Help with setting up suspension : Kawasaki ZX Forums: Kawasaki Ninja Forum

Darkcloud3420 · 07-07-2008, 05:03 PM

hey, im pretty new to the world of motorcycles.. i just picked up an 06 zx636 a week ago, and i want to set up my suspension, i read the sticky on tuning suspension, and some recomended settings, but i can't make sense of them.. exactly what does everything mean?? for example..

"front preload 3 lines showing
front rebound 2.5 turns out from full stiff
front compression 1.5 turns out from full stiff"

which way is full stiff??? how do i set rebound and compression??? front and rear... and what lines?? im really good when it comes to cars, but all this is new stuff to me.....

and if any one wants to help out with some starting settings for me to work with... im about 6'0" 230 (on my way down to 220, how would the settings change with less weight?) sorry for all the questions... and thanks for the help in advance.

SLIDER · 07-07-2008, 07:36 PM

to be honest, don't start messing with all of the settings if your not quite sure what you're doing. If you want to set something, set the sag(preload). It's the most important considering it's the base for tuning.the lines that we are talking about are the threads on the adjuster. as for "full stiff", it's pretty much righty tighty lefty loosy. turn it right, it gets stiffer. I don't suggest playing with these settings all to much. It takes years of tuning to get it right. take it to a pro for the first time and ask him what you're actually looking for. here's a website for dave moss, a world renowned tuner. this will help you get the correct sag. good luck

http://www.feelthetrack.com/tuning_guide.htm

Darkcloud3420 · 07-07-2008, 09:36 PM

lol... i know how to ride. i just dont understand the suspension that well. i dont like the way it is set up right now, and i want a good basis to start from to make it better.

SLIDER · 07-08-2008, 10:51 AM

sorry, didn't mean you didn't know how to ride. I meant that you're not sure how to adjust the suspension properly. The chances of you setting it right is slim to none. You may think it feels good, but I garantee it's going to be completely off from what it should be. Trust me on this one. Take it to a pro for the first one. It's only about $20 for an initial adjustment... and read all of the info on the website a gave you. There is more to it than just what feels good.

Darkcloud3420 · 07-08-2008, 08:06 PM

by pro do u just mean any bike shop?? there are a couple in my area (central mass) should any place do??

SLIDER · 07-09-2008, 11:06 AM

just about any shop should be able to set the sag, but in order to set everything properly you should take it to a suspension specialist. go to any trackday, even if your not riding on the track. there's usually someone that you can pay $20-$40 to adjust it for you. Look for dave moss, aftershocks suspension, ohlins, or racetech. those are the main guys...