Suspension Setup Notes

By AndyW

Suspension Setup Notes based on an article I did for my K3 Suzuki SV1000 but the principles are the same for any motorcycle although the position and type of adjusters may vary (NB some bikes do not have fully adjustable suspension and settings quoted refer to the SV1000 – refer to your motorbike handbook / manual!)
(print this page and enter your settings/measurements in the boxes provided)

Forks raised through yokes by mm  Fork tube showing mm 

Front Sag

Suggested measuring points – top of fork dust seal to bottom of lower fork triple clamp.

Measurements:
1) Raise front of bike until suspension tops out

2) Bike in an upright position (i.e. not on stand) unladen
3) As for (2) but with rider + riding gear

(1) – (2) = Static Sag

      mm

 (1) – (3) = Laden Sag

      mm

CARE:  Work the suspension several times between measurements to ensure natural resting position found.

Front Pre-load

The most accurate method is to measure the distance A with a steel rule or Vernier Gauge (allowing for more accurate adjustment and ensuring balance of the two forks)
Otherwise count ‘rings’ B visible i.e. flush with and above the Fork Cap nut – the setting shown in the diagram is 8 rings

Ring 6 flush with Fork Cap nut top = factory setting

Ring 1 flush with Fork Cap nut top = max preload
Ring 8 flush with Fork Cap nut top = min preload

Front Rebound & Compression Damping

Rebound: Fully turn the adjuster screw (1) clockwise counting rotations (use the markings on the top of the pre-load adjuster for accuracy) until it seats fully closed (max rebound damping) – turn anti-clockwise to reset or set new setting

Factory settings:
(1) = 1 turn out    (2) = 1 turns out
(UK handbook states ¾ & 1  respectively!!)

Rebound     Compression

Compression: Fully turn the adjuster screw (2) clockwise counting rotations etc (same process as for rebound)

CARE – Do not over-tighten the adjuster screws as damage may occur to the adjuster’s seal

Rear Sag

Suggested measuring points – remove the pillion seat and place a wooden batten across the top of the two helmet hooks: hook your tape measure under the chain tensioner bolt and measure to the lower edge of the batten

Measurements:
1) Raise rear of bike until suspension tops out
2) Bike in an upright position (i.e. not on stand) unladen
3) As for (2) but with rider + riding gear

CARE:  Work the suspension several times between measurements to ensure natural resting position found.

(1) – (2) = Static Sag

    mm

(1) – (3) = Laden Sag

    mm

Rear Pre-load

The most favoured measurement appears to be B (thread showing above the adjuster locking ring)…
however the workshop manual uses measurement  A (underside of adjuster ring to mid-point of the casting that supports the spring)

A = 199.5mm = factory setting

A = 194.5mm = max pre-load
A = 204.5mm = min pre-load

A      B

Rear Rebound & Compression Damping

Exactly the same process as adjusting the front

Rebound adjuster (1) at the bottom of the damper and
Compression adjuster (2) at the top

Factory settings:
(1) = ¾ turn out    (2) = 2¼ turns out

Rebound      Compression