Suspension set up - help needed

I know there's probably loads of old posts out there about this but I wanted to put my own points forward and would appreciate any advice/help.:thumbup

I've had the bike nearly 3 weeks now and have got used to the handling but it's not to my taste so I want to change it. It's not an R model but does have an Ohlins rear shock which was fitted new by the previous owner last Nov. Previous owner had bike set up to suit him at REPS and he was about 2 inches taller than me and approx 2 stone heavier (sorry Nige if you read this!:thumbup:biggrin).

The rear feels ok, it's the front I have issues with. I want it to turn in quicker and easier (my old ZX6R did this). It feels worse at slower speeds. It's got practically new BT016's on and I've got them at 32psi front and 34 rear - what's best though?

Also, it has an Ohlins steering damper fitted. I've never used a damper before and I'm not sure how too adjust it or what any adjustments would do. Can this effect things?

Thanks in advance!:thumbup

Mate your tyre pressures seam a bit low to me. I'd be running 30 psi on the track. On the road I run 40 rear and 38 front. That shouldn't affect your steering rate though once warm.

To quicken the steering up you need to raise the rear/ lower the nose. Most people do this by raising the forks a little in the yokes thus loading the front end. Me and my bro used to have 04 & 05 R1's. He lowered his front end a couple of mm. When I rode his after getting off mine the 2 bikes felt totally diff. His actually turned in to quick. Or you could get some dunlops as they turn in really quickly.

If you look at the top yoke measure how much of the leg is protruding then loosen the yoke nuts and tap with a soft faced mallet until the forks are protruding a bit more. Do a mm at a time and ride as a little makes a big difference. Most forks (ohlins for sure) have rings grooved into the top of the fork legs so it's easy to see how far they are protruding and to make sure both legs are the same.

Your steering damper has an adjuster that turns and 'clicks' into position. Adjusting these does make a difference to steering at slow speed but you shouldn't notice that at speed down the lanes as you will be countersteering as oppossed to turning the steering.

Right before I start am not putting meself forward as any kind of techy / expert.... there's lots on here who'll help you more than I can but there's a couple of things that I can pretty much guarantee will improve the whole riding experiennce for you cos your issues are the same as mine were...

Suspension settings I would put all settings back to manufacturer settings - generally most people find the standard settings to be on the sporty side of 'road use' norms.
Tyres try 34psi Front / 37psi Rear cold and ride from your house to Beverley and back at a, ahem, spirited pace as soon as you get back back you should be looking for an increase of c. 3-4psi (esp. the front end cos that's where your issue is). If you're not getting that increase reduce cold pressure, if you're exceeding it increase front pressure.

Also you need more weight % on the front I run with 5 'rings' showing above top yoke - looks like it will be too much but it suits me and only occasionally gets 'flighty' accelerating over rough surfaces (not certain about your model if its the same but its an easy fix and easy to change back if doesnt suit).

On the odd occasion the front does get too flighty for you dont bother looking for your steering damper to make adjustments cos I don't think you have one - just relax don't grip the bars too tight and she'll sort herself out no worries.

Hope the above helps

beechy said:

....... dont bother looking for your steering damper to make adjustments cos I don't think you have one -

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What a tw@t I am - just re read your thread you have an Ohlins damper fitted - common mistake is they are set too hard - so avoid that but the other comments I made should help and I doubt the damper has any influence on your confidence in / liking of the front end

As the guys have already said, you need to back off the Ohlins steering dampers as it's probably set with too much resistance. Again your tyres pressure are too low for the road, cold pressure of 35 - 36 front, 39 - 40 rear is about right. Try this first as it should improve things. You might also want to check the susprension settings. Set the front to standard settings for preload, compression and rebound as the std Showa forks settings are pretty good for most people

As usual on here, thanks for the informative, speedy advice gents!:thumbup:biggrin Time to do some tinkering tonight - although I don't think I'll be testing any changes as it's pissing it down!:roll

beechy said:

What a tw@t I am - just re read your thread you have an Ohlins damper fitted - common mistake is they are set too hard - so avoid that but the other comments I made should help and I doubt the damper has any influence on your confidence in / liking of the front end

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Quality Beechy!:lol You obviously do what I do at times and just scan things rather than read them properly. Cheers for the advice anyway mate. Ride out some point soon?

JaRSV said:

As usual on here, thanks for the informative, speedy advice gents!:thumbup:biggrin Time to do some tinkering tonight - although I don't think I'll be testing any changes as it's pissing it down!:roll



Quality Beechy!:lol You obviously do what I do at times and just scan things rather than read them properly. Cheers for the advice anyway mate. Ride out some point soon?

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Excellent idea... best make it before you are entirely happy with hte set-up etc so you don't leave me lagging behind :thumbup

beechy said:

Excellent idea... best make it before you are entirely happy with hte set-up etc so you don't leave me lagging behind :thumbup

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No chance of that! I've a long way to go before getting anywhere near taming this beast!:biggrin I'm having to learn all over again how to ride smoothly as it's so different to my old ZX6R. It's great fun learning though!:thumbup

Tyre pressures first, then get the preload sorted. 25mm -30mm front and 5-10mm at the back seems to work for me. I'm 13.5 stone.

Gixerhowie said:

Tyre pressures first, then get the preload sorted. 25mm -30mm front and 5-10mm at the back seems to work for me. I'm 13.5 stone.

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Thanks mate - although I'm going to have to learn how to do these adjustments. I'm sure they'll be a 'how to' thread out there somewhere!

I'm 11 stone by the way so would I need slightly more or less?:confused

JaRSV said:

Thanks mate - although I'm going to have to learn how to do these adjustments. I'm sure they'll be a 'how to' thread out there somewhere!

I'm 11 stone by the way so would I need slightly more or less?:confused

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Have a look at the thread i have just started on Suspension:thumbup

Badger said:

Have a look at the thread i have just started on Suspension:thumbup

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Good man! Right, I'm off to do so!:thumbup