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Buell Motorcycle Forum » XBoard » Buell XBoard Archives » Archive through May 22, 2004 » Suspension Setting for XB9SL « Previous Next »

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Dcmortalcoil
Posted on Sunday, May 16, 2004 - 11:49 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I know that suspension setting for XB has been discussed at length here. But I haven't heard specifically about the setting for the 9XBL, which has shorter shock springs. I weight under 150lbs, and the recommended setting for the rear shock appears to be way too harsh for bumps. Each time I hit a bump, as small as about 1", my rear end lifts off the bike at 40+ mph. The front seems to be fine, but the rear is really a problem. The manual does not make any setting distinction between XB and XBL. But I'm figuring it must make a difference because the shorter spring (and less travel) should make the suspension substantially stiffer, unless they have been compensated with less stiff springs. Any light riders out there have a recommendation on the setting, particuarly for the rear? I weight 130lbs and has the following setting: front - 6 1/2 preload, 1 3/4 compression, 1 3/4 rebound; rear - 2 preload, 2 3/4 compression, 1 3/4 rebound. By the way, the warmer weather seems to make it worse, contrary to what I read.
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Easyflier
Posted on Monday, May 17, 2004 - 12:06 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Are those rear settings straight from your owners manual? They seem stiff to me.
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Midknyte
Posted on Monday, May 17, 2004 - 09:43 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I'm 135 minus gear. I gave up and had my mech set it up - soft as possible.
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Dcmortalcoil
Posted on Monday, May 17, 2004 - 11:42 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Easy,

Yup straight from the service manual for my weight, except for the rear compression, which is 1/4 more to soften up.
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Easyflier
Posted on Monday, May 17, 2004 - 11:46 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Then there must be a difference between a standard and a low model, or maybe between a 9R and 9S. On my XB9R that preload would be considered stiff for a rider of your weight so it sounds like the shorter spring is of a different weight. I'd try to dial the preload to the 1st ramp and see if that softens it up enough for you.
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Xb9er
Posted on Tuesday, May 18, 2004 - 11:36 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

The only thing I can think of is what Easyflier suggested and that is to set the rear preload to the 1st ramp position.

If you are still using stock Dunlops, I would suggest replacing those, not that the tires themselves are the problem, but with Metzeler Sportec M1's I have found the ride to be smoother and more controlled. What are your cold tire pressures?

I ride a 9R.

Mike.
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Dcmortalcoil
Posted on Tuesday, May 18, 2004 - 11:55 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I use stock pressure: 38lbs rear, 36lbs front. I've tried the 1st ramp position, but then it seems unstable during cornering. Actually, the rear seems to become unstable after loosening the rear compression 1/4 turn. I've moved the compression back to 2 1/2 from 2 3/4.
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Wyckedflesh
Posted on Tuesday, May 18, 2004 - 11:59 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

The settings out of the manual are different between the R and the S.
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Dcmortalcoil
Posted on Tuesday, May 18, 2004 - 09:35 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Didn't realize setting are different for R and S. Thought R and S share the same fork, shock, & geometry.
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