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     Fcbuell |
Hi all, I have a 2005 CityX with Crossroads bars, live in Colorado, do 50/50 commuting, curvy mountain roads on the weekends. I realize suspension set up is key. I'm amazed at how adjustable the suspension is and how much it affects the ride. Since switching to the clip-on bars a while back its taken me quite a bit of time, trial and error, a spreadsheet even, to get settings that feel "good" and predictable. But here's my dilemma... I'm 170lbs +/- with gear. That puts me right on the in between recommended settings based on weight for both stock and the aggressive settings. It kinda bugs me. The preload in particular. In short, with a rear preload of 3, front preload of 5.5 or 6 in the front, I feel like I'm using all the suspension, have correct sag, and it feels great/confident and balanced over uneven pavement in turns. But I feel the turn-in is sluggish, especially at higher speeds in the canyons I feel I tend to come out wide. With a rear preload of 4, about 5.5 or 5ish in the front, the bike feels like it tracks better in straights, the turn-in is fast and predictable, yet I don't think I'm getting the ideal sag here and it rides more harsh in urban situations. I feel there's some wiggle room in there based on skill and riding style so I didn't list compression/rebound settings. I'm not very aggressive, but whatever.. Anywhoo... long winded - who else falls in between settings? And what's the best compromise for you? Not looking for an answer, but I guess more experiences and comments. Thanks | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Teddagreek |
Use the firebolt settings now that you have the bars.. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tx05xb12s |
I weight + or - 170 lbs with gear too and have experienced the same dilemma. Currently I'm riding with compression/rebound from the 150/170 lbs setting, and preloads from 170/190 lbs. This seems to handle the rough roads around here with the best handling and reasonable comfort. How do the firebolt settings differ? Running crossroads on mine too. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fcbuell |
Can someone post the firebolt settings then so I can compare them to the lightning settings? For the 150-170 and 170-190 weight ranges... Thanks folks.. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Slaughter |
I'd recommend using the Higbee settings and if you still have problems, use his damping settings but set your sag by DIRECT MEASURE - 35mm front and 25mm rear. The lines on the adjusters are a bit crude and if you measure your sag directly, it'll be much more better. You have to have all your gear on when you do the measurements - check the threads here using search for "sag" or something like that. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Josh_ |
What tires and tire pressure are you running? Try tweaking that for turn-in. I like more rear sag (30-35mm) but then I ride with a pillion often and don't want to keep adjusting. I've been having a problem tuning my suspension for corner-entry (the bike didn't want to "settle in") and I finally figured out I was gripping the bars too tight. This wasn't a problem until I pulled off the Tech Specs due to wear and tear (1 yr, 4 track days) and lost the ability to grip the tank tight. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rsh |
2005 Firebolt suspension settings 160-180 Lbs 73-82 KG 5.5 Preload No. of lines front 1.50 comp 1.50 rebound 3 Preload position rear 1.50 comp 1.25 rebound 180-200 Lbs 82-91 KG 5 Preload No. of lines front 1.50 comp 1.50 rebound 4 Preload position rear 1.25 comp 1.25 rebound | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Blake |
 Aggressive Handling Settings (XB SERIES)
Additional Tuning Notes Relative To Aggressive Handling Settings 1. To improve ride softness/quality Try this first: reduce compression damping counterclockwise 1/4 to 1/2 turns if more is desired: reduce rebound damping counterclockwise 1/4 to 1/2 turns if more is desired: reduce rear shock preload 1 position 2. To improve steering quickness and complete corners easier, try this: Try the following to achieve the desired quicker/easier steering response:
All compression and rebound settings represent the number of turns out (counter-clockwise) from maximum (full-in clock-wise). |
