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Joined: Mon Apr 13, 2009 1:11 am Posts: 161 Location: Augusta GA (USA)
My gear and I weigh about 180 pounds and when I sit on my bike, it sinks down a little. It also seems to wallow around a little in the turns. So I finally got out the manual and made some adjustments today. One setting stiffer front and back, and I can really tell a difference just sitting on it. I'll let you know how it feels when I ride to work tomorrow.
_________________ Farkles: 16T Front Sprocket; 12v Marine Grade Accessory Outlet; Freeway Blaster Horn; Grip Puppies; Cramp Buster; Kisan Tailblazer Flashing Brake Light; Sylvania Silverstar Ultra Head Lights; Outlaw Bar Risers; Road Pilot 2 Tires; Alaska Leather Sheepskin Butt Pad; RAM Mount for Garmin Legend HCx GPSr; Givi V35 Side Cases, Givi V46 Top Case, Flush Mount Front Turn Signals, LED Signal Mirrors
Post subject: Re: I finally adjusted my suspension...
Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 2:18 pm
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Joined: Mon Apr 13, 2009 1:11 am Posts: 161 Location: Augusta GA (USA)
Well, after making those suspension adjustments yesterday, I got to try it out this morning on the way to work, and I do like the results! The bike feels firmer and does not squat under hard acceleration, and doesn't dive during braking. It feels more stable in the turns and in general. And you know when you are just kind of coasting along with very little throttle, and the FI cuts on and off, and the bike kind of pitches you fore and aft... well that annoying problem is much better too. I think it is because the suspension doesn't give as much when the weight shifts, if you known what I mean. So overall, I love the difference, and I won't be changing it back to the factory settings. Oh, and the bike should tolerate a passenger much better now, if I can ever talk my wife into going for a ride with me!
_________________ Farkles: 16T Front Sprocket; 12v Marine Grade Accessory Outlet; Freeway Blaster Horn; Grip Puppies; Cramp Buster; Kisan Tailblazer Flashing Brake Light; Sylvania Silverstar Ultra Head Lights; Outlaw Bar Risers; Road Pilot 2 Tires; Alaska Leather Sheepskin Butt Pad; RAM Mount for Garmin Legend HCx GPSr; Givi V35 Side Cases, Givi V46 Top Case, Flush Mount Front Turn Signals, LED Signal Mirrors
Post subject: Re: I finally adjusted my suspension...
Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 5:43 pm
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Joined: Mon Apr 13, 2009 1:11 am Posts: 161 Location: Augusta GA (USA)
On the front suspension, it WAS set to the 5Th ring, and I changed it to the fourth, so you can only actually see three rings. The rear preload is set to position #3 from the factory. I changed that to position #4. That was hard to do by the way. I had to put a bar on the tool for more leverage, but that made it easy. It has to be done from the left side of the bike so the muffler support hanger doesn't get in the way. I was not able to locate the rear rebound dampening adjustment...
_________________ Farkles: 16T Front Sprocket; 12v Marine Grade Accessory Outlet; Freeway Blaster Horn; Grip Puppies; Cramp Buster; Kisan Tailblazer Flashing Brake Light; Sylvania Silverstar Ultra Head Lights; Outlaw Bar Risers; Road Pilot 2 Tires; Alaska Leather Sheepskin Butt Pad; RAM Mount for Garmin Legend HCx GPSr; Givi V35 Side Cases, Givi V46 Top Case, Flush Mount Front Turn Signals, LED Signal Mirrors
Post subject: Re: I finally adjusted my suspension...
Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 6:13 pm
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Joined: Thu Aug 21, 2008 2:50 am Posts: 745 Location: Carencro, La USA
Kris wrote:
On the front suspension, it WAS set to the 5Th ring, and I changed it to the fourth, so you can only actually see three rings. The rear preload is set to position #3 from the factory. I changed that to position #4. That was hard to do by the way. I had to put a bar on the tool for more leverage, but that made it easy. It has to be done from the left side of the bike so the muffler support hanger doesn't get in the way. I was not able to locate the rear rebound dampening adjustment...
the damping adjustment is on the bottom of the rear shock. It's a slotted screw. I have not played with it yet, but I have adjusted my preload front and rear.
