Seabass
Well-Known Member
I know I know! it has been discussed a million times before, and yes, I have trawled the forum in search of answers, and yes I maybe should try a little harder, and yes maybe I should learn how suspension really works (although I'm slowly getting there after reading numerous links some of you fine FZ riders have put up as links in other threads!
But... Just wanted to run something by you in the hope I can be guided by the wise!
This may sound really bad, although I would go as far as to say that there are probably tons of bikers out there that have never really tampered with the suspension on their bikes before, don't get me wrong I've had a few 'half hearted goes' at improving how the bikes ride, but never really sat down and looked at things properly before, until now.
Whilst searching the forum I found a thread titled "Homework assignment" where a member had put a link to a motorcycle suspension worksheet. I took the liberty of using this to help in adjusting my gen 2 FZ1's suspension, with the following results:
Rear shock- measured from the centre of the axle to a marked point on the tail section
Fully extended - 540mm
static sag - 535mm
rider sag (all kitted up) - 510mm
difference between fully extended and static sag - 5mm
difference between fully extended and rider sag - 30mm
Front forks - measured from where the black rubber seal meets the gold section of the fork, down to where the stanchions meet the metal part, to which the front axle runs through
Fully extended - 146mm
static sag - 120mm
rider sag - 105mm
difference between fully extended and static sag - 26mm
difference between fully extended and rider sag - 41mm
I am about 16 1/4 stone (224 ish pounds) fully kitted up in riding gear, with the bike being a 2008 FZ1-S, and although I plan to upgrade the rear shock in the future, as well as changing the front springs for my weight, I would like to make the best of the stock suspension as it is until I can afford the upgrades.
Also, I have the front rebound damping set to 15 clicks from fully clockwise (hardest)
I have the front compression damping set to 5 clicks from fully clockwise
On the rear I have the spring preload set to 4 (Out of a max. of 7 settings, 7 being hardest)
The rebound damping on the rear is set to 6 clicks from fully clockwise (hardest)
Just wondering what you chaps think of these settings and the sag settings in particular. I find when riding the FZ1 over more bumpy road surfaces it provides quite a harsh ride (doesn't soak up the bumps too well). I would particulary like to hear from anyone who is of similar weight to me, and what settings they are running.
Thanks for your time folks, and apologies if I've missed anything...
But... Just wanted to run something by you in the hope I can be guided by the wise!
This may sound really bad, although I would go as far as to say that there are probably tons of bikers out there that have never really tampered with the suspension on their bikes before, don't get me wrong I've had a few 'half hearted goes' at improving how the bikes ride, but never really sat down and looked at things properly before, until now.
Whilst searching the forum I found a thread titled "Homework assignment" where a member had put a link to a motorcycle suspension worksheet. I took the liberty of using this to help in adjusting my gen 2 FZ1's suspension, with the following results:
Rear shock- measured from the centre of the axle to a marked point on the tail section
Fully extended - 540mm
static sag - 535mm
rider sag (all kitted up) - 510mm
difference between fully extended and static sag - 5mm
difference between fully extended and rider sag - 30mm
Front forks - measured from where the black rubber seal meets the gold section of the fork, down to where the stanchions meet the metal part, to which the front axle runs through
Fully extended - 146mm
static sag - 120mm
rider sag - 105mm
difference between fully extended and static sag - 26mm
difference between fully extended and rider sag - 41mm
I am about 16 1/4 stone (224 ish pounds) fully kitted up in riding gear, with the bike being a 2008 FZ1-S, and although I plan to upgrade the rear shock in the future, as well as changing the front springs for my weight, I would like to make the best of the stock suspension as it is until I can afford the upgrades.
Also, I have the front rebound damping set to 15 clicks from fully clockwise (hardest)
I have the front compression damping set to 5 clicks from fully clockwise
On the rear I have the spring preload set to 4 (Out of a max. of 7 settings, 7 being hardest)
The rebound damping on the rear is set to 6 clicks from fully clockwise (hardest)
Just wondering what you chaps think of these settings and the sag settings in particular. I find when riding the FZ1 over more bumpy road surfaces it provides quite a harsh ride (doesn't soak up the bumps too well). I would particulary like to hear from anyone who is of similar weight to me, and what settings they are running.
Thanks for your time folks, and apologies if I've missed anything...