| Author | Message | ||
     Macdiver |
Boy does proper setup of the suspension based on the rider change this bike completely. I know this has been written about a lot in the magazines and elsewhere and is not new information to anyone. I'm a small guy who weighs between 115 and 120 lbs depending on how many donuts I've had. The previous owner was more normal size probably around 180 and had the bike set up for him. Whenever I would corner it seemed as if the rear wanted to slide out and on a couple of occasions it did wiggle on me in a corner. Now, I was not pushing the limits nor braking in these curves so this surprised me for a bike made for the corners. Sunday was really warm so I went for a ride. On one corner I slowed to the warning speed of 25 mph but the tire still wiggled on me. I went home and adjusted the suspension to the recommendation in the owners manual. Back out riding and it was a different bike. Same corner same speed and I felt nothing but confidence and a bike that wanted to turn. Amazing. Just wanted to share. | ||
| Corporatemonkey |
Now that you got it just right, get ready to adjust it with the changing weather. I have found if you are lightweight (170 here w/ full gear) the viscosity of the fork oil changes just enough in cold weather to need adjustment. If I remember correctly the owners manual suggested settings were for temperatures above 65 degrees. Also don't be afraid to play with your tire pressure. Over time you will find out what works for you. | ||
| Ducbsa |
Good for you. All my other bikes have been too old for having adjustability, except for serious reworking. I have double your weight (all muscle, I insist) so I was more paranoid about it and did the recommended settings right away, So, I can't really compare to whatever it was when I bought it. | ||
| Xb1200rick |
I bought my Firebolt when all my friends were riding Hyabusas, so I was taking a beating on any road that looked straight. For a while I could not keep up in the curves either until I found that magical sweet spot in the setup,running through the twisties was like night and day | ||
| Slaughter |
Bravo! Wish there were more people who were converted to the "True Faith" Suspension, handling are a MUCH BIGGER DEAL than working on the motor!! With a good notebook, a slotted screwdriver (damping adjustments) and wrenches for front preload and rear shock preload - you can have a LOT of good to be gained by setting up your suspension properly. NOTHING is sweeter than a predictable bike in braking, turning-in, throttle-on, hanging off/throttle... it is just a FUN machine when properly setup. Having "more motor" doesn't do you NEARLY as much - unless you're sitting at Starbucks and talking smack. | ||
| Macdiver |
Thanks for the input guys. I went for another ride yesterday am when the temp was around 40 (before the tropical force winds hit). The bike still seemed very stable. I think I'll wait till I have more experience on this bike before I start fine tuning the suspension. I've only been able to ride once or twice a week based on the weather so I haven't gained the seat time required to really get to know the bike. Come on spring. | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
+1 Slaughter. One really never stops learning about suspension, because as one improves the basic settings and starts to go a bit faster in the twisties, or on the track, one becomes more aware of what is going on, one changes the set up a bit, goes faster, - it never ends. Notice how even the MotoGP guys like Rossi and company are doing the very same thing?  |
