Suspension advice for the not so typical weight

Hi guys and gals

As I've now decided to keep my SV as a longtermer (basically til I have run it into the ground through use, or literally) I have been thinking about making my time with her a little more enjoyable.

After reading so many threads about suspension changes and how they are the most wonderful thing since sliced bread, I want a piece of the action.

I know if I were to ask the questions "Should I change my suspension" and "Would it make much difference" the unified answer would be a massive "Yes!".

But, I'm not your typical weight rider. At 8-8.5st I am probably the weight and build of your typical jap rider, which is what everyone says the SV suspendies are built for.

Racetech calc puts my spring rate at around 0.732kg/mm. Stock is apparently 0.706kg/mm.

So is there any point is getting aftermarket springs, if they are likely to be very very similar in compression rate?

This brings me to my next point.

Given the above, would it then be more a case of stick to stock or go all out with GSXR forks so I get the benefit of compression and damping settings?

Same applies to the rear of course, but we'll see where this leads.

Cheers

Hong

I measured stock springs on curvy at .76. Pointy was .70.
Try thicker oil in front and see how it does.
For rear not many shocks from other bikes will work, maybe some kawi. Get aftermarket shock if you want good one.

[yorkie_chris]

+1 to aftermarket shock, but actually I think SRAD one would be pretty good. The length helps the handling a lot but the spring rate is less than stock. But maybe you'd have problems with the height.

Hmm - I cant really afford to gain any more height on the bike! I think I need a softer spring rate on the back, I have 0 (and I mean 0) rider sag. When I sit on the bike the rear does not move a mm.

Is the general consensus that just doing springs would be pointless becuase I'm matched quite closely to stock?

Would a GSXR front end conversion for the damping/compression settings be worthwhile then?

[jambo]

Suspension is a personal preference. Most superbike riders are of similar weight but can go for some quite different setups. So I'm not going to say there's no point in changing the springs but it's going to be less of an issue for you than most.

If you don't know the date the fork oil was changed I'd start there. My bike has a standard low milage SV shock in it, some slightly stiffer springs and some slightly heavier oil and I think it works perfectly well. You're welcome to take it out if you end up at soho when I'm there

For my first effort I'd probably make sure the rear preload was on about 5/7 notches and put fresh fork oil in the front. I quite like a sort of 12w oil I get by mixing a bottle of 10w and a bottle of 15w, as the 15 can feel a little crashy. others prefer it.

Jambo

Thanks Jambo

I still havent changed my fork oil yet (no idea if its ever been done) so I'll crack on with that. Should I be mixing oils at my weight or does it not make any difference?

I think I'm right in saying I want a softer shock # than the stock if I find mine too stiff? And would choosing a shorter shock be a detriment to handling?

[yorkie_chris]

I very much doubt stock is too stiff for you, and yes shorter is detriment to handling.

If it doesnt squat at all when i sit on it, does this not mean its too stiff (or buggered)?

Originally Posted by hongman

If it doesnt squat at all when i sit on it, does this not mean its too stiff (or buggered)?

I trust you're still talking about yer shock ?

[yorkie_chris]

Or too much preload