| Author | Message | ||
     Rogue_biker |
I've been searching high and low for the ideal suspension setting for my '08 R. As many know, the '08's have higher spring rates than later models. So it is a bit tough to find a good compromise between ride and handling if you weigh under 200 lbs. It gets harder when you get down below 170 lbs.! However, I believe I have found mine. I've been using this setting for both street commuting and lots of canyon riding with tight twisties and sweepers at an aggressive pace. I'm very happy with it as the bike now gives me the best compromise. The steering is light, there is good front end compliance and good rear damping even during extreme lean angles nearing the touchdown of footpeg feelers. Yet, the highway damping is acceptable (no jarring ride). Here are the specifics and I hope some of you find this helpful. 2008 1125R Stock Suspension Pirelli Diablo Tires (plain Diabos). Fork Oil is 5w weight and measured to be 94 mm level. Rider weight: 160 lbs. to 185 lbs. Roads: Ideal for aggressive twisty road riding (not track). Moderate highway riding. Moderately bumpy road surfaces to smooth. Front: Preload - 1 turn from full soft Comp damping - 3.25 (full soft) Rebound damping - 2.00 from full soft Rear: Preload - 2 (from full soft) Comp damping - 22 clicks from full soft Rebound Damping - 3.00 from full soft | ||
| Thefleshrocket |
The later springs are barely any firmer than the earlier ones. 0.95kg/mm compared to 1.0kg/mm as far as I know. The softer spring has a longer spacer so it has more preload to compensate for the lighter spring. So there is effectively little difference between the earlier and later fork stiffness from a rider standoint. This is all based on my own observations and experience, so anyone who knows otherwise, feel free to correct me. | ||
| Thefleshrocket |
The short version is that I noticed no difference between going from the 1.0kg/mm spring that was stock in my '08 to switching to the .95kg/mm that was in the later models. With either springs (and their respective spacers), I have the preload backed off all the way. With the stock fork oil (presumably 5wt), I ran 0.25 turns out from full stiff for rebound damping. I changed the fork oil to 10wt and am running less rebound damping. I'm not sure how much less--I adjusted for feel. But the 10wt oil feels MUCH better than the 5wt. |
