How to set up your suspension

[GetnJgyWitit]

Found this page with tons of info.

http://home.earthlink.net/~alexcuster/motosuspension/suspset-up.htm

[JesseJames]

great link...thanks.

[Kurt'sSV]

There's an easier way to set up your suspension . . . . . . . . . . . . . .give it to Zoran. :)

[dillweed]

http://www.2wf.com/articles/how_to/673D0947-3FD0-417D-9671-8AD39F35A8E9.asp

http://www.factorypro.com/tech/Suspension_Setting.html

http://www.sportrider.com/tech/suspension/

[drewster]

thanks for the info lot of great stuff...got it bookmarked and as soon as the snow goes i will get a lookin at my bike and check things out .:grin:

[spindarubber]

Okay. I know i've asked this questio before, causing some to roll their eyes. But i forget the details of the answers, shut up im in college. :)

im about 225lbs (on a good day :)) I have a gixxer rear shock in hand, my plan has always been to get it revavled and repsringed. Before I do this, is it totally necessary to spend this 300 or so bucks, or can I just have Robert throw it on as is...

I don't do any track days (yet), lots of commuting and moderate canyon riding.

[racinteach]

at minimum a new spring...the damping may work out...

[Tom]

Originally posted by spindarubber
Okay. I know i've asked this questio before, causing some to roll their eyes. But i forget the details of the answers, shut up im in college. :)

im about 225lbs (on a good day :)) I have a gixxer rear shock in hand, my plan has always been to get it revavled and repsringed. Before I do this, is it totally necessary to spend this 300 or so bucks, or can I just have Robert throw it on as is...

I don't do any track days (yet), lots of commuting and moderate canyon riding.

I would save the $300 in the mean time and fork out the $ for a quality shock later on when I'm ready to take track days more seriously.

[twf]

what gsxr shock you have?

[spindarubber]

2001 GSXR1000 shock with ~6700 miles on it.

[twf]

in your case it is necesary to revalve and respring it.however it is still to short for your bike.dont waste money on it.

[badzen]

Hi,
I weigh about 95kgs, 210lbs(?)...anyone have a good suspension setup guide for me?
cheers :-)

[T140]

While we are on the subject...

My bike came with a ZX10R shock installed. No mods were done to the shock. What mods/revalving should be done to it if any? I weigh 190 (heading back down to 175)

Also, I currently have .90 springs and 20wt oil. This weekend, I am having emulators installed with .80 springs based on the RaceTech spring rate guide. Two questions:

1. What weight oil...(spirited street riding not racing)
2. Will the .80 be right with the shock? Just read this:

"Select front fork springs that allow the front end and the rear end to travel equally and evenly when you bounce on the footpegs "

[Kurt'sSV]

Hmmm, are you a fairly small guy? .80 seems a bit light, but I guess it will be okay.

For fork oil you'll still want 20wt.

[spindarubber]

Originally posted by Kurt'sSV
Hmmm, are you a fairly small guy? .80 seems a bit light, but I guess it will be okay.

For fork oil you'll still want 20wt.


Ive been hearing mixed things about 20wt. Perhaps too heavy?

As I understand it (which is not to say much) fork oil is used for damping right? As in the lessening of the dive....

@ 220lbs theres just a tad bit (sarcasm) of dive...but is 20wt too stiff for commuting with a spirited pace? I would like to keep my wrists and shoulders in working order :)







THX

[T140]

Hmmm, are you a fairly small guy? .80 seems a bit light, but I guess it will be okay.

For fork oil you'll still want 20wt.

Not that small 5'10 about 190...should be about 170-175 by summer.

Currently, the .90 w/ 20wt have almost no dive and are a bit choppy on bumps. I chose .80 based on the RaceTech spring rate calculator for my weight but I am now wondering if .80 will be out of sync with my shock.

[spindarubber]

Originally posted by twf
in your case it is necesary to revalve and respring it.however it is still to short for your bike.dont waste money on it.


This shock wont work?

Hmm I swore I read about other swap outs with this shock... What can you recommend then?

Besides a penske or other full on performance shock?

[Kurt'sSV]

Originally posted by spindarubber
Ive been hearing mixed things about 20wt. Perhaps too heavy?



Springs make a lot more difference than fork oil. I had 30wt. oil in my bike with stock springs when it was a street bike. I only weigh 170lbs. In race trim it has 20wt. oil with 90lbs springs.

[spindarubber]

come on TWF, can't tell me it aint gonna work and not why :) That's not helpful..j/k


but seriously...whats the deal?





Originally posted by spindarubber
This shock wont work?

Hmm I swore I read about other swap outs with this shock... What can you recommend then?

Besides a penske or other full on performance shock?

