So how do I become well adjusted?

[bigredduke]

I know the front forks and rear shock on my S4R are adjustable but I don't understand terms such as sag, preload, rebound or their relative importance. I know there are two adjusters on the top of the front forks but I don't know if they are correctly set for my weight. Is there an idiot's guide available anywhere or does it make little difference for the road?:scratch:

[slob]

Actually there are two adjusters on the top of each fork and another in the bottom, plus three on your rear shock.
start with this guide...
http://www.ohlins.com/Motorcycle/Settingupyourbike/tabid/59/Default.aspx
It can make a vast difference or it may be close to correct already.

[JerryXt]

Preload is the amount of compression on the spring - think of it as pushing the springs down so they're more compressed - you get a much firmer ride over a short travel.

Rebound is the speed that the wheel goes back down after the suspension has been compressed.

Compression damping refers to the speed at which the suspension is allowed to compress. You've got a valve that lets your fork oil through - the faster the oil travels through the valve, the faster the spring will compress. Compression damping adjustment is that valve. (Same sort of thing with rebound damping).

Sag is something with spinach in it.


So, real world examples:

say you're in a corner and you feel the front 'patter' across the road. You'd look at increasing rebound to push the wheel back onto the track and maybe a click of compression too in order to stop the wheel leaving the track.

You're in a corner and as you accelerate around it, the bike runs wide. Maybe you'd start by looking at the rear first: increasing both rebound and compression to stop the rear squatting. Next you might look at the rebound on the forks - are they extending/lengthening? A click off.

Is the ride harsh? Maybe a bit less preload or compression.

Braking hard: do the forks compress too much? Maybe a little more preload or compression. If you're bottoming out, maybe you need a stiffer spring.

Whatever you do, record each change and why you're doing it.

[slob]

...I should have said, check your owners manual for how to adjust your OEM kit, although the principles outlined in the Ohlins guide are valid.

[Capo]

I would strongly recommend that you have somebody experienced and qualified adjust your suspension.

[Gilps]

I found this site really useful. It explains everything in simple terms.
http://www.moto-racing.co.uk/Guides/motorcycleSuspensionSetup.htm
Just make sure you make a note of your initial settings. If all else fails then take it to a suspension expert. It is amazing the fdifference that it will make when set up right.

[PDL]

All the advice so far is good, for me I follow this strict rule on a new bike:

1. Note down the current settings
2. Return to factory defaults
3. Which is better - No 1 or No 2
4. If neither is better then take it to a suspension specialist and get it set up

The above works for me, some of us are experts and can do it themselves, I know that I am not. :cry:

[sheepshearer]

this is quite good

http://www.ducatisuite.com/rearsuspension.html

attached is my attempt to get the concept of preload clear in my head

if the PNG file doesn't work try the GIF

EDIT: and if neither of them work i'm a cock :) try agin

[Capo]

More info
http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=13421.0

[sheepshearer]

I found this site really useful. It explains everything in simple terms.
http://www.moto-racing.co.uk/Guides/motorcycleSuspensionSetup.htm


great link - thanks!

[bigredduke]

Thanks for all the info folks, much appreciated.

Jerry, i know sag is spinach in Indian food, I once had a fantastic bear & spinach curry in North East India. I shall never forget it, I think it was called Sag Baloo.