Hi Guys, I prefer the suspension quiet tight. Over time with tuning every now and then I have finally settled with the forks on the second line (only one showing) and the back set on maximum pre-tension, the damping is also set a quarter turn over factory settings. The bike rides very firm and tight even through the twisty bits, it is a little hard over the rough spots but thats a small sacrifice to make for the way it handles the rest of the ride and it doesn't do too bad when I ride with the big boys either except on those long straights when their extra horses kick up the dust in my face. I just love this bike, but have to say I'm putting the pennies away just in case I'm tempted towards that 1250F when it arrives next year. Regards from Durban RSA.
Post subject: Re: I finally adjusted my suspension...
Posted: Wed Nov 18, 2009 9:00 pm
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Joined: Sat Oct 18, 2008 7:12 pm Posts: 625 Location: Alphen a/d Rijn Netherlands
+1
I also ajusted my front suspension, and it's so easy to do.
It's amazing how much the driving has changed (in a positive way) As described earlyer , I turned the pins IN , until only 3 rings are visible. No more deep diving when breaking. A steady lightbeam, when driving at night over a rough road. Better handling in corners, specially on wet asphalt.
I've got 20500km (about 13000miles) on the ODO
It's like driving the GSX650F for the first time again....Love at first sight
Post subject: Re: I finally adjusted my suspension...
Posted: Fri Nov 20, 2009 9:10 pm
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Joined: Wed Mar 04, 2009 3:16 am Posts: 76 Location: Ocala, FL
I would add that the tires are a part of the suspension as well. They have a spring loading depending on compound, pressure and sidewall depth(s).
I adjusted my stock GSX650F to position 6 on the rear, full-preload and 2 rings on the front. I run typically 36-37 PSI on the front and 38-40 on the rear. I weight about 195-200 lbs. during non-holiday seasons. LOL!
_________________ "You can do anything, and no one can stop you"
Post subject: Re: I finally adjusted my suspension...
Posted: Wed Nov 25, 2009 6:06 pm
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Joined: Wed Jun 03, 2009 12:11 pm Posts: 141 Location: Foothills of N.C.
OK, I am interested in making some adjustments too. What is the process for the front? Break the nut and then turn the pin with a crescent wrench or how exactly is it done? Thanks!
Post subject: Re: I finally adjusted my suspension...
Posted: Wed Nov 25, 2009 6:18 pm
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Joined: Mon Apr 13, 2009 1:11 am Posts: 161 Location: Augusta GA (USA)
blackmax wrote:
OK, I am interested in making some adjustments too. What is the process for the front? Break the nut and then turn the pin with a crescent wrench or how exactly is it done? Thanks!
Don't worry about the nut. All you have to do is put a little wrench on the top of the pin and turn it. Too easy!
_________________ Farkles: 16T Front Sprocket; 12v Marine Grade Accessory Outlet; Freeway Blaster Horn; Grip Puppies; Cramp Buster; Kisan Tailblazer Flashing Brake Light; Sylvania Silverstar Ultra Head Lights; Outlaw Bar Risers; Road Pilot 2 Tires; Alaska Leather Sheepskin Butt Pad; RAM Mount for Garmin Legend HCx GPSr; Givi V35 Side Cases, Givi V46 Top Case, Flush Mount Front Turn Signals, LED Signal Mirrors
Post subject: Re: I finally adjusted my suspension...
Posted: Wed Nov 25, 2009 6:48 pm
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Joined: Wed Jun 03, 2009 12:11 pm Posts: 141 Location: Foothills of N.C.
Kris wrote:
blackmax wrote:
OK, I am interested in making some adjustments too. What is the process for the front? Break the nut and then turn the pin with a crescent wrench or how exactly is it done? Thanks!
Don't worry about the nut. All you have to do is put a little wrench on the top of the pin and turn it. Too easy!
Thanks for the quick reply. Do you use a box end wrench? If so, what size? Thanks again.
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