Reccomend me a book on suspension set up.

[benji106]

All the threads that appear on here regarding suspension have made me realise how little I actually know about the subject. Given that improving the suspension is on the list of things I want to do in the future I thought it may be prudent to read up on it, before I start asking stupid questions! Can anyone reccomend me a good book/manual? Racetechs Motorcycle suspension bible seems like the kind of thing I am after, good choice?

[punyXpress]

Suspension Setup Guide - Sport Rider Magazine (http://www.sportrider.com/suspension_settings/suspension_setup/146_0402_suspension_setup_guide/index.html)
has a write up on this - may be enough info.
You dont use your eyes for this - backside rules!

[kaivalagi]

Also found this the other day: http://www.gostar-racing.com/club/motorcycle_suspension_set-up.htm

Not sure whether it's in-depth enough for what you want though?

[benji106]

Both good thanks, I will give them a read through. I just get these urges to read up on certain subjects. got about a third of the way through an absolutely massive book on quantum physics and then thought... What the F*ck am I doing? and went to the pub.

[kaivalagi]

You ought to try Signal Theory Fundamentals...that's one hell of a head f*ck! I didn't like that subject in my degree - going back some years now...

Let us know of anything you come across for susp setup, I get the feeling I'll be tickering before long, too many pies and all that :)

[yorkie_chris]

No point reading about it. Only way to learn is to play around

[benji106]

lend us a GSXR front end, some cartridge fork emulators a few different valves, a variety of springs and that Penske shock you love so much and Ill let you know how I get on :D Just thought if I had some idea what I was talking about I might be able to make some wiser desicions when spending my hard earned.

[Sid Squid]

No point reading about it. Only way to learn is to play around
I generally agree. You can learn about what does what and how, but there's nothing that can replace even a tiny bit of experience of which changes make what and how much difference.

You really do have to fiddle and then see what practical, tangible alterations have been made.

[punyXpress]

. . . and make notes EVERY step of the way.

[yorkie_chris]

lend us a GSXR front end, some cartridge fork emulators a few different valves, a variety of springs and that Penske shock you love so much and Ill let you know how I get on :D Just thought if I had some idea what I was talking about I might be able to make some wiser desicions when spending my hard earned.

If it is just ideas about what to spend your money on I have tried almost all options for the curvy SV and am happy to advise you.
There is more wisdom on the net than there is in books for suspension TBH. There are a couple of suspension books which are really cool... but absolutely no use to the level of sophistication involved in tuning road suspension.


BTW suspension is also the area which seems to draw as many if not more know-nowt eejits who will vociferously defend their ideas which are in plain breach of the laws of physics.
Be very careful who you listen to!

[muffles]

Also found this the other day: http://www.gostar-racing.com/club/motorcycle_suspension_set-up.htm

Not sure whether it's in-depth enough for what you want though?

I read this, although you do have to go out and see what effect it's having, I thought this seemed like a pretty concise guide to what *kind* of effect you'd expect to see when you change each setting.

[kaivalagi]

I read this, although you do have to go out and see what effect it's having, I thought this seemed like a pretty concise guide to what *kind* of effect you'd expect to see when you change each setting.

I especially like the bit where it explains through that diagram where each suspension setting will play a part throughout a corner, gives a good feel for what will be happening IMO

[yorkie_chris]

But it's not as clear cut as that in practice.

[kaivalagi]

But it's not as clear cut as that in practice.
Hence the fiddling and trying approach, gotcha :smt023

[benji106]

If it is just ideas about what to spend your money on I have tried almost all options for the curvy SV and am happy to advise you.


Cheers, Ill take you up on that - I weigh 14 stone plus kit, the bike is my only form of transport at the moment so Ideally want a fairly straight forward upgrade that I can do in a weekend with a modestly stocked garage. probably looking at around £300 to spend but after value for money so dont want to spend an extra £100 for an extra 1% improvement. What would you reccomend?

*Before people start offering their bits they have for sale at the moment I'm probably not going to be buying anything until later this month or next, got some other (boring) stuff to pay for first. Unless its a proper bargain like ;)