suspension settings

[garryg]

Spent a lot time on the bike over the weekend. Now over 1400 miles. Whilst the bike is great on smooth tarmac I noticed over the weekend that as soon as the roads get bumpy the handling really deteriorates. I ride 2 up most of the time but with minimal luggage. Bumps in the road just seem to get transferred straight through the bike rather than absorbed by the suspension.

Has anyone experienced the same? Any feedback on various suspension settings? Believe it or not our sports GSXR1000 K2, 2 up, handled the bumpy roads better than the GTR.

PS also noticed the bike really does throw out some heat!

[TimoFIN]

I increased rear spring preload 6 clicks and steering stabilazed significantly. I will also increase front spring preload and damping force also. As I did with my zzr1400. Factory settings are too soft for my weight (100 kg).

[08CC14]

Check your tire pressure also. Mine was delivered with front and rear set at 46 psi and the ride was significantly better after lowering both to 40 psi.

[klb1122]

Originally Posted by 08CC14

Check your tire pressure also. Mine was delivered with front and rear set at 46 psi and the ride was significantly better after lowering both to 40 psi.

Rode mine away and for 70 miles before I could check at 35 psi.

[JamminJere]

This bike is very sensitive to tire pressure, the front being the most sensitive. If you let the pressure get even a few pounds below 42psi cold, It will get harder and harder to get it to turn in on a corner, with very heavy inputs at the bars. Also with over 4500miles on my 021's I noticed they wear much better with 40+ psi in them. Although I doubt I'll get 6K out of them. Back to Avon Storms when they are toast. So I keep them hard and adjust my forks and shock accordingly.. I'd say its a nice supple ride.

Hope this helps someone get better mileage out of their stock tires...

Jerry

[zimmy14]

Jerry Is That 42 Lbs For The Back Also, Please Advise Thanks Jim

[garryg]

I'm pretty switched on to the various tyre pressures. I run the recommended 42psi front and rear. As per other posts, with anything significantly less I found the steering becomes heavier and slower.

I've tried various suspension settings but without much improvement. Still think the ride's 'choppy' over bumpy roads,

[JamminJere]

Originally Posted by zimmy14

Jerry Is That 42 Lbs For The Back Also, Please Advise Thanks Jim

Yes Jim,

both front and rear tires are listed the same in the manual, and on the pressure sticker that should be on your bike.

Jerry

[Hitman]

This is a useful thread. I am surprised that there has not been very many comments made regarding the suspension. I was under the impression that because of this the suspension on the bike is perfectly good and gives a nice ride, as nobody has commented before. Is this a one off problem perhaps.?

[ReaperWales]

It is indeed a good thread and I dare say I can improve my suspension (i'm no small fry) but as I am coming off a ZZR600 (ZX6) known for poor quality (soft) suspension it feels fabulous. I have managed to tie the back end up a bit on one bumpy back road, but to be honest thought that road was exceptionaly bad so let it slide (not literally), will play a bit more as and when time allows and will post back any improvements if I make any.

[garryg]

For clarity, I way about 12 stone and my wife about 8.

I have initially up'd the rear pre-load a little (5-10 clicks). This certainly helped improve any wallowing on faster, smoother roads but made the 'choppy' ride worst on the bumpier roads. Consequently I've reduced it down to +4 or 5 clicks over standard.

I've tried various tyre pressures - 42psi seems the best balance between ride, comfort and steering. Highre makes the ride just too harsh and any less really slows the steering.

Maybe I've been spolit with quality suspension components on sports bikes but I thought the sports/TOURER would offer a more complient ride at the cost of more extreme handling.

[oldgreenmachine]

What does a stone equate to English friends? Not to kill the post but I'm curious. Remember that everyone is different so each individuals bike should be set up differently (for them). Just because someone weighs the same as you doesn't mean the setting they use are the same for you. Have you ever tried magazine "recommended settings"?! Obviously the factory recommended settings aren't correct for all either! Anyways, looks like you CC riders got this figured out, good luck!

[ReaperWales]

1 stone=14 pound (Avoirdupois (U.S. / British)) or 6.35Kg

[rexandconnie]

good thread.I ride a 05zrx 1200 r to work and back and found its ride hard .gtr is the same .i only weigh 145 pounds and stand 5.5.I found letting some air out of the tires really helped (gtr is at 38 now)dont forget they warmup.and takin a couple clicks off comp dampening really stopped the front wanting to bounce /slide through corners.also im very light so a couple clicks off of preload for me.this has worked well for me so Ive kind of moved my setting over to the gtr and it is way better.suspension can be tough we are all different sizes and like diff things i hope this helps!

[Frans]

Agree, tyre pressure is critical, when the front is below the 2.9 bar pressure, steering becomes heavy. My suspension is still standard, will start playing around with it, went up about 5 clicks at back & half turn up front on my ZX14, major improvement.