Very few people set up their suspension even
though it’s one of the MOST important ways to how
your bike feels and handles. It's too detailed to go
into fully here but spend the time and DO IT !! It will
TRANSFORM your bike and your comfort. Here are
some starters on the suspension and you may find
that many of the higher end spec bikes have
electronic preset suspension modes like the KTM
1290 Super Adventure. Some basics to get you
started:
Now as we spoke about before bikes come set up as
standard and normally a bike’s suspension will be
set up for a single rider of average weight with no
luggage. Regardless of the bike having a dual seat
or panniers this tends to be the standard setting for
suspension. They also can’t and so don’t take into
account what type of riding you’re going to be
doing, for how long or on what type of terrain. How
could they know? Therefore, it is vital that you set
the bike up as you see your own riding needs.
bike (this is why you needed a mate) with any gear,
pillion tent etc and take a measurement again.
With no rider you should be getting around 6–
12mm.
With the rider in their gear and fully loaded kit plus
pillion etc you should get around 35-50mm. To
make adjustments to the preload, wind down the
spring collar to reduce the amount of sag and up to
increase.
Making adjustments to the rebound
Depending on the shock, there may be adjustments
for compression and rebound.
Rebound adjustment affects the handling of the bike
the most. Start by winding the adjustment knob
below the spring all the way in (clockwise) and then
all the way out, counting the number of “clicks” as
you go. Half way is a good place to start, so wind
back in half the number of clicks. Fine adjustment
If your bike does not have adjustable suspension
will then depend on the type of bike, riding style
then you would need to upgrade your suspension to and terrain. If the bike feels loose and bouncy, wind
an adjustable system. Suspension adjustment can
in a couple of clicks at a time, then test ride for the
have as much impact on a forum as asking ‘What is
conditions you want to ride. If the bike feels too
adventure riding?”. It can lead to mass hysteria and harsh, wind out a couple of clicks and test. One and
sons no longer speaking to fathers! This is because
two-click adjustments at a time are best.
it can be adjusted and adjusted and ...adjusted in so
many ways. We are looking at the basics to get you
Adjusting the compression
a better ride and comfort.
If your shock has compression adjustment (usually a
knob on a reservoir attachment), wind it clockwise
until it stops. Then find half way using the same
technique as for rebound.
If the bike feels soft and bottoms out easily, wind in
a couple of clicks at a time, then test ride.
If the bike feels too hard over bumps or the rear
wheel hops under braking, wind out a couple of
clicks and test.
ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR
MAKE'S DEALER ABOUT YOUR
SUSPENSION FOR THAT YEAR AND
MODEL -
THIS IS JUST A BASIC IDEA AND
GUIDE ON ONE TYPE OF
SUSPENSION
Setting the spring pre load or ‘sag’
You’re going to need a friend for this!
Set the bike on a level surface and make sure that
the swing arm, bushes and wheel bearings are in
good order. Lift the rear of the bike until the
suspension is fully extended. Now, take a
measurement from the axle to a point directly
above to the rear sub frame. Bring the bike back
down and measure again. The rider now sits on the
Setting the ride height
To adjust the shock absorber for ride height, look for
an adjustable eye/clevis at the bottom and turn it in
or out to suit. Some shocks, have a locking nut, so
make sure you undo it first and remember to lock it
again when you are finished! Adjusting the length of
a shock to suit a rider’s height can have an effect on
the bike’s handling and steering. Raising the rear
makes the steering sharper and more “nervous”.
Lowering it can make a bike feel vague, but stable.
Happy Riding