Go Back   Two Wheel Fix > In the Garage or Shop > Mechanical or Tech

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 05-21-2010, 11:41 PM   #1
derf
token jewboy
 
derf's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Moto: CBR 900, KLR ugly ass duckling, Gas Man
Posts: 10,799
Default Suspension tuning question

So I rode someone elses 900 today and really noticed the difference in turn in which I can really only attribute to the fact that my bike has been lowered. It was like that when I bought it and I just sorta left it the way it was. So i rode this other 900 today and it handles way better than mine. i had my suspension set up by wheeler last year at the rally and after that i noticed an improvement.

So after work today I take my bike and raise it back up to stock height and take it for a ride. Just like I thought, big difference. Right away the bike is much easier to lean into the corner at speed and holds the line slightly better.

Anyway my real question is about suspension tuning. I had it set to my weight last year by wheeler and was wondering if the bike should be set up again. I can't do it, I just dont understand the black art of suspension tuning
__________________
derf is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-21-2010, 11:47 PM   #2
Dave
Chaotic Neutral
 
Dave's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Cherry Hill NJ
Moto: GV1200 Madura, Hawk gt
Posts: 13,992
Default

whose 900 was it? *checks garage for blade* i hear speedwerks in delaware is good for setup/tuning
__________________
TWF Post whore #6
Dave is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-22-2010, 12:14 AM   #3
derf
token jewboy
 
derf's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Moto: CBR 900, KLR ugly ass duckling, Gas Man
Posts: 10,799
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave View Post
whose 900 was it? *checks garage for blade* i hear speedwerks in delaware is good for setup/tuning
It was actualy just some dude I met in the parking lot of the shoppette on Dix. I went in to get a soda and some gum and he was parked in the same spot as me and we started talking. I wound up spending 45 minutes with him and mentioned that I hadnt ridden another 900 yet so he threw me the keys.
__________________
derf is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-22-2010, 12:17 AM   #4
Dave
Chaotic Neutral
 
Dave's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Cherry Hill NJ
Moto: GV1200 Madura, Hawk gt
Posts: 13,992
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by derf View Post
It was actualy just some dude I met in the parking lot of the shoppette on Dix. I went in to get a soda and some gum and he was parked in the same spot as me and we started talking. I wound up spending 45 minutes with him and mentioned that I hadnt ridden another 900 yet so he threw me the keys.
sweet deal. one of the other ncos from my unit has offered me a ride on his 09 zx10. just havent seen him yet you're more than welcome to take mine for another spin now that i have new rubber and no more nascar alignment
__________________
TWF Post whore #6
Dave is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-22-2010, 12:19 AM   #5
derf
token jewboy
 
derf's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Moto: CBR 900, KLR ugly ass duckling, Gas Man
Posts: 10,799
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave View Post
sweet deal. one of the other ncos from my unit has offered me a ride on his 09 zx10. just havent seen him yet you're more than welcome to take mine for another spin now that i have new rubber and no more nascar alignment
Yeh i kinda was scared of your bike the one time I rode it. It really wanted to turn and I kept thinking the back wheel would eventually find a way to pass the front wheel
__________________
derf is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-22-2010, 12:27 AM   #6
Dave
Chaotic Neutral
 
Dave's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Cherry Hill NJ
Moto: GV1200 Madura, Hawk gt
Posts: 13,992
Default

well shes in great shape now. you guys still coming over for the party tomo?
__________________
TWF Post whore #6
Dave is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-22-2010, 09:04 AM   #7
Amber Lamps
Moto GP Star
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 14,556
Default

Yea you might want to adjust that but remember that the suspension was set up for weight and shouldn't be too affected IMHO. Didn't you also go to a 17 " front wheel?
Amber Lamps is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-22-2010, 01:11 PM   #8
derf
token jewboy
 
derf's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Moto: CBR 900, KLR ugly ass duckling, Gas Man
Posts: 10,799
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Amber Lamps View Post
Yea you might want to adjust that but remember that the suspension was set up for weight and shouldn't be too affected IMHO. Didn't you also go to a 17 " front wheel?
There were issues whith that wheel
__________________
derf is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-22-2010, 12:50 PM   #9
Homeslice
Elitist
 
Homeslice's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: SF Bay Area
Moto: Gix 750
Posts: 11,351
Default

Yeah a lot of guys will deny this, but lowered bikes suck for handling. Not to mention they've got less ground clearance.

How was it lowered, was it simply the forks, or did it have an aftermarket link on the rear shock as well?

I would still take it to the tuner, because the geometry has totally changed now that you've raised it. For him to adjust the preload, clickers, and fork height should only cost $50-60 anyway, right?
Homeslice is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-22-2010, 01:17 PM   #10
derf
token jewboy
 
derf's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Moto: CBR 900, KLR ugly ass duckling, Gas Man
Posts: 10,799
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Homeslice View Post
Yeah a lot of guys will deny this, but lowered bikes suck for handling. Not to mention they've got less ground clearance.

How was it lowered, was it simply the forks, or did it have an aftermarket link on the rear shock as well?

I would still take it to the tuner, because the geometry has totally changed now that you've raised it. For him to adjust the preload, clickers, and fork height should only cost $50-60 anyway, right?
The bike handled fine, but it took some muscle to move it around. It was lowered by flipping the suspension link plates around, also the front wassnt lowered
__________________
derf is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:01 AM.

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.