprung mass portion. Since the actual sprung mass (tire, rim and suspension) is quite different than the rest of the bike, I would recommend that you just start with both adjusters at mid travel OR follow the owners manual. I'm only a few turns either side of the manual. But FIRST, get your preload correct. Don't bother with the adjusters until you've got this done right. |
