Too much front sag?

[jetblack]

I've just been trying to set up my front sag.

I started with the adjusters about half way out and was getting about 35mm of static sag (just the bike, no rider) so i wound the adjusters all the way in but i can only get the static sag down to 30mm.

i was aiming for about 25-30mm so although ive reached the sort of amount i want it feels odd that i've had to wind the adjusters all the way in to get there. Especially as the forks already have some additional spacers in (came like that from the previous owner)

Does this mean the springs are past it?

[jetblack]

I should add, with the front preload adjusters wound all the way in to achieve the desired sag setting it feels very firm up front but the back end drops by 25mm when i put my weight on the seat (rear rider sag)

This makes it feel like the front is sitting higher than the rear when i'm installed on the bike and like im going up hill...

this can't be right

Do i need to firm up the rear sag to compensate as i gather i really want the rear to sit higher than the front to aid turn in...or do i drop the forks in the triple clamp (lowering the front) to get the same effect?

[jetblack]

Took it for a ride like this yesterday and i'll be damned- its like a new bike!

Previously the front always wanted to tuck in under me,especially at low speeds now it feels planted- although it does seem to want to run a bit wider in faster corners- probably just me needing to get used to it.

Wish i'd set it up sooner.

I think the addition of some RO fork springs and some new oil while the bike is off the road this winter might just round it off.

[magg]

You need to remove the fork springs and measure the free length, should be very near 277 mm.. There should not be additional spacers. The OEM springs are considered a bit soft even when new and are likely to be sagged somewhat now but measurement will confirm. Rick Oliver has replacement stiffer springs including spacers that might be worth a look if yours are shagged.

[skinnydog0_0]

What are you static sag figures front and rear?
what figures do you get for rider sag front and rear?
It is always best to set your geometry for how you like your bike to feel- faster turning (twitchy) or more stable. Then adjust the preload/ride height equally front and rear to keep the geometry the same.
The running wide is usually a sign of to much rebound up front or not enough compression/stiffness at the rear.

[jetblack]

I got the following measurements:
Front static sag- 35mm (i've since increased preload and got it down to 30mm)
front rider sag -18 mm

Rear static sag - unmeasureed as yet
rear rider Sag - 25mm

[skinnydog0_0]

Your rear rider sag seems okay at 25mm
I would put the front sag back to 35mm and see what rider sag figure you get. 35mm of static sag is fine and this should give you a little more rider sag.
Are you finding the front is diving to much under braking?

[jetblack]

Are you finding the front is diving to much under braking?

Not since i added all the extra front preload- feels much better now. less shunt on accel/deceleration, much more stable turn in but slower to 'flick' which i think i as much down to the knackered tyres!

There's just much more softness in the rear compared to up front now so i kinda feel like the front is ok bt that the rear is too soft- although the sag figure does seem ok. its odd....

[dx400r]

Something to note jetblack is you need to get the rear sag correct first before trying to do the front. You want around 30-35mm in the rear. With you getting 25mm sag, it sounds like you have too much preload.

Once you have those figures do the front sag again and you should be sorted.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mK3flKxf41U

[Neosophist]

http://www.moto-racing.co.uk/Guides/mot ... nSetup.htm

I found this guide really helpful when doign suspension too, it's detailed and nice and slow