Rear suspension
- Thread starter Woody146
- Start date
Preload is just 1/3 of the equation. Normally you'd want to customize spring rate to your weight first, then adjust damping to that spring. After you've got that figured out, then you can set the sag via preload adjustment.
Although for heavier riders like myself, turning up preload takes up some of the slack in the spring providing a more "responsive" feel, it's just that you're using more of the spring right from the get-go.
Although for heavier riders like myself, turning up preload takes up some of the slack in the spring providing a more "responsive" feel, it's just that you're using more of the spring right from the get-go.
Marthy
Member
35mm or rider rear sag will put you in the ball park. You should have around 5-10mm of free sag. Less that that your spring rate is too soft, more your spring rate too stiff. Once that done, 50% of your setup is done. If you have some damping adjustment then tune that. The goal of getting it right is to have stiff enough to give you good support but soft enough so you have compliance over the bumps.
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Woody146
Banned
But the only thing I can adjust is the preload...correct?
This is a quick fix.,.im still getting suspension when I can swing it..
Woody146
Banned
Was reading on the aprilia page about sag and all that...with my suspension..I can only adjust the preload..correct?
Marthy
Member
I think so. I tough you have some rebound adjustment? Setting preload is adjusting sag. I found a very nice paper about the subject. Working today but I'll try to find it tonight or tomorrow and post it. Talk about everything you should know (and print for future reference), even proper way to set up tire pressure.
Marthy
Member
Hey Mate, I think we were talking about the same website. For some reason I tough it was from racetech. I think for the level of riding most will do for the street and some track day, this is a very solid article. Print it and keep this in file... I did. 
Motorcycle Suspension Guide
Motorcycle Suspension Guide
Woody146
Banned
Hey Mate, I think we were talking about the same website. For some reason I tough it was from racetech. I think for the level of riding most will do for the street and some track day, this is a very solid article. Print it and keep this in file... I did.
Motorcycle Suspension Guide
Yessir same one! Much easier to find on this forum when the links turn blue!
I have recently bought a rear shock from someone on the other forum. I paid $60 for it. It is from an FZ1 as I read that it will fit. Not installed it yet but I read that is much better than the one on from yamaha now.
I am a heavy person so i think this will be a more comfortable ride for me.
I am a heavy person so i think this will be a more comfortable ride for me.
Bajaedition
New member
Andy, just because it came from a FZ1 does not make it a better shock, You know the FZ8 is a FZ1 with a smaller engine?
If you are heavy, then you want a heavier spring. I would check with aftermarket shock tuners and tell them what you want. They can steer you in the direction you want to go instead of buying a shock that someone is selling because he just bought the latest and greatest AZ3r/Pouser/yellow upgrade for his bike.
Bajaedition
New member
woody, I have a 2013, it has a good shock, I think it needs a new spring, but the shock is good, I would respring it if I were going to use it on the track but I use it on the street with limit canyon carving trips
I actually just picked up a bike I am going use for track days around here, I just got me a 2003 sportster, I have been reworking the frame the last 2 weeks and now am looking to see what kind of swing arm on it to use,(want ot use an 180 rear tire) I got a set of Storz forks and PM brakes for the front. I am using a Buell engine and plan on running it around the track on practice days having a blast. It will in no way be the fastest bike out there, but it will be the kewlest.
I hope to be able seriously mess around with the other guys in the curves, could care less about who has the acceleration.
You see, with age comes a bit of a different outlook at things. Imagine if you can coming to a track day on your YZ6 and there is this 56 year old guy crawling all over your azs end on his sportster. I am going have a blast.
I actually just picked up a bike I am going use for track days around here, I just got me a 2003 sportster, I have been reworking the frame the last 2 weeks and now am looking to see what kind of swing arm on it to use,(want ot use an 180 rear tire) I got a set of Storz forks and PM brakes for the front. I am using a Buell engine and plan on running it around the track on practice days having a blast. It will in no way be the fastest bike out there, but it will be the kewlest.
I hope to be able seriously mess around with the other guys in the curves, could care less about who has the acceleration.
You see, with age comes a bit of a different outlook at things. Imagine if you can coming to a track day on your YZ6 and there is this 56 year old guy crawling all over your azs end on his sportster. I am going have a blast.
Woody146
Banned
Hahaha sounds awesome man!!!! I'd love to see some pics of the finished bike! Yea...I was just wondering....I'm going to do a full suspension swap of some kind but I was just curious....why put a used spring someone took off...on my pride and joy...? I'm not...i want full ohlins but that is just a waste of money...probably going to do a full racetech swap and setup ovr the summer..then get out on the track!
Not sure I follow why it makes any difference that the 8 is a 1 with a smaller engine.
The shock on the 8 only has spring preload adjustment, the one for the 1 comes with preload and rebound adjustments. Also, the spring has a higher rate on the 1 shock, so its stiffer out of the box.
Plenty of people have written about the FZ1 shock being a bargin upgrade compared to spending hundreds on an aftermarket one. I have even read people who put Ohlins ones on and they claim that the difference is not worth the cost. For $60, I recon thats a great price for a substantial upgrade. There seems to be enough DIY owners on this forum and the other one, that I dont feel the need to run to some 'specialist' to tell me what I need.
I do my own work and am happy to try this based on more experienced owners input
It's ALL About spring rates, if your not gonna start quoting spring rates per kilogram, stop arguing, at this point it's all hypothetical.
Go to racetech.com and start researching spring rates for a riders weight.
Sorry, didn't see that I was arguing. I was trying to get some clarification.
It's not hypothetical.
FZ8 stock rear spring is 8.1 kg/mm
FZ1 stock rear spring is 12 kg/mm
So, it appears, that this shock will suit me better as I am "chunky"
And for $60, and bolts in, in 10 mins, seems to be a better option than spending big dollars.
The fronts, now thats a different story, it does seem like inserts or a swap with R1 is the way to go..I'll put that on my christmas list.
Bajaedition
New member
Andy, do you know why you adjust damping?
And I mean what to feel for and when to feel for it?
And I mean what to feel for and when to feel for it?