Linkage, dog bones query.

Re the curvy nude's backside..... (02).

There's a massive discrepancy in dog bone sizes out there, offering between 15 and 50mm of extra rear ride height. The bike feels like it could do with a little bit of help in this department, and it feels to me as though the rear wants coming up a tad rather than altering forks/yoke scenario, I'd be reluctant to do both at this stage (and time of year).

Now with some geometry, a very minor increase in rear jack up can radically alter the handling, which is not what I'm after. So, does anyone know if 15mm makes any noticeable difference - I imagine 25mm deffo would. Put it another way, does 25mm seem like a lot on an SV? My last SV had +40mm, which was way too much with that set up (very non standard), but that was some time ago and I cant remember what I ended up with.

Another thing I can't remember is to what extent rear preload alters height on the bike. So any advice most gratefully received.

[littleoldman2]

I dropped my gsxr by 25mm not much difference in the handling at sensible road speeds. Maybe quicker riders would notice but not me.

[Bibio]

the more you increase the rear the less stable it feels at speed but it will feel easier to turn it.

preload should be set for rider while sitting on bike. as a ball park figure you are looking for 25-30 rear and 30-35 front for road riding.

biggest problem with stock suspension is its usually way to soft for most people which in turn makes people wind the springs right up. best solution is to change springs to suit your weight.

Originally Posted by Bibio

the more you increase the rear the less stable it feels at speed but it will feel easier to turn it.

preload should be set for rider while sitting on bike. as a ball park figure you are looking for 25-30 rear and 30-35 front for road riding.

biggest problem with stock suspension is its usually way to soft for most people which in turn makes people wind the springs right up. best solution is to change springs to suit your weight.

ta, kind of familiar after years of riding heavy twin shock dinosaurs off and occasionally on track , yup the suspension is soft but then again the main purpose is winter hackery so soft suspension ins't too much of an issue right now, just want to get it to turn a bit less lazily... 25mm sounds about right i reckon...

Updated.

Ended up raising the rear 25mm, in reality its a one inch rise. I'd previously had the saddle built up an inch for a tad more leg room. Very comfortable result and sharper steering without any front end high jinx at speed. Not for everyone, obviously, but suits me. Rear shock feels fine.

However, I would be weary of raising the back too much more, especially if the forks were up through the yoke much beyond standard, feels like that would be pushing it for road riding.

A lot of people go with the 120/70ZR17 front tire... This tire offers a lot more side grip... This rises the front about 12mm

Then going with a 1-1/2 linkage raise would be nice... This would change the swing arm angle, closer to the more desirable 12 to 12.5 degree angle. Which gives you more tire grip, and less tire slip... It makes a significant difference!

Also you shift some weight to the front wheel which helps keep the front end down during hard acceleration... If you are into that kind of thing.

Suspension is meant to keep the tires against the road, and to a lesser extent keep, the chassis settle and the rider comfortable... OK OK about 50/50...

Firm suspension is best if you are riding hard... If you do not mind riding slow and going wide in turns... Plush suspension is just fine...

Originally Posted by SVXR650

This rises the front about 12mm

which is the last thing I want.

Very happy with judiciously raised rear, K-Tecs and 7.5w fork oil.

Originally Posted by saintnick

which is the last thing I want.

Very happy with judiciously raised rear, K-Tecs and 7.5w fork oil.

None of the current super sport bikes use a 120/60 front tire...

The 120/70 offers better front end grip when leaned over...

A slightly taller bike gives you more cornering clearance... and slightly easier and faster side to side transitions...

I am only 5'8" but my bike's OEM seat is 33-1/2" tall, directly above the foot pegs...

The bike handles like a dream...

SVX sorry to pick up on this again so long after your pix. Nice bike. Didn't realise you had that front end conversion, so comments about rise have to be put in context

Profile largely determines 'side grip'. As a general guideline, as you know, more sporty road tyres have a steeper profile, where sports tourer tyres are closer to a U. The OE size of tyre is determined by front end geometry, the fact that no current sportsbike uses a 120/60 doesn't mean to say that the 120/60 isn't fairly well suited to the SV. The fact that you're using clip ons means that the rise wont affect straightline stability in the same way it would if you were using higher, wider bars.

Guess I'm just pointing out that very few things in biking offer unconditional benefits with no down side. The other thing for me is that I'm trying to have as much fun as possible for minimal outlay, so major front end conversionas are a non starter. BTW whereabouts are you?

Thanks!!!

Suzuki makes great bikes!!! In fact their bikes have excellent neutral handling characteristics... They are made for street use and they are great as they come if you are going about your commute from home to work...

For those that seek more performance we must tweak out chassis geometry... As a rule of thumb, we want a 10-15mm longer shock, This give us a preferable swing arm angle for better traction... (NOTE: Understand that even cruising about your day at a constant speed, the rear tire slips from tire circumference, to rolling circumference... Yeah that little flat spot where the tire contacts the tarmac... Under hard acceleration it's a greater amount of rear wheel slip...) Anyways, that longer shock is going to make about a 2.5:1 difference in rear end ride height, meaning the rear end would go about 25mm to 37.5mm.... It will put the bike little too much on it's nose... A taller front tire is welcome, because it will restore ride height on the front end, and give you back trail and stability...

GSXR forks with the exception of 2006-09 GSXR600 and 2006-09 GSXR750 are generally 3/4 inch shorter than SV650 forks... My forks are internally extended and also have softer top out springs...

Regardless, even if you have stock forks with stock springs, you are better off with the 120/70R17, than the 120/60R17 OEM front tire size... Specially if you enjoy leaning the bike until you foot pegs hit the tarmac...

Clip ons or handlebars do not affect geometry and motorcycle handling behavior... Straight line stability is not a concern... You measure stability by how well the motorcycle holds the line when it is lean on it's side through a corner...

As you can see on my bike... For me it is about the fun... The fun of riding as fast as my mind allows me... And, the fun of building a hell of a little Light V-Twin Superbike... Let me tell you, Titanium bits are pricey!!!

Luis