| Author | Message | ||
     Jraice |
Anybody on here ever had their bikes tuned by a suspension guru? There are 2 local guys that are supposed to be gods and work out of shops or the track. I am planning to swing by but I was just wondering if anybody else has used this type of service, considering the buell is a bit different compared to the stiffer shorter travel I4's. Also, its cheap enough that I could do it again if needed but is it recommended to do with the tire you will end up sticking with? I have around (havent checked the odo in a few days  ) 2500 miles on my bike, this weekend Ill be putting close to 1800 more on during my California Road Trip! Wont be long before i am due for tires, and I am planning to do Michellin PR2's. Should I wait until I get the tires to have it tuned? | ||
| Vtpeg |
I had Peter Kates at GMD Computrack Boston rebuild my forks and service my shock. I had the Basic front end rebuild, new spring and revalve. He was very knowledgeable and set the bike up for my riding, street, but can do track day setups or stunting setups. He also can do more intensive $$$ setups, but I'd never ride to that level. I havn't been able to put many aggressive miles on as of yet, but the forks do swallow big bumps better. He highly recommended a Penske rear end to match, and had a good price, but funds are still alittle shy. | ||
| Jraice |
Let me rephrase.... I am just talking about an adjustement . | ||
| Srwitt |
Do you have the factory manual? Do the adjustments yourself, learn about the bike, and save some coin. The bikes manual has a little table in it for the suspension adjustments. | ||
| Andymnelson |
The real advantage to making the adjustments yourself is that you get to know and understand your suspension. I'm sure they are worth the money, but here's my suggestion: - Start with the manual recommended settings for your weight and riding style. - Read everything you can online about preload, rebound and compression and begin to understand the theories behind each and what the changes do to how your bike handles. - Once you understand the theories, you will begin to be able to see where your bike needs to be adjusted. - Adjust ONLY 1 setting at a time, small increments. - Document all changes and take notes on their effects. You will then start to know and be able to adjust it yourself, even better yet for trips like this weekend- you can adjust it for touring for a weekend, then back to aggressive settings when headed for the twisties. YMMV, but I say that there is nothing like learning how to do something yourself and understanding your machine better in the process. | ||
| 1_mike |
What Andy says is good info. I don't understand why someone else must do such a simple thing. Not just this, but many things like this, something that takes simple hand tools, and can go a long way toward giving said person a lot of knowledge for tomorrow....rather than having to find or wait "for the guy" to do it. Mike | ||
| Saratoga |
Most suspension guys aren't going to be willing to just turn the screws on a stock bike for you unless they set it up to begin with because they can't guarantee the results. The local Pro-Action guy won't touch the screws on a stock MX bike unless he has already re-valved or re-sprung the forks or shock for your weight and riding style. The owner's manual does a good job explaining how to get the compression and rebound set for your weight and riding style. | ||
| Vtpeg |
When I bought my bike used, it was "set up" from the dealer for a rider my size. Problem was right off the bat it was "set up" for some one 40# lighter. Adjusting per manual made a world of difference. When it comes time for a full service, pros are the way to go. Your bike is made for a weight range of 100+ pounds, in all sorts of riding environments. Think about a 140# person riding on the street vs a 250#er on the track. True, the stock setup can handle it, but it can be fine tuned alot. As far as preload, comp, damp, follow the manual. If your looking for something more, consult a pro. | ||
| Socalbueller |
Lee Parks quickly checked out my bike at a Buell Inside Pass and made some adjustments that made a huge difference. This is after I set it from the manual. I also attended his riding class and bought his book. I would suggest getting a book or two that covers suspension set-up and also try to find a seminar to see how you measure and make adjustments. I was a little confused from just reading about rebound, compression and preload but once I saw how it was done it clicked. The manual might get you in the ballpark but you would get a lot closer if you knew what to look for. | ||
| Jraice |
Thanks. I have it set to the manual and also went up one in rear preload and liked it. Thing is, I have no complaints, but I dont know what I should be looking for, which makes me think having it tuned by a pro (some guys I ride with had him do their Japanese toys and they said it was night and day) might be worth a try. | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
Suspension is one of those things you just never stop learning about. Even the top MotoGP teams are always struggling to find "perfection". Knowing what "better" is can be a very real problem. I thought my suspension was set up pretty well, but when I rode my friends Ducati 999s I could see that I could make some improvements, and I did. I would definitely expect to have to reset your suspension after fitting the Michelin PR2's because of their deeper tread, the tire diameters and profiles are a bit different, and it matters. Having a pro re-spring and re-valve your bike for your weight and riding style is always a good idea. Upgrading the rear shock to Penske or Ohlins always helps, and they offer ride height adjustment independent of preload. Having a pro adjust the suspension settings is harder, because it is YOU who is riding the bike, and riding styles and preferences vary a lot. For example, I was at a track day in Loudon, and Peter Kates said my suspension was too hard, and then at a Buell track day, the factory suspension guy said it was too soft, or maybe it was the other way around. In any event, the suspension was set up the same both days. Adjusting the suspension yourself is very easy, requires no special tools except for the rear, (and that comes with the bike). Getting to learn how the suspension adjustments work takes some time, but nothing is more worthwhile or rewarding. Bottom line: if suspension set up sounds like a "black art" you are definitely on your way to understanding it. A bit daunting at first, it very quickly becomes fun.  |