[Tom]

He did tell you - the shock is too short for your bike. It will fit and you can bolt it on still, but you just won't have the preferred ride height.

[spindarubber]

Guess im blind.


So what shock would work?

[Darth Lefty]

Originally posted by Tom
He did tell you - the shock is too short for your bike. It will fit and you can bolt it on still, but you just won't have the preferred ride height.
Unless you get or make some shorty links... too bad I already sold mine!

[twf]

that shock is at least 3/4 of inch short for 99-02 sv.you can get some hight with links but personaly I would not do it.
srad gsxr shock is only one that is longer than stock but still needs revalve and spring.636 shock is close to stock one and just little longer.
btw.I have 01-03 gsxr shock that is revalved by aftershocks for sale(belongs to customer,he got penske on)if anybody is interested.it is good for second generation sv.

[spindarubber]

Thanks fellas. If anyone has a 636 shock...i need one...or an srad gsxr shock... :)

And...

Anyone know of a good place to get a 636 shock revalved and resprung here in socal?

[mojo mofo]

Originally posted by spindarubber
Thanks fellas. If anyone has a 636 shock...i need one...or an srad gsxr shock... :)


I have an SRAD shock that needs to be reworked, if you are interested.

Otherwise, 636 shocks are a dime a dozen over at www.kawiforums.com

[seth25400]

Great info thanks

[Alexschmalex]

I was wondering if anyone could help me out with this Question:

I just bought an '05 GSXR600 shock (for $40), and was hoping I could use it to upgrade my stock '03 SV1000s suspension. I just started going to track days, and want to have a better, more adjustable suspension. What things do I need to consider:
-Is it the same length?
-Will it bolt directly in place of my stock shock?
-Are there spacers/brackets available to make it fit better?
-Should I change the spring?
-Revalving?
-Anything else I should know?

Or should i just re-sell it, cause it's more trouble than it's worth?

Thanks in advance for your your help!

[dodgy]

Links to links:
http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-shocks-suspension/

[Slippy]

I think that using a different sportbike shock is a fine idea. I purchased an '02 GSX-R600 rear shock for $36 (shipped) on ebay. It was in great condition and I'm going to respring (650 lb.) it and leave the valving as is for now. I'm also going to use some rasing links to get some of the rear ride heighth back. Keep in mind- ANYTHING done to the stock SV650 suspension is an improvement. (almost anything, anyways...) This route is tons cheaper than buying major aftermarket shocks, but the performance falls just shy of some the high end ones. If ya wanna really get fancy, you can revalve the thing. I'm going to leave it alone as the GSX-R shocks are already very adjustable. Also, lets try to be some what objective and constructive about our advice. I'm a college student as well and I know what it's like to get the most out of your bike on a budget. If anyone is interested in how to set-up their suspension and buy from an SV friendly company, try www.SVraceshop.com. I hope this helps! :)
Ryan

Oh yeah, forgot to mention that these guys sell aftermarket (penske) shocks and the like, but also sell refurbished gsxr and ninja 636 shocks and will also accept sent in ninja or gsxr shocks as credit or rebuild them for you if you don't mine the ten day turn around.

[racinteach]

ok...the 636 gives the first gen bikes a pretty ddecent ride and good height...depending on your weight adn riding style it may work perfect for you....I have second gen and I have an 03 gsxr 1000 shcok ..I weigh 155 and the shcok is pretty good for my style...could it be better, probably, but it feels good for my style...if you race do it right, buy the proper shock, small investment in the racing world compared to what you will spend ..everyone else you can probably get away with these common swaps...

[Slippy]

I agree. I also think that the commonly swapped shocks can be an enormous bang for the buck when revalved and such... They really are quite adjustable and I suppose that's why gixxer's and ninja's cost a tad more than our good 'ole SV's. We still take 'em in the turns though, and suspension mods are one way to make sure of it. ;)

Racintech, have you set-up your shock for your bike or did ya just bolt it in and leave it?

[racinteach]

it has been adjusted for my weight via pre load...and the valving is just right for my weight and style...so so far I am good to go...

[Slippy]

Cool. Did you install the shock yourself or was it on the bike when you bought it? and do you know what weight spring you've got on it? (The stock gsxr spring?)

[racinteach]

I do the installs for most of the sv'rs around here..who ask...stock yellow spring worked great for me...have plenty of adjustment left as well..

[Slippy]

Cool. I like to do most of the work on my bike myself but I wish I did live closer to south cally so I could swing by for help and advice now and then! :) I saw that you have an RS-3 can on your list of mods... Do you prefer it to the TRS? or have you had a chance to try it? I'm planning on buying one of the two in the next two months, and the fact that I can pick-up the RS-3 for cheaper is a big plus...

