Suspension Adjustment.

Brownw3 · Post by **Brownw3** » Fri Aug 25, 2006 8:52 am

Hello All from Rocksterville...

I am certainly not new to motorcycling but something I am new too is the wonderful adjustable suspension on the bike. I just cannot seem to get the bike "dialed in " to behave like a Beemer.

I was on a trip to the Pennsylvania mountains a few weeks ago and seemed to have a bit of a problem getting the bike to get over in turns (a very unususal circumstance for a Beemer.

I'm a big guy 6'2 250 pounds. I ride a mix of slab, and back roads. I never carry more than 50 pounds of stuff on the bike. Any suggestions to set up the suspension? Any explanations of what the effects of the adjustments do to handling capabilities? Has anyone seen my wallet?...

Post by **MikeCam** » Fri Aug 25, 2006 9:19 am

Conventional Wisdom from early Roadster days....you'll have to allow for differences in Rockster geometry and your weight and style.

Front dampner: Adjust screw all the way hard, then back off 1.25 to 1.5 turns.

Rear dampner: adjust screw all the way hard then back off 1.0 to 1.25 turns.

Preload: Full hard then back off 8-12 clicks.

Hope this gets you near the 'spot'.

plum · Post by **plum** » Fri Aug 25, 2006 3:57 pm

I am wondering the same thing!

I am 190lb 5'10

I find the bike is not very stable on tighter fast corners.....although I am use to pure sport and race bikes lol.

suspension set up oppinions??

kp · Post by kp » Fri Aug 25, 2006 6:01 pm

plum wrote:I am wondering the same thing!

I am 190lb 5'10

I find the bike is not very stable on tighter fast corners.....although I am use to pure sport and race bikes lol.

suspension set up oppinions??

I'd like to hear this myself... I'm about the same, uh, body geometry. heh. TIA...

Post by **boxermania** » Fri Aug 25, 2006 6:05 pm

plum

In seeing the bikes you own I can truthfully say that you are not comparing apples and apples......the RC 51 is a race bike sold on the street, the R1150R is a street bike that you can take to the tack for an ocasional high speed blast.....but that is where the comparison ends.

I would expect to experience to be dead on.......Mike Cam's sugesgtion is a good place to start for those of us on the high end of boy measurements.

kp · Post by kp » Fri Aug 25, 2006 6:36 pm

boxermania wrote:plum

In seeing the bikes you own I can truthfully say that you are not comparing apples and apples......the RC 51 is a race bike sold on the street, the R1150R is a street bike that you can take to the tack for an ocasional high speed blast.....but that is where the comparison ends.

I would expect to experience to be dead on.......Mike Cam's sugesgtion is a good place to start for those of us on the high end of boy measurements.

What about for sub-200lbs? 185-190ish? Well, I guess I'm probably near 200 with all my gear on anyway...

plum · Post by **plum** » Fri Aug 25, 2006 6:48 pm

boxermania wrote:plum

In seeing the bikes you own I can truthfully say that you are not comparing apples and apples......the RC 51 is a race bike sold on the street, the R1150R is a street bike that you can take to the tack for an ocasional high speed blast.....but that is where the comparison ends.

I would expect to experience to be dead on.......Mike Cam's sugesgtion is a good place to start for those of us on the high end of boy measurements.

No worries I am quite aware of the differences

I was just wondering if there was something that would help tignten it up a bit. I will try those sugestions and see how it goes! I believe it is set up fairly stock at the moment

jon pierce · Post by **jon pierce** » Fri Aug 25, 2006 10:26 pm

I agree with Mike, I am justy over 200lbs and use pretty much the same settings - when my wife pops on the back I dial the preload to just a couple of clicks from max and the rear damper to a 1/4 turn back, I don't adjust the front when taking a pillion.

I reckon the biggest difference to riding is the rear damper setting - I would suggest winding it in until the back feels too hard (when it jolts your spine) then wind it out a touch. If you go too soft the bike will wallow a bit when being pushed hard - it isn't an exact science as roads are forever changing as is road riding. Also the damping effectiveness changes with heat...........the harder you make it work the hotter it gets the less effective it is. (you would be suprised how hot they can get) Also the effective range of adjustment is intentionally kept small. Curvy bumpy roads are good for testing and making adjustments.

Ultimately something like an Ohlins is a slick upgrade if you really want to play BUT there is a cost / benefit ratio to be considered. I have had them fitted before but you only really get the benefit if you ride very hard (and of course they can be rebuilt and tailored specifically for your needs). Any other use of such equipment is just posing

I wouldn't go the the expense again.

Brownw3 · Post by **Brownw3** » Mon Aug 28, 2006 10:44 am

Thanks all, I have followed Mike's recommendations and life is good. With a little adjustment in suspension and tire presssure I'm enjoying the ride a little more.

plum · Post by **plum** » Wed Aug 30, 2006 4:37 pm

set up my suspension as you sugested.....big difference!! The bike is much more stable through the turns!

kp · Post by kp » Wed Aug 30, 2006 4:40 pm

I'll try Mike's method this weekend. I have to put the stock can back on anyway...