dumb suspension question

How much do you weigh?
the suspension may feel a bit stiffer at first, especially over bumps. The end result will be more confidence in the corners and less dive on quick stops. Worth the trade of a few extra bumps--for most folks. Then again, I got bumped around before I switched-most roads are pretty crumby here in TX.

I weigh about 200 geared. Im planning to do a ZX10 rear (if I can ever find one for a decent price!) and .90 sonic springs up front.

Do you have the OEM Dunlop D220 tires? If so, those are known to be harsh over bumps. What can also cause harshness is poorly adjusted bound/rebound adjustments. The SV does have adjusters, but you must make other accommodations.

I have 1.0kg/mm fork springs with heavier (20w) oil and a 9.7kg/mm ZX-6R rear spring (and shock) rolling on a Pilot Power 2ct front tire and Pilot Road 2 rear. While it is a stiff ride, it's much more controlled (read: less harsh, but still stiff).

Well if you do just what you reference, stiffer springs, then yes it will be stiffer, but with a better shock you will be able to adjust more then stiffness.

My 1st gen with gsxr shock and race tech springs, emulators, and thicker fluid rides way better then my stock 2nd gen. Much smoother.

Also I rode a done up R6 one day and compared to my sv it felt like I was riding on air.

dubtecv2 said:

Do you have the OEM Dunlop D220 tires?

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na I have Pilot Roads front and rear. how much do you weigh? just curious about the spring rate you have and how you like it.

I just recieved my Sonic Springs .90 springs and 20wt fork oil today. I will be installing these plus my 07 ZX10R rear shock...so pretty much the exact same setup you are looking to get. I weigh 205 and this was the setup that was recommended by Rich at Sonic Springs. If you'd like, I'll post up a review of the difference it made in this thread.

Cheers.

If you weigh 200# then the harshness you are feeling is probably from inadequate damping. Too low a damping force coupled with too low a spring rate can feel very harsh indeed.

The stock SV has damping limitations on both ends. The proper springs up front with the proper viscosity of fork oil (maybe 20W at your weight) would help. Consider Traxxion's emulator and drop-in damper rod kit, and follow their recommendations for fork oil and preset. It will make a world of difference.

For the rear, there are dozens of threads about different shocks (repurposed from other bikes) you can install. Look at the FAQ section under suspension. The best solution is a dedicated shock (I installed an Elka double-adjustable with remote reservoir after repurposing several shocks). Pricey, but worth every penny.

AcidReign said:

I just recieved my Sonic Springs .90 springs and 20wt fork oil today. I will be installing these plus my 07 ZX10R rear shock...so pretty much the exact same setup you are looking to get. I weigh 205 and this was the setup that was recommended by Rich at Sonic Springs. If you'd like, I'll post up a review of the difference it made in this thread.

Cheers.

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yes, please do post your results. i really want to do this mod. at this point just trying to find zx10 shock for <$100.

andyauger said:

If you weigh 200# then the harshness you are feeling is probably from inadequate damping. Too low a damping force coupled with too low a spring rate can feel very harsh indeed.

The stock SV has damping limitations on both ends. The proper springs up front with the proper viscosity of fork oil (maybe 20W at your weight) would help. Consider Traxxion's emulator and drop-in damper rod kit, and follow their recommendations for fork oil and preset. It will make a world of difference.

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That makes sense. My next question was actually about the emulators and if they are really worth the extra $$. I know they allow for adjustment but I have also heard that its a PITA.

Get a hold of Rick at Cogent Dynamics near Asheville, NC (motocd.com). He is a suspension guru and one of his specialties is upgrading the SV650 suspension. He has done some work for me on other bikes, with fabulous results, and is currently modifiying my SV for a mix of street and track riding. He will answer all of your questions. I can't recommend him enough.