[Slippy]

Oh, yeah! I also intended to post that the aforementioned site (www.Svraceshop.com) also sells dog-bone suspension links that raise the rear ride heighth by 19mm. Earlier we discussed that the gsxr shock is about 3/4 (.75) inches shorter than the SV stocker, and it just so happens to work out that 19mm works out to be just about .7480314953 inches! This means that you could use a gixxer shock and maintain stock ride height for streetability. Good news for those going the budget route! However, these will cost you about $65, but that plus a $36 dollar shock and $100 spring still = a whole lot cheaper than penske! Just some food for thought. So a little less than $200 you just got an ideal rear budget shock! If someone could figure out the budget route for the forks, let us know plz! :D

[dillweed]

Keep in mind that when you shorten the dogbone, you end up with a stiffer ride, due to the different leverage ratios. Better bet is to get all new custom-designed linkage.

[twf]

it actualy changes whole curve.you have no clue what it does without actualy measuring and plotting.
shock lenght will not change curve,just point where it starts.
reason no suspension shop changes dog bones.on bikes that need better curve they change link itself.
dog bones are for drag racers,they dont need suspension.

[Slippy]

Well chances are if you are doing a supspension upgrade in which you would change dogbones you are looking for high-end performance. This being said, stiffer ride keeps the tire firmly on the pavement, right? You can also adjust for the stiffness of the ride by adjust spring poundage. I prefer the stock sv ride height, so I would go ahead with the shorter linkage then mess with different springs to adjust the firmness on the rear. Most ninja and gixxer shocks you buy will come w/ a spring (mine came with a 450 lb.) then you have the stock SV spring which I believe is in excess of 500 lbs., then you can order aftermarket springs from all over the place just tell them you situation. If you have the money, the easiest option is to get a ohlin's and spring that are already tuned and ready for your model, weight, and riding application... but for the grease monkeys, weekend warriors, and budget bikers, the alternate method is very adjustable and can cost literally a quarter of the cost. The methods you use are up to you! Some people have the money and decide it's too expensive, while some people starve themselves to buy the marginally better, super expensive parts!

[racinteach]

stiffer ride does not mean the wheel stays on ground...just means you get your fillings shaken out...:D

[twf]

there are many things there that you are wrong about.
first,if you looking for high end performance you will not screw around with gsxr shocks and dog bones.people that wont suspension to work right dont use those.
stiffer means more bouncing,more sliding and less traction.you want softest you can get away with.what is soft and what is stiff depends on your weight and riding.
spring rate is how you adjust it,not dog bones.shorter dog bone does not necesary mean stiffer.
Ohlin's is not tuned for you.it will come with same spring you have on stock shock,which is wrong for 99-02 sv and also may be wrong for your weight.

[Currently]

Zoran wrote an article a couple of years back that influenced my reaching down and purchasing an expensive Penske.

Some people like migrating step by step ... can't argue with that.
Over the long haul, they end up spending much more money.

On the other hand, some people just want to fix it and spend their time riding ... that is me.

I learned the value of a good suspension by buying a motocross a long time ago from a race shop that took a factory YZ250 out of the crate and upgraded the suspension, pistons, rods and such for about 1600 more the MSRP. The suspension is the only thing that I remember being grateful for spending the money on.

I rode on railroad tracks sitting down going 45-60 mph! On that ride, I had to wait over 20 minutes for my friends to catch up. They were all beat up and had to go to the side of the tracks and deal with the tires catching the rise of the rail bed. I took it for granted until several incidents like that happened. Good suspension is the safest and best mod you can put on a bike. Tires are second. Everything else is not really that important in the total scheme of things.

As for Zorans last comment about a suspension being as soft as it needs to do the job ... he is right.

You don't want that wheel bouncing on wavy pavement and square edged bumps like potholes. You want that wheel to not only go up with a soft touch but also go down with a soft touch.

Think of it as lightly rubbing your fingers on body work on a car fender or on a sanded piece of wood where you want to find the rough spots. Your fingertips feel it but the finger itself doesn't.

