View Full Version : Suspension tuning question
So I rode someone elses 900 today and really noticed the difference in turn in which I can really only attribute to the fact that my bike has been lowered. It was like that when I bought it and I just sorta left it the way it was. So i rode this other 900 today and it handles way better than mine. i had my suspension set up by wheeler last year at the rally and after that i noticed an improvement.
So after work today I take my bike and raise it back up to stock height and take it for a ride. Just like I thought, big difference. Right away the bike is much easier to lean into the corner at speed and holds the line slightly better.
Anyway my real question is about suspension tuning. I had it set to my weight last year by wheeler and was wondering if the bike should be set up again. I can't do it, I just dont understand the black art of suspension tuning
whose 900 was it? *checks garage for blade* :lol: i hear speedwerks in delaware is good for setup/tuning
whose 900 was it? *checks garage for blade* :lol: i hear speedwerks in delaware is good for setup/tuning
It was actualy just some dude I met in the parking lot of the shoppette on Dix. I went in to get a soda and some gum and he was parked in the same spot as me and we started talking. I wound up spending 45 minutes with him and mentioned that I hadnt ridden another 900 yet so he threw me the keys.
It was actualy just some dude I met in the parking lot of the shoppette on Dix. I went in to get a soda and some gum and he was parked in the same spot as me and we started talking. I wound up spending 45 minutes with him and mentioned that I hadnt ridden another 900 yet so he threw me the keys.
sweet deal. one of the other ncos from my unit has offered me a ride on his 09 zx10. just havent seen him yet :lol: you're more than welcome to take mine for another spin now that i have new rubber and no more nascar alignment :lmao:
sweet deal. one of the other ncos from my unit has offered me a ride on his 09 zx10. just havent seen him yet :lol: you're more than welcome to take mine for another spin now that i have new rubber and no more nascar alignment :lmao:
Yeh i kinda was scared of your bike the one time I rode it. It really wanted to turn and I kept thinking the back wheel would eventually find a way to pass the front wheel
well shes in great shape now. you guys still coming over for the party tomo?
gonna try but the kiddies are up at grandmas house. What time?
3pm for bbq vball and other relaxed fam safe stuff. usual alcoholic adult shenanigans after 8ish
phenix yer welcome to attend if you want to explore jersey lol since i see you lurking
Phenix_Rider
05-22-2010, 07:27 AM
3pm for bbq vball and other relaxed fam safe stuff. usual alcoholic adult shenanigans after 8ish
phenix yer welcome to attend if you want to explore jersey lol since i see you lurking
:lol: Yeah, that sounds like fun. I have to go to a cousin's thing at Villanova this morning, but I'll head over your way this afternoon. Text or PM me your address.
I'm halfway looking for a place to set up my shock if I ever get it mounted. And to tune my PCIII if I ever find the money to dyno it. Speedwerkes is pretty far down there. I'd be tempted to ride all the way down to Pocomoke if I made that trip. Would love to go demo a Fischer.
Amber Lamps
05-22-2010, 08:04 AM
Yea you might want to adjust that but remember that the suspension was set up for weight and shouldn't be too affected IMHO. Didn't you also go to a 17 " front wheel?
:lol: Yeah, that sounds like fun. I have to go to a cousin's thing at Villanova this morning, but I'll head over your way this afternoon. Text or PM me your address.
I'm halfway looking for a place to set up my shock if I ever get it mounted. And to tune my PCIII if I ever find the money to dyno it. Speedwerkes is pretty far down there. I'd be tempted to ride all the way down to Pocomoke if I made that trip. Would love to go demo a Fischer.
De is closer than you think. Quick blast down 95
Homeslice
05-22-2010, 11:50 AM
Yeah a lot of guys will deny this, but lowered bikes suck for handling. Not to mention they've got less ground clearance.
How was it lowered, was it simply the forks, or did it have an aftermarket link on the rear shock as well?
