Suspension for a Lightweight!

Hi, i'm riding a bog standard K6 Sport but i only weigh a tad over 10stone and i'm finding the suspension a little lively. I know you can buy progressive springs and different grade fork oil but aren't sure if you can get different spring rates relative to body weight. I have rebuilt suspension forks on mountain bikes using lighter spring rates but don't know if same rules apply with motorbike springs. Look forward to hearing any input on this problem. Thanks.

You're probably closer to the 9 stone weight of your average Japanese test rider than most around here.

[northwind]

Yep, the forks at least should be about right for you, I can't remember the details for the rear. But damping might be the issue rather than springs here.

Thanks for that Northwind, am i right in thinking damping is affected by different grade fork oil?

[northwind]

Aye, that's right. But I'll be honest here, I really don't know what would be recommended for yourself. Front end will be more or less right, I imagine, rear I have no clue.

I've been riding around thinking "Hmm, is it just me or does my rear shock feel stiff?" Turns out I've lost nearly 2 stone since I had it built, so it's just a tad oversprung

Now there's an idea, if i double my intake of pies and Mars bars should help the damping by next spring!

I'm 9 stone and i find standard stuff perfect, well upgraded standard stuff

HI ukhammy,
Just cos its a Sport you are not expected to be like Rossi.Your suspension is probably set too hard.I`ve had lots of experience of many different bikes over many years and I`ve read loads of tosh about suspension setups.I`m about your weight and this is what works for me on my K3 naked afer trying various settings with standard tyre pressures. Position 4 front and postion 2 rear (I use position 1 rear sometimes).I don`t carry pillion passengers very often.I`ve also fitted longer dog-bones (from Banditmania) to lower the back end.It handles well and is rock steady when ridden hard.These settings work for me and would work for lots other SV owners too I guess.Try softening it one setting at a time until you find one that suits you.


Cheers

[northwind]

The SV can't be "softened", that's preload adjustment not damping.

Hi northwind, Let`s try and keep it simple! I think most of us are in the picture.