[racinteach]

I also love when people ask to have thier front ends so stiff they don't move when you hit the brakes...it's called weight transfer..you need it....at least some..but it should not fall completely away...:D

[stingray]

I also love when people ask to have thier front ends so stiff they don't move when you hit the brakes.

depends how fast you're going :D

[Slippy]

I weigh 180 then add my gear. The SV stock shock (on my bike; even having adjusted my preload) is not stiff enough to give anything close to "track bike" feel. You ever ridden yours on the freeway? You go over a slight bump while leaning, and you will realize why you would do anything to upgrade your shock too. Its WAY too mushy for me! almost to a frightening level. But With all my gear on I'm probably close to 190. Yes different dogbones give different linkage ratios because they are different sizes. That is why you must compensate using the with the spring and new adjustability of the gsxr shock that you are using. Yes the other purpose built aftermarket shocks are great; no denying that- but some people just don't have a wad of cash to throw at a high dollar shock with educations to pursue and families to care for.
By the way, I agree with what the member "currently" says above, it is important to set your suspension up correctly. Good suspension is a must! But its not always necessary to spend the most money to do so. A gsxr shock costs ya 30 buck on ebay. Just put your SV spring on it and give it a try! If ya don't like it (after adjusting it) you've only wasted forty bucks, your bike rides better and you know alot more than you did before, right?

*This post has been edited to give respect where it's due.*

[Tom]

Originally posted by Slippy
Yes using dogbones changes link ratios because they are, afterall, different sizes. That is why you must compensate using the new adjustability of the gsxr shock that you are using.

On an SV, what adjustment can you make on the shock to 'compensate' for a change in the length of the dogbones? And how does the adjustment compensate for whatever it's compensating for?

Yes the other purpose built aftermarket shocks are great; no denying that-

What exactly makes those shocks so great anyway?

[stingray]

You go over a slight bump while leaning,

yes cause that's strictly a freeway phenomenon? :confused: i can tell you 95% of all tracks aren't smooth despite what you see on TV. it's just that alot of time and money is spent to make the bike as smooth as possible.

but some people just don't have a wad of cash to throw at a high dollar shock with educations to pursue and families to care for.

i had to save up for a yr. to buy my shock. i go to school full time.

i had a gixxer shock that was revalved/sprung (not by SVRS) and i can tell you night and day difference.

(Totally Wrip you Financially.)

you spelled wrip wrong. :grin: :angel:

there's already a shop vs. shop thread on SVR....

[twf]

Originally posted by Slippy
You put a pic of and SV engine on your avatar and start throwing around scrutinizing comments and think that a community of intelligent people will listen to you; more yet buy anything from a company for which you advertise?

intelligent people listen to others that know more than them on subject and than draw their own conclusion.
you are the one arguing,I am just telling you that some things are good and others are waste of money.what you will do is up to you.

Originally posted by Slippy

By the way, I agree with what the member "currently" says above, it is important to set your suspension up correctly. Good suspension is a must! But its not always necessary to spend the most money to do so. A gsxr shock costs ya 30 buck on ebay. Just put your SV spring on it and give it a try! If ya don't like it (after adjusting it) you've wasted forty bucks and know alot more than you did before, right?
and that is exactly what I have said.
btw.sv spring does not fit gsxr shock.

[Slippy]

Tom, the new adjustability would be the compression and rebound adjustments...

Stingray, saving up for a year to buy a shock that costs a sixth the cost of your bike may work for you, but I'd have to save for months to afford a budget suspension upgrade. That's why I'm an advocate for trying this option first. you yourself tried it and I tend to think you saw the night and day difference between it and stock.

And Twf, I'm sorry to be abrasive, dude. I already understood coming into this thread that you have more bike knowledge than myself. My knowledge begins and ends with forums, my bike, and bike shop manuals. I totally agree with you about the high perf shocks! honestly! I have a friends who's cbr has all the bells and whistles (including awesome suspension), and I would track his bike any day over mine. However, all I can afford to be is a budget rider, and a street rider. Based on this I choose what mods I can afford to do, and that's taints my decisions. So I have to go the cheap route... It may not be the best at the track, but it will fix me up for the street; and that where I need it most. I removed my offensive statement form my last post, and I apologize! I hope you'll keep providing valuable info in the future.
Thanks,
Slippy

[stingray]

you yourself tried it and I tend to think you saw the night and day difference between it and stock.

poor writing on my part, i meant night and day difference btwn. the "high-dollar" aftermarket shock vs. the redone shock.

oh and i bought my SV for $1900...:p

[Slippy]

To respond to Tom once more... The advantage of paying the green to get the high-end shock is that it is customed tuned for your bike and some places even tune it for your weight! I is the ultimate shock suspension upgrade. It's like buying a suit fitted to you as opposed to dockers khaki pants... er... Something like that! The sv shock isn't very adjustable nor is it rebuildable.

Lol! I pay $3500 for mine used! Only have 4K miles though! It my first bike but it's been a few good years now and I don't think I'll ever get rid of her! I'm just going to upgrade the suspension for now! maybe in the future exhuast and engine mods... Stingray, how would you compare your revalved shock to your stock one?

Btw dockers dobn't make you any better on the track, nor do custom fitted suits...

