Suspension tech?

Lane · 03-19-2010, 01:10 AM

Has anyone taken their bike to get a suspension setup? I have basic knowledge, but I'd rather take my bike to someone to get it done properly, and I don't really have the stands to make it easier anyway. Or experiences buddies that can help out, for that matter.

I'd rather not take it to the dealer, as the service department is generally ridiculously expensive. Have any other leads for a local tech? I'm up in Seattle, but I don't mind traveling for a little ways, if necessary.

Joyridn · 03-19-2010, 03:42 AM

we had 2 s1000rr's on a chassis dyno. The stock set up as far as geometry is involved, is very close to perfect. Set up wise, you want set your free sag front/rear to your weight with full gear on. I would look up Barry Wressel from KFG racing/GP suspension North, he'll get you dialed in on sag, comp, rebound etc.
KFG Racing

Lee1200r · 03-20-2010, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joyridn

we had 2 s1000rr's on a chassis dyno. The stock set up as far as geometry is involved, is very close to perfect. Set up wise, you want set your free sag front/rear to your weight with full gear on. I would look up Barry Ressel from KFG racing/GP suspension North, he'll get you dialed in on sag, comp, rebound etc.
KFG Racing

Barry is one of the best, give him a call.

**chopt** · 03-21-2010, 12:34 AM

Traxxion Dynamics / Max Macallister is among the best in the States. Do a search, his vid and reading material will get you spot-on.

Lane · 03-22-2010, 01:45 PM

Thanks for the info, I'll give Barry a shout. I'm learning more about it myself, and have some pretty good reading materials, but I'd love to have a pro do a baseline for me.

Swanny · 03-22-2010, 05:21 PM

There's supposed to be a suspension seminar coming up at RideWest. Don't know who's giving it but I think I will attend. Suspension set up is one of the least understood areas for me..... so I'll be there for general de-mystification.
Plus one on the factory set up...I have felt nothing to indicate a required change thus far...except tire pressure. @ 185 lbs.....it seems perfect for me.

bananaman · 03-22-2010, 06:05 PM

There's a page in mcn(march 10th) on set up for s1k during superbike shootout. Each manufacturer set their own bikes up for the track, admit each riders individual but might be a start line...........

Lane · 03-22-2010, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swanny

There's supposed to be a suspension seminar coming up at RideWest. Don't know who's giving it but I think I will attend. Suspension set up is one of the least understood areas for me..... so I'll be there for general de-mystification.

Yeah, I saw that. Unfortunately, I'm going to be out of town on that day!

On the plus side, it's because I'll be at the California Superbike School class.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swanny

Plus one on the factory set up...I have felt nothing to indicate a required change thus far...except tire pressure. @ 185 lbs.....it seems perfect for me.

That's not surprising, since my understanding is that the stock setup is for a 180 lb rider. Even with gear, it's not going to be that far off for you. On the other hand, I'm only about 150 lbs.

I've found a pretty good book on sport suspension that I've gone through. Sportbike Suspension Tuning. It's not super-detailed, but it does cover a lot of the points for weekend warriors like me. You pretty much need at least one knowledgeable partner to help regardless, though.

Rainman · 03-26-2010, 02:00 PM

I just checked the Team Ride West e-mails from Dave Preston. It is Barry Wressell from KFG Racing who will be there Saturday at 10:00am.

You better call Parts and make a reservation if you want to attend the "seminar". I don't know if he will actually tune your bike or not, but I want to hear what he has to say. I will be there for sure.

Quote:

Lane - Yeah, I saw that. Unfortunately, I'm going to be out of town on that day! On the plus side, it's because I'll be at the California Superbike School class.

Damn, I'm so jealous Lane. Hope you have a good time. Taking your bike or renting one of theirs? Be sure to let us know how good a time you had.

putyoursoxon · 03-26-2010, 02:22 PM

I set up mine myself with a helper to do the measurements, it actually quite interesting how you can use a second order differential equation to see how much the spring will oscillate (if any at all)

y''+y'+y=0

y represents the spring force and constant y' represents viscous damping and y'' represents the movement of the spring

finally math is cool