I searched and didn't find it. Figure I should try to set my sag properly.
On a whim, cranked in more rear preload, to two more lines covered than standard. On my normal ride, it felt harsher, which I think shouldn't be so. Based on spring theory and an agreeing post by JD, preload only changes ride height not spring rate or harshness. So I guess the added harshness is in my head.
Anyway, I want to set it correctly. I weigh 195lb fully geared. Everything is set to owners manual recommendations
I've seen suggested ranges of 30 to 35mm both front and rear.
Here is an article on sportrider.com - they suggest a little more on the front and less on the rear will make the bike steer quicker. Lots can be found w/ internet searches...
If you have more sag on the front, it means the front sits a little lower, so it'll turn a bit sharper.
It also means that when you accelerate, and weight transfers to the rear, it will stay more evenly balanced, front to rear - if it was lower in the front to start, when weight goes back, it ends up being even, if you know what I mean.
Keep them within, say, 5mm, so 35 on the front, and 30 on the rear, and go from there.
And too much preload can make the bike harsher.
It means that the spring doesn't have as much stored energy to extend (rebound) into dips in the road surface. If you have 30mm of sag, the suspension has 30mm of stored energy, 30mm to extend into a dip in the road. If you've only got 15mm of sag, you had better be riding on ractrack smooth surfaces.
Without enough sag, it won't follow the road if it drops away, and can seem harsh as the bike falls/drops into dips, rather than the wheels staying in contact with the road.
Some worthwhile reading on suspension set up is in this pinned post: http://www.vfrdiscus...ransformed-wow/
Though not specific to 4th gens, it addresses both free sag as well as total sag. Interesting reading.
After reading all of this, I'm nauseous! So many conflicting opinions, each presented as "fact."
After reading all of this, I'm nauseous! So many conflicting opinions, each presented as "fact."
Well maybe going to the downloads section and grabbing a copy of the Racetech 'Suspension Bible' will help. Although all the info one there could make your head spin even further, it pretty much covers everything about suspension and is written by some pretty good experts.
Some worthwhile reading on suspension set up is in this pinned post: http://www.vfrdiscus...ransformed-wow/
Though not specific to 4th gens, it addresses both free sag as well as total sag. Interesting reading.
After reading all of this, I'm nauseous! So many conflicting opinions, each presented as "fact."
I think it all boils down to "it depends". If you're a racer then you go to a suspension guru and he works his magic until you're happy with the way the bike handles at a particular track. If you're a street rider then you take an average value for an average road. The "35mm" sag number commonly tossed around seems to derive from the fact that the front suspension full travel is 100mm, and you shoot for about 1/3 of that when you're sitting on the bike. This leaves 1/3 of the travel to accommodate dips in the road and acceleration (fork extension) and 2/3 of the travel to accommodate bumps and deceleration (fork compression). At least, that's my simple minded take on the whole subject. Obviously this is all vastly more complex, and thousands of words have been written about it.
End of thread · 10 posts recoveredWayback Machine snapshot 18 Aug 2015