[stingray]

Stingray, how would you compare your revalved shock to your stock one?

truth be told i never rode w/ the stock shock. soon as i bought it, i swapped it out for the SRAD shock (before the 636 was known to be another option). couldn't go wrong w/ $20. then had it redone a few mo. later. i can tell you the SRAD shock wasn't terrible but i'm hardly an aggressive canyon rider. i used the redone shock on the track a few times and it was good. but once i finally threw in the penske, it changed the animal almost completely.

or did you mean stock SRAD shock to a redone SRAD shock? it was an improvement for sure. less squatting and it tracked better.

way i'd go w/ what i know today, i'd get the 636 shock and leave it at that till i could afford a penske. costs $40-50 and spring rates close enough for most uses. but that's me.

[Slippy]

Yeah, one day I'll probably throw in the penske (on a bachelor's pay), but for now... its penny pinching time! I've got an '02 gixxer shock and spring as well as a some new dogbones... I'll let you know more when it's installed in a few weeks! I had a friend who did a gixxer shock and said it's heaps better than stock, plus I've talked to a few proffesionals... 5 of 6 say that its better than stock so I'm going to try it for now! Your info's been helpful too. Thanks!

Btw, you watch much "family guy?" That show's awesome!

[Toad]

So it seems to be agreed, that while there are other budget options out there, if you can, the penske is the best option.

How about up front? Whats the best deal there? Emulators? f3 internals? complete Gixxer replacement? something aftermarket?

Also, I've heard of seminars where you can go to get a better idea how to set up your suspension or even have someone go over your suspension with you? I think that given my druthers that would be the best thing I could think of, to set it up with an expert there to explain what to do and walk out with both tuned suspension, and the knowledge of how to tweak and fine tune it in the future.

Does this exist?

Thanks :)

-- James

[harbiho]

Originally posted by Toad
So it seems to be agreed, that while there are other budget options out there, if you can, the penske is the best option.

How about up front? Whats the best deal there? Emulators? f3 internals? complete Gixxer replacement? something aftermarket?

Also, I've heard of seminars where you can go to get a better idea how to set up your suspension or even have someone go over your suspension with you? I think that given my druthers that would be the best thing I could think of, to set it up with an expert there to explain what to do and walk out with both tuned suspension, and the knowledge of how to tweak and fine tune it in the future.

Does this exist?

Thanks :)

-- James

James,

Welcome back! Did you get yourself another SV? What happened to the RD350 project?

Back to your questions............

1. Rear Shock............if you can afford it, yes, the Penske is the best option. Seems like the best bang for the buck is the ZX-6R shock upgrade.

2. Front...........if you can afford it and deal with other mods that are needed....like speedo mod and the like, the GSXR swap is the best.

However, the best bang for the buck is the Racetech emulator and spring upgrade (don't forget the fork oil) mods.

As far as seminars are concerned, I've never heard of them. There are some trackdays where racetech shows up and they will tune your suspension for you for something like $40.

Hope that helps.

[Toad]

well, the RD was a CB (not nearly so cool, I know, but they look pretty) but I wasnt up to it, so I gave it to someone who was.

My SV is GE's old SV.

-- James

[vincere]

if you guys havn't already, might check out www.cycle1.net . Click on "SV Go Fast" bottom left.

[shoe]

I have done a search and there is so much different info. Can someone help. I want to put GSXR forks and 636 or GSXR shock on a 06 sv650. Can someone tell me what year and model to get. Is the GSXR forks the same rake and length as stock and will they work on a naked sv. Thanks.

[steveb]

I thought the Gixxer front end on a pre-03 SV650 was a piece of cake, kind of like the F3 rear wheel conversion, snap and pop.

But I've got Zoran's number on speed dial, no worries. :D

[harbiho]

Originally posted by vincere
shoe
I met a guy at thunderhill raceway (willows, calif.) that did a gsxr front end conversion on his pre-03 SV650. It's no cakewalk to do it. Different upper steering head bearing (tapered roller bearings, outer race had to be ground to smaller diameter to fit SV steering head), spindle modification, and upper and lower tripple clamps changed. He thought it was the way to go though. He also used to work for a bay area race shop and had a lotta connections to lean on for help. His discription of the "how too's" indicated heavy on the side of modifications and access to a machine shop. He bought the bike as a "wreck resurrection" with stock forks folded back from impact, and decided to do the gsxr thing then. His race shop built his engine. Had an M4 full pipe and a nice slim full race fairing. The thing ran like a "scalded ape" and looked like it handled well. He was stayin' with the liter bikes. His bike had had many experimental adjustments over an extended time (years) of serious flogging and looked the worse for wear. The perfect track machine!

the site I posted above, www.cycle1.net, has alot to say about suspension setup on the SV. I think it's vital reading. Their information has influenced my approach to refining the SV's suspension problems. And I gotta tell ya, a gsxr front end is not in my future. It makes the front end really bulky and looks like it adds weight? One of the most attractive attributes of the SV, to me, is it's "form and function", ie. lean and mean. A narrow-arrow.

traxxion dynamics, www.traxxion.com, I think, are the people to talk to about a rear shock. Penske to be more precise. Everything else will eventually turn into a can o' worms, according to the combined wisdom of "everything you can find out about it" from "all the available sources".

