Suspension Settings for a stock bike....Help!

[akadaryl33]

So i have a stock (for now) "87" and i'm heading to the dragon this weekend. I've gathered from all the info out there that the stock suspenders are not great, but for now i'm stuck with them. Anyone have any input on how not to kill myself in the dragon's twisties on the stock suspension...? Should i just set both ends to the stiffest settings? I have been riding for over ten years but always on cruiser type bikes, sport bikes and suspension settings are pretty new to me. I set the front to the stiffest settings today and took her out for a test run. The front end feels way better, but it seems like my rear is getting a little loose now when layed way over. Should i stiffen the rear up too? Any help you guys could offer would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

[akadaryl33]

P.S if it helps i'm just under 200 pounds... not sure if that would make a difference with the stock parts.

[racerman_27410]

So i have a stock (for now) "87" and i'm heading to the dragon this weekend. I've gathered from all the info out there that the stock suspenders are not great, but for now i'm stuck with them. Anyone have any input on how not to kill myself in the dragon's twisties on the stock suspension...? Should i just set both ends to the stiffest settings? I have been riding for over ten years but always on cruiser type bikes, sport bikes and suspension settings are pretty new to me. I set the front to the stiffest settings today and took her out for a test run. The front end feels way better, but it seems like my rear is getting a little loose now when layed way over. Should i stiffen the rear up too? Any help you guys could offer would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

if you still have the stock preload adjuster you can gain some more preload on the rear spring by disconnecting the stock adjuster and skipping the chain around as you unwind the preload adjuster knob... re assemble then crank in more spring.... you can also gain more rebound adjustment by doing the same thing with the rebound adjuster.

BUT.....


the absolute best way to not kill yourself on the dragon is to slow down and not ride at or above your own personal limits

just relax and enjoy the ride....

KOokaloo!

[akadaryl33]

Thanks for the info! I'll dial up the preload and give it a whirl. Found the source of the slippery feeling rear tire... guess i got a little overzealous with the chain lube, and it splattered around while driving. Cleaned that up and it feels better. I plan on staying well within my limits, no low/hi siding for me!!!

[rlucas]

I'd agree with Frank. There's nothing particulary or inherently dangerous about The Dragon; just stay within your limits and stay aware. This time of year, and on a weekend, most of the danger will come from other riders and leaf-peepers.

Personally (and I've said this before...) I don't think it's that big a deal. Go there so you can say you did, get the pin/t-shirt/sticker, then leave and go ride somewhere else. There's too many other great roads in the area. Go explore.

-Rossi-