Front & rear suspension settings

*reaches for popcorn*

[timwilky]

Would things not be a damm site easier, if instead of giving advice. simply state, If you do not know what you are doing consult somebody who does.

I was taught how to set my sag by Elmer Fud. The guy teaches suspension for a living. I would rather be shown how to do it by someone knowledgeable than try to work it out by following all the advice given in this thread.

I ain't going to add to this debate by giving the method and dimensions Elmer and now I use as it is adding to the confusion. Perhaps it is time to draw a line under this one.

[21QUEST]

Originally Posted by timwilky

Would things not be a damm site easier, if instead of giving advice. simply state, If you do not know what you are doing consult somebody who does.

Tim , I agree with you to a very large extent.
That is why in a lot of cases why I do not readily give advice or make sure the advice is qualified.
Sometimes , what works for me may be the complete opposite of what most might advice.

Having said that sometimes people come up with stuff which IMO is not based on real understanding as in this case.

Cheers
Ben

Originally Posted by timwilky

Would things not be a damm site easier, if instead of giving advice. simply state, If you do not know what you are doing consult somebody who does.
....

Isn’t that what is being done on a forum???

However, if you mean go visit a professional I disagree!!! Setting up suspension (like many things in life) is not something that requires a professional. What it does require is a lot of research and understanding of what is going on and what all the different bits do, there is a deluge of information out there on the net regarding this. Choosing a source like a suspension site; Ohlins etc, would seem a logical choice to get some ‘expert’ definitions. If you are not prepared to do the legwork, then the easy option is to get someone else to do it. Forums are also a great method of getting information, but the information should be caveat with the fact that it may be misinformed or ill written. The beauty of a forum is that you can have input from many people, so chances are there is a ‘failsafe’ if an error has been made or confusion given by a particular post/reply.

21QUEST has explained the traditional method/definition of ‘rider sag’.

“What you are looking for the difference between the measurements of the suspension unloaded(topped out) and the suspension loaded(rider)”

‘Static sag‘ is the same but just under the bikes own weight rather than with the rider plonked on top. You need two beefcakes to hand or a front stand that goes under/in the bottom yoke to measure this. These as far as I am aware are the most commonly used measurements.

Measuring the difference between rider and static sag is what PeterM ‘s measurement is, if I am understanding him correctly. This is something else, but I can see, it is a way of determining if the springs are ‘strong’ enough for you. There is some logic behind this as lets face it a weaker spring will compress more with the same weight added (the rider). But as Robw#70 said in another thread, in isolation it isn’t giving you much and might be misleading if you have the incorrect springs fitted and start messing with preload.

Anyway, back to the original post, setting the ‘sag’ isn’t going to give you jack here, all the sag sets is the preload on the springs. All this effects is the point at which the springs start moving, it will not affect (directly) the overall travel or eliminate bottoming out. This will require new springs or as I mentioned another way to help prevent ‘bottoming out’ is to raise the oil level/reduce the air gap.

Originally Posted by 21QUEST

For Petes sake I give up. Frankly we have a better chance of Skippy being able understand the concept and point.

You are a complete buffoon with the processing power of an amoeba and more stories than on Jackanory.

At this juncture I will leave you to wallow in your ignorance whilst basking in the glory of your perceived knowledge and understanding.

Peeps will be well advised to ignore your moronic trash.

Cheers
Ben

Don't worry you can have the last word

Ben,

You have demonstrated a complete lack of manners and very little ability in comprehension of the English language and its subtleties. The post that I made was intended to be conciliatory in it's approach but you have chosen to become offensive and rude.

I know what my abilities to process information, learn, research etc. are and my IQ. None of your diatribe or summation come close. A moron is someone with and IQ of around the 15 mark, nowhere near it. Stories? Well what else do you call accounts based on personal experiences and knowledge?

Get a grip on reality, it appears you already have a firm grip on something else, for you seem quite adept at typing with one hand.

You have demonstrated a complete lack of manners and very little ability in comprehension of the English language and it's subtleties.

Couldn't help myself..."it's" in the above sentence is a possessive pronoun, so it shouldn't have an apostrophe in the middle...

Ooops . My apologies and duly corrected!

Originally Posted by PeterM

Please check out my first response. I mentioned that the stock springs were most likely too light for him.

Who cares? That's what he was asking for advice on.

Ben is right - it doesnt matter how knowledgable you are, if you completely miss the point in the first place then why bother?

Without having the right springs to start with you're really wasting your time. Like jetting you've got to have the right size mains first don't you?

You and I both know that fiddling with anything else isn't going to fix any problems, maybe disguise them a little but if you're going to do something right.... Might as well present the options for the guy to consider at least eh?

Originally Posted by PeterM

Without having the right springs to start with you're really wasting your time. Like jetting you've got to have the right size mains first don't you?

You and I both know that fiddling with anything else isn't going to fix any problems, maybe disguise them a little but if you're going to do something right.... Might as well present the options for the guy to consider at least eh?

Agreed, but that's assuming they have the time/money/inclination to bother. I'm guessing not - they just want a quick fix to make the bike work a little better.