There's two more cents worth (or worthless?) of information to "help" you. The Great Lesson for me has always been: Nothin' Worth Doin' is Ever Easy!" Sorry

I believe that the cycle1.net document talks more about the 1st Gen SV. I also think they wrote that before using the ZX-6R shock for the SV became popular. Aside from that, they specifically talk about racing.........not necessarily a weekend warrior.

I would believe what Zoran would say over what cycle1.net has to say. Although cycle1 pretty good tips on their own.

Use the search button or click on the underlined topics and look at the "GSXR Fork" (http://www.socalsvriders.org/forums/showthread.php?threadid=2248) and the "GSXR Shock" (http://www.socalsvriders.org/forums/showthread.php?threadid=3097) threads. There are four years worth of discussion and opinions in there.

Shoe....... you have a 2nd gen. Based on the discussion here, you can take a 2003 or 2004 GSXR1000 shock (of course it depends on your weight).......that specific model has the length and spring rate that will work for your SV.

Send me a PM......I'm in TO as well.

[Kurt'sSV]

Originally posted by vincere
And I gotta tell ya, a gsxr front end is not in my future. It makes the front end really bulky and looks like it adds weight?

A GSXR front end is lighter than the stock SV front end. More aluminum.

[racinteach]

using the bearing from Zoran will help make the front end conversion on gen 1 bikes, a piece of cake. The second gen bikes are a peice of cake, except for figuring out the speedo issue.

[shoe]

Originally posted by shoe
I have done a search and there is so much different info. Can someone help. I want to put GSXR forks and 636 or GSXR shock on a 06 sv650. Can someone tell me what year and model to get. Is the GSXR forks the same rake and length as stock and will they work on a naked sv. Thanks. I am looking for facts. What fits and what GSXR years. Are the forks the same length and rake / trail as stock.

[harbiho]

Originally posted by shoe
I am looking for facts. What fits and what GSXR years. Are the forks the same length and rake / trail as stock.

If you really want to know details, send TWF a PM with specifics. He will steer you towards the right direction.

[summitsix]

Has anyone swapped out the stock internals with CBR F3 cartridge forks?

I did and the suspension is beating me up during the commute and riding around town. There is noticably less fork travel than before. However, on smooth surfaces such as the track, it handles better than the old race-tech setup.

Looking for anyone who has done this swap and how it is working for you.

[twf]

if done right you will not have any of those problems

[t____]

I changed out my springs for Racetech's for my weight, and upgraded my oil to 20wt. I didn't do a lot of hard riding on this setup before I put on a new set of tires. Now, I have a slight wobble in the front end during high speed cornering. Now, I don't remember my front end behaving this way before my new tires, but I really didn't take the corners as fast either, so I don't know if it is the tires or if it is my suspension. I tightened the front preload (because I also have heaving diving during braking) but this seems to have made to wobble worse. Reading here, it sounds like I should soften the preload to deal with the wobble and add oil to deal with the diving. Is this the course of action you guys would recommend, or should I look elsewhere for my wobble issue?

[TL Mike]

I dont know what weight of oil was in the bike before but yes it sounds like you have the front end to tight and possibly that they oil is to thick not letting your suspension react in the proper amount of time when it hits a bump in the corner.

[t____]

I was using stock oil before.

[Kurt'sSV]

Yes, sounds like you have too much preload on forks. You don't just guess at preload, it should be set. When you get on bike w/ gear, the front should sag about 20mm.

[t____]

where should I measure the 20mm at? And what should I do about the excessive diving when I brake?

[Kurt'sSV]

Put zip ties around your fork tubes, then measure how much they slide up the tube when you sit on them (measure after getting off - ties will stay in place).

The front is supposed to dive when you hit the brakes. If you're bottoming out, then maybe your springs are too light. What's your weight and what's the weight of the springs?

[twf]

Originally posted by Kurt'sSV
Yes, sounds like you have too much preload on forks. You don't just guess at preload, it should be set. When you get on bike w/ gear, the front should sag about 20mm.
that would be bike only.

[Kurt'sSV]

Originally posted by twf
that would be bike only.