I would still take it to the tuner, because the geometry has totally changed now that you've raised it. For him to adjust the preload, clickers, and fork height should only cost $50-60 anyway, right?
Yea you might want to adjust that but remember that the suspension was set up for weight and shouldn't be too affected IMHO. Didn't you also go to a 17 " front wheel?
There were issues whith that wheel
Yeah a lot of guys will deny this, but lowered bikes suck for handling. Not to mention they've got less ground clearance.
How was it lowered, was it simply the forks, or did it have an aftermarket link on the rear shock as well?
I would still take it to the tuner, because the geometry has totally changed now that you've raised it. For him to adjust the preload, clickers, and fork height should only cost $50-60 anyway, right?
The bike handled fine, but it took some muscle to move it around. It was lowered by flipping the suspension link plates around, also the front wassnt lowered
Homeslice
05-22-2010, 12:48 PM
Hmm, if rear was lowered and the front wasn't, that would explain why it turned in so slow. You should definitely take it back to the tuner, because now you've put more weight on the front end. It will probably need more preload in front to compensate. Better to take it to someone who will make measurements of what needs to be done.
Phenix_Rider
05-22-2010, 02:34 PM
De is closer than you think. Quick blast down 95
Oh, I know DE is close. I've only been through it a hundred times lately. Speedwerkes is 1.5 hours, and Fischer is only about an hour past that.
On my way to your place. Just mapping out my route now.
Captain Morgan
05-22-2010, 03:07 PM
Buy this book and have a friend help you set up the suspension. I need to find my copy and have my brother help me with the Strom
http://www.amazon.com/Sportbike-Performance-Projects-Motorbooks-Workshop/dp/0760313318/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1274555150&sr=8-1
anthonyk
05-22-2010, 05:26 PM
Hmm, if rear was lowered and the front wasn't, that would explain why it turned in so slow. You should definitely take it back to the tuner, because now you've put more weight on the front end. It will probably need more preload in front to compensate. Better to take it to someone who will make measurements of what needs to be done.
Yup, more preload on the front and less on the rear. I had a situation once where the ride height adjustment on my shock somehow backed all the way down, and I had similar handling issues. After the suspension guy figured that out, he had to go back and make some other adjustments for the new weight distribution. Might have just been preload, but he might have changed compression and rebound damping, too.
No Worries
05-22-2010, 08:49 PM
Sport Rider Magazine has suggested suspension settings for every bike they've tested since '96. Here's what they suggest for a CBR900: http://www.sportrider.com/suspension_settings/146_suggested_suspension_settings/honda.html That should put you in the ballpark.
Captain Morgan
05-22-2010, 09:11 PM
Sport Rider Magazine has suggested suspension settings for every bike they've tested since '96. Here's what they suggest for a CBR900: http://www.sportrider.com/suspension_settings/146_suggested_suspension_settings/honda.html That should put you in the ballpark.
Nice link. Wish they had something for the strom, but they only mention front pre-load and front damping. Don't have any numbers for any other settings.
Sport Rider Magazine has suggested suspension settings for every bike they've tested since '96. Here's what they suggest for a CBR900: http://www.sportrider.com/suspension_settings/146_suggested_suspension_settings/honda.html That should put you in the ballpark.
beat me to it lol
101lifts2
06-02-2010, 07:51 PM
How much do you weigh? Judging by some pics, I'm guessing a buck thirty. lol
As Homeslice said, if you lowered the rear and not the front the rake angle is lessened and it will turn in slow. You should have raised the fork tubes if you wanted it lowered a bit and then get some new dog links.
Thats how I bought it, its back at stock now. I pl ayed with the bound and rebound a bit, feels good now
Thats how I bought it, its back at stock now. I pl ayed with the bound and rebound a bit, feels good now
im loving mine since we messed with it, had a huuuge power wheelie over that hill on the river park drive the other day :D
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