Basically I have no idea, so we'll begin from there!

Anyone know what preload I should set based on...

1. Just jumped on the scales and Im 173Kg in jeans and trainers - fun riding I'm in full leathers boots etc.

2. Most if my riding (where suspension matters) is in pretty technical twisties with "interesting" road surfaces. Some smooth paved and other that is just plain sh!te!

Currently its on the factory setting front and back (3, I think)

Any suggestions from those wiser than me greatly appreciated.

And yes, as soon as my paypal acc get verified there will be a gixxer shock on it's way!

Cheers

H

http://www.sonicsprings.com/catalog/preload_tech_article.php

The "Setting Sag" article that's linked to in there is specific to the front, but doing the rear is basically the same.

 

Basically I have no idea, so we'll begin from there!

Anyone know what preload I should set based on...

1. Just jumped on the scales and Im 173Kg in jeans and trainers - fun riding I'm in full leathers boots etc.

@ 173kg, that's over 380 lb. is that really your weight?

 

@ 173kg, that's over 380 lb. is that really your weight?

+1

If you really weigh 173kg you need to turn the adjusters to the max or buy springs to match your weight

 

Hah, put on a pound or two but no!

73kg (fixed original post.

Just trying to work out if notching the preload up or down will improve the ride.

 

Are you bottoming the front fork at all?

Do you feel that the front tire is not gripping the road in curves?

 

Are you bottoming the front fork at all?

Do you feel that the front tire is not gripping the road in curves?

Hi A.

No there's no bottoming out. It's more wondering if I can get a more settled ride, especially in curves.

I'm not looking for race settings just wondering if (as there are adjustables on the bike) I have the best setting for me.

 

What's "unsettled" that you feel abot the front suspension? does it feel like a pogo-stick to you, not enough damping? or does it feel choppy not responding to the bumps and front tire loose traction?

Preload adjustment may not be the problem, as long as the static sag is relatively proper, sampling adjustment would have more to do with the quality of the suspension travel. Changing the level or weight of the fork oil might be more effective.

 

I wouldnt get too hung up on preload stuff Harv, it does nothing apart from change the ride height and sag. Check out the post from Richdesmond re sonicsprings..all is explained there

 

I changed the back to 5 with pillion and 4 for solo riding. I think it does more than alter the height, the spring feels stiffer as you increase preload (hence increases height), when you ride around it feels like you have a firmer spring.