Well, yeah. 20mm of free sag plus another 20mm when you get on it, right? I left out the free sag measurement because I didn't want to make it more confusing. Hmmm, but if your free sag is off then I guess your weighted sag number will be off, too. Oh, and you know what, 20mm weighted sag is too much. 10-15 is what you told me.

Okay, T, first hang the bike and then let it come to rest. Set sag (free sag) at 20mm. Then get on it and set the bike so it'll sag another 10-15mm. (How'm I doing, Zoran?) Total sag from hanging to you sitting on it should be 35mm.

[twf]

you can't measure like that,you asuming bike sag is 20mm and not counting stiction.

[Kurt'sSV]

Wait, huh? I think you're getting too technical for us (me). How do you take in account for stiction? What do you do?

[twf]

you measure it :)
it is probably 10mm on your bike :)

[Kurt'sSV]

So then how does "10mm" of stiction play into your other numbers for setting the sag?

[twf]

try to think :D
if you have 10mm stiction your sag number will be off for 5mm.

[Kurt'sSV]

This is hurting my head. Maybe we can go over this in person at Buttonwillow.

Okay, hopefully last question, if you have 10mm of stiction and your sag is off by 5mm, which way is it off? Should you ad 5mm more sag to compensate or 5mm less sag to compensate?

[Mr. Bill]

oh c'mon, who measures in mm?

[Kurt'sSV]

Originally posted by Mr. Bill
oh c'mon, who measures in mm?

People who don't ride Harleys and want their measurements to be accurate.

[Monsterdood]

Lift up on front end and then gently let it settle and measure that as sag1. Push down on the forks, bounce it a little, and then let it slowly rise to its settling point and measur that as sag2.

Average sag1 and sag2 to get the true sag. sag1 minus sag2 is the stiction.

It is hard to do this measurement while sitting on the bike without a helper. You should use this averaging method for measuring the bikes static sag and the sag with rider front and rear. The rear will typically have much less stiction than the front though, but it is still useful to use this method.

FWIW, I set my front and rear sag with me on the bike at 30mm. Maybe not Zoran's numbers, but you can't go wrong with it in this area.

[TETSUO]

I plan on upgrading my suspension when i get some money. But in the meantime is there anything i can do with the stock suspension to make the 405 a little smoother? I'm 5'10 about 150lbs and when i get on the 405 freeway it seems like it gets really bumpy. Can anyone suggest settings for the stock setup that can maybe smooth my ride a bit?

[twf]

change to thicker oil.

[Tillers_Rule]

Good advice here

[SV650R]

Zoran,

Any Advise to set up my 06 GSXR 1000 front end with my 04 GSXR 600 rear shock?

Right now both of them are set up as they were intended from Suzuki for the motorcycles they came from.

Thank you! Luis

[GetnJgyWitit]

Originally posted by SV650R
Zoran,

Any Advise to set up my 06 GSXR 1000 front end with my 04 GSXR 600 rear shock?

Right now both of them are set up as they were intended from Suzuki for the motorcycles they came from.

Thank you! Luis

I know what he is going to say. "You get rid of shit rear shock and get penske then send me front fork and I fix." :D

or just set the sag and go ride.

[racinteach]

yeah but that shock will work ...and not everyone has the money or need for a penske...we'd all like one..but don't really need one...I have found that if you soften up teh gsxr shock it works well...you got to find your happy place. ..

[SV650R]

UPDATE:

Here is where I am at...

06 GSXR 1000 FORKS.

Preload: 5 Lines Showing ...Up From 4 Lines
Rebound: 3 From Stiff ...Up From 2
Compresion: 13 From Stiff ...Same

04 GSXR 600 SHOCK

Preload: 7mm Showing ...Down From 9mm To adjust Free sag - 3mm and Sag - 25mm
Rebound: 1.125 Out From Full Stiff ...Down from 1.25 Out
Compresion: 1.75 Out From Full Stiff ...Up From 1.5 Out

Again, thanks guys for any advise! Luis

[twf]

Originally posted by SV650R
Zoran,

Any Advise to set up my 06 GSXR 1000 front end with my 04 GSXR 600 rear shock?

Right now both of them are set up as they were intended from Suzuki for the motorcycles they came from.

Thank you! Luis
you have problem with it?
if not it is adjusted fine :)

[dunc]

Alright....i might be just too hung over to go through this whole thread but I just wnat everyones opinion(dangerous i know)I have an 06 naked.....First.....fork conversion.....worth it or just redo stockers....which forks are easier to swap.....as for the rear....for sure the best way is aftermarket but what shock should I be looking for from other bikes. BTW I need tires....wanna go more aggressive...hhhmmmmm what to get?

