| Author | Message | ||
     Fresnobuell |
***edited 9/29/2008 reflecting BMC customer service telephone conversation*** Okay, guys...BMC customer service just called me and based on the latest information there appears to have a been a suspension change (spring rates I assume) on models built after 7/7/2008. So from what i can gather, the softer spring settings are appropriate for bikes built before 7/7/2008 and the stiffer settings are appropriate for bikes built after 7/7/2008. CS admitted that there SHOULD have been 2 tables in the 2008 service manual, but only the stiffer setting were included. Court please confirm these findings as you obviously have better sources. (Message edited by fresnobuell on September 29, 2008) | ||
| Fresnobuell |
https://www.buell.com/om/99480-08Y_en/file-5.asp#h dtopic006734 | ||
| Jmr1283 |
thanks harlan, i knew they had a firm set up being 145 i would get bounced of the seat at stock settings. but i found factory in the rear and lighter in the front gives some better riding plus a little performance egde becuase hitting slight bumps in corners with the front at factory was really scary. but goin from a 97 sportster to this is like colt to a cadillac. | ||
| Jpfive |
Thanks for checking on this, fresno, and following through with the post. The settings in my '08 Owner's Manual have been a good start for me - but unlike all my past bikes, I have gone softer from these rather than firmer. The settings in the Service Manual would throw me off the bike! Jack | ||
| Fresnobuell |
Yep, I was good with the '08 Owner's Manual too. I usually go one weight category too heavy as I like a stiffer setup, but I actually went back to my "correct" recommendations on the front and kept the rear at the one step heavier. WOrks for now. SOmeone who likes a softer ride will definitely want to go one weight class lighter than recommended. | ||
| Eweaver |
So......does this mean that they changed the suspension for the 2009 models? I say this because looking at the online owner's manuals, the settings for 2008 are different than those for 2009. I was assuming that the hardcopy of the 2008 owner's manual was incorrect due to the 2008 service manual recommendations matching the online 2009 owner's manual. | ||
| Fresnobuell |
Did they change the springs from 2008 to 2009? Good question? As far as we know (general public)...the answer is no. Also, it would have to be a spring change in front AND back as the setting for both are different between the manuals in question. It would be interesting how those wrong settings have managed to get into the 2008 and 2009 service manuals and the 2009 owners manual. Needs to be fixed before someone gets injured due to a suspension that doesn't move.... | ||
| Court |
>>>So......does this mean that they changed the suspension for the 2009 models? I have all the manuals here in my library, both 2008 and 2009. I'll check sometime and see if I can see any major changes. The settings could have been right (remember we are dealing with very subjective setting) at the time of printing and better information later obtained. It's kinda neat that Buell is the only manufacturer to go into such detail on suspension set-up. Most simply give you the "turn right for firmer" language. | ||
| Eweaver |
Thanks Court. >>>It's kinda neat that Buell is the only manufacturer to go into such detail on suspension set-up. Most simply give you the "turn right for firmer" language. You are right. It is awesome of Buell to care enough to give us this information. It shows that they really want these bikes out there handling properly, doing what they were designed to do. I just want to be sure I am starting from the correct suggested settings, so thank you for looking into this. | ||
| Hwyranger |
funny thing is my manual has the same settings as the ones Fresno just posted. | ||
| Fresnobuell |
Owners manual or service manual? It should be the same in your owners manual and different everywhere else (as far as I can tell from various sources.) | ||
| Ponti1 |
So, is it the service manual that has the incorrect settings? My owner's manual matches the online version also. | ||
| Indy_bueller |
Could it be that the settings in the manual are better suited for track use rather than the street? Track settings will give you a stiff ride on the street. | ||
| Court |
I'm getting more information but the settings SHOULD BE DIFFERENT for the 2008 and 2009 bikes. They use different springs rates. | ||
| Black_snowman |
I know the manual that came with my '08 matches what was on the website as of a couple weeks ago and with the Corsa IIIs at the recommend pressures was set up pretty much perfectly for my 2nd track day at Heartland Park Topeka. It was a lot more stable and better feedback than my 1st track day (when it was set for a much lighter rider). You could go softer for the street. I just spend more time with my weight on the pegs. If I do any long trips I'll definitely be backing it off a bit. | ||
| Eweaver |
Thanks for the solid info Court! Now, it makes sense. | ||
| Fresnobuell |
Okay, guys...BMC customer service just called me and based on the latest information there appears to have a been a suspension change (spring rates I assume) on models built after 7/7/2008. So from what i can gather, the softer spring settings are appropriate for bikes built before 7/7/2008 and the stiffer settings are appropriate for bikes built after 7/7/2008. CS admitted that there SHOULD have been 2 tables in the 2008 service manual, but only the stiffer setting were included. Court please confirm these findings as you obviously have better sources. | ||
| Jpfive |
Thanks for staying on this, fresno. It all makes sense now. Jack | ||
| Fresnobuell |
Trying my best, JP. I agree it is adding up at this point. Now of course, I am wondering what kind of changes they made and why? Maybe Court can shed some light... | ||
| Usmoto |
I changed my susp to the owner's man specs two weeks after I bought it. I noticed right away that it was rougher, especially the back. The day before yesterday I changed the compression on the back to the next softer level to see how much a difference it will make. I'll take it out on the road next chance I get to see how it feels. The front feels fine. We'll see how it goes. | ||
| Badlionsfan |
I reset my suspension per the chart Fresno posted, not sure I like it yet. Gonna give it some more time before I mess with it again. The settings I had before was by the book front and rear, with an extra click out of the rear compression to soften bumps a bit. | ||
| M33ufo |
I realise this is going back a little but to confirm, the chart in the link above is appropriate for bikes made before July 2008? My 2008 user guide has different settings to those shown above. Ta. | ||
| M33ufo |
I realise this is an old thread, but just to confirm, the suspension settings in the link above relate to bikes built before July 2008? They do seem wildly different to those within my user manual. Can someone recommend a good basic setup for a pre July 2008 bike for a rider in the 210 to 230lbs category? | ||
| Blake |
The settings in your owners manual are the best starting point. |
