Suspension set up question

So I've put about 5k miles on my 98 now, and I'm having a hard time dialing in the suspension to my liking. Did a near 500 mile ride friday to southern Indiana where there are at least a few twisties, and I just wasn't feeling "as one" with the bike in corners.  I'm aware the 6th gen susp is somewhat improved over the 5th, but I just seemed to feel a lot more confident on my 6th around corners.  Not sure if I just have it dialed in wrong or if it just really needs rebuilt to make it acceptable.  I was just curious if anyone that is close to my weight with a good set up on stock susp. might be able to share their settings with me.  I weigh probably around 230-235 with gear, and yes, I'm aware that at that weight I really need to at bare minimum respring the front and back for good preformance, but that wont be in the budget till at least winter time.  Also, what is sag supposed to be set at with a stock bike?  I haven't been able to find a couple of people around to help me with that yet, but maybe if I can find help, that can get me closer to the ballpark. So far, its just been a trail and error game.  Point me i nthe right direction, fellow vfrd's! Thanks in advance!

Street sag appx 30-35mm front and rear.

The bike is hopelessly undersprung for your weight with the stock suspension. You'll likely not be able to get proper sag even at max preload.

Cheap fix: revalved 929 shock with a 1300lb spring. 1kg springs in the forks with 7-10wt oil.

Real fix: Ohlins or Penske shock, cartridge kit up front.

I just did a Penske 8987 on the rear. The difference is amazing. Worth the additional $800 over the 929 with a spring. Bike no longer cares about bumps of any kind, and I find myself going faster with less effort.

Did I mention the difference is amazing?

Sonic springs make affordable springs for the forks.

As for the rear, I wonder if a CBR1100xx shock would have a stiffer spring rate for you??? I have no idea, just a wildassguess.

 Veefer800Canuck, on 24 July 2012 - 12:38 AM, said:

As for the rear, I wonder if a CBR1100xx shock would have a stiffer spring rate for you???
Yes the XX runs a 16.9kg if memory serves me, I think it's slightly shorter than the 5th gen and slightly longer than a 6th gen shock.

I'm guessing your around 220 w/o gear, the  weight used to determine spring rates.

As mentioned a 929 shock w/at least a 1200lb spring  and at least .95kg springs will be a big improvement on a budget $250-300.

BR

I just looked it up, CBR1100xx rear spring is 16.8 Kg/mm, and the Race Tech site recommends 16.6 Kg/mm for his weight, on a 5th gen, for street use. That's the best info I can find.

So that seems close enough, once you figure in gear, etc.

 Veefer800Canuck, on 24 July 2012 - 11:26 AM, said:

I just looked it up, CBR1100xx rear spring is 16.8 Kg/mm, and the Race Tech site recommends 16.6 Kg/mm for his weight, on a 5th gen, for street use. That's the best info I can find.

So that seems close enough, once you figure in gear, etc.

Race Tech spring rate calculator for the rear of our VFR's like most are worthless! 16.6kg is a Joke for 170lb rider let alone a 230lb rider. :huh:
21-23kg rear is a much closer range for him on his VFR. :smile:

BR

 Baileyrock, on 24 July 2012 - 10:38 AM, said:

[I'm guessing your around 220 w/o gear, the  weight used to determine spring rates.
As mentioned a 929 shock w/at least a 1200lb spring  and at least .95kg springs will be a big improvement on a budget $250-300.
+1
I put 0.95 kg Sonic springs up front and a 1150 lb rear spring on a 929 shock (revalved by Jamie Daugherty) and the deference is AMAZING!!!  Bike rails and holds it line beautifully.  I went with slightly lower spring rates because I'm losing weight, right now I'm at 218.