[TACO-MAH]

Hey people,

trying to adjust the ride height on my rear shock. Its an Ohlins' 46PRXLS and i'm having a problem adjusting the top collar. if you notice in the pic, ther is a pin that locks it in place. anyone know how to do this? The Ohlins site doesn't really go into much more detail but "turn it"

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jim_n_claire/390292931/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/175/390292931_9d9fc8266c.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="SV650R" /></a>

thanks for the help

[twf]

preload is adjusted with nub on hydraulic adjuster.if not enough adjustment there you need to take spring off and relocate hydraulic adjuster,beauty of ohlins :)

[ching]

Ching here...documenting the trials and tribulations of one uber-noob attempt at turning my SV 650 into a machine that handles nicely. Here's what I did...and what I learned....

Most advice on this board points to either...

GSXR front end and TWF bearing = $1000
or
Springs and oil = $100

So...

1) Get heavier springs...racetech suggests .80 for my weight (210 in gear) and riding style (slow like a granny). The racetech springs are MUCH shorter (my guess is by 3.5")
than the stockers...so you have to custom cut some spacers from (provided) aluminum tubestock.

2) Apply racetech decals to front forks.

3) Heavier fork oil (I used Repsol 15w 30...is this the stuff I want to be using...isn't there straight 20wt...is there a difference?)
I split the difference between factory and race recommendations and filled the forks to 110MM from the top of the tubes. Forks are now too slow; rides harsh...like a cheap bottle of whiskey...but in the neighborhood. I'll remove 10 MM of oil and see what that does.

Anyone that wants to do this...it's easy...I'll help where I can.

Ching

[Basil]

Does changing the setting on the rear shock alter the height of the tail at all ? I'd like to raise it if possible.

[codzilla70]

Originally posted by Basil
Does changing the setting on the rear shock alter the height of the tail at all ? I'd like to raise it if possible.

No, you need to lengthen the shock to raise the rear ride heigth. You can change how much the rear sags or compresses when riding though.

[twf]

adding preload will also raise rear

[Kurt'sSV]

Originally posted by twf
adding preload will also raise rear

:eek: :eek: :eek: What? How many times have you posted on here that adding more preload is the improper way to raise the ride height of your bike?

Are you just stating a fact that "adding preload will also raise rear" and leaving out all the other technical junk, or now is it okay to have a "too short" shock and just crank down the preload? ;)

[twf]

just facts,or answering asked question.
it is ok up to a point.

[mastashake72]

I added a Fox twin clicker to my SVS with a 700# spring, per Aftershocks recommendation. Racetech looked at the bike yesterday at Fontana. I have no static sag. The rest looks OK. He recommended a 750# spring. Will this give me the static sag I need? The preload is pretty much maxxed out, per the tech guy. Ideas?

[twf]

what you weight?

[mastashake72]

225 in gear, with an 01 GSXR front end and 170 tire. 1st GEn

[Darth Lefty]

Originally posted by mastashake72
225 in gear, with an 01 GSXR front end and 170 tire. 1st GEn
Huh. I figured 24 oz.

[mastashake72]

Originally posted by Darth Lefty
Huh. I figured 24 oz.

WTF? Translation please?

Got it. See below.

[Sumo]

Originally posted by mastashake72
WTF? Translation please?

Take a look at your avatar shakey ;-)

[mastashake72]

I was mowing the lawn just now and got it. Except that drinks are measured in "fluid ounces" so it was a stretch for my meager brain to make.

[SilverRider]

Originally posted by mastashake72
I was mowing the lawn just now and got it. Except that drinks are measured in "fluid ounces" so it was a stretch for my meager brain to make.
You have a lawn to mow now? Wow you are moving up in the redicuously priced San Diego housing market. Glad to hear it. Have to come by and check out your new place sometime. I will have to set up my suspension someday. I just put on the rear shock (636) and never touched any of the knobs. Seems to work alright.

[twf]

Originally posted by mastashake72
225 in gear, with an 01 GSXR front end and 170 tire. 1st GEn
700 # spring is ok.750 would be to much.
I am your weight and run 675(I am old and like soft).
you got to much preload.back it out until you get 5-10mm static sag.

[mastashake72]

Thanks Zoran. Will do. I thought it was pretty firm. Rear didnt feel too good in slower wide turns at Fontana. Hope this helps.

Originally posted by SilverRider
You have a lawn to mow now? Wow you are moving up in the redicuously priced San Diego housing market. Glad to hear it. Have to come by and check out your new place sometime. I will have to set up my suspension someday. I just put on the rear shock (636) and never touched any of the knobs. Seems to work alright.

Denton, I am just renting. The landlord bought the place 2 years ago for over 500K...The rent is OK, and I have a big yard for the landsharks, as well as a garage.