[ Jun Funahashi, the G sense CEO, a suspension service shop ]
The second time posted column is continue from the last time [The motocycle is change by its Suspension Setting!], (Please click here in case you haven`t read it yet.) I explain from where it should be adjusted specifically.
Suspension settings have a procedure just like in cooking.
In the previous column, I wrote the suspension setting is very similar to a cooking procedure, and the procedure undertaken the suspension setting is very important so it has step by step procedure just like in cooking. For those who don’t know the procedure, they seem to try turning the adjustment part that is in the front of your eyes with no idea.
For example, in case of some twin shock of the naked motorcycle, many of them tend to turn the compression damping adjustment at first because the dial is easy to turn. In case of some single shock motorcycle, the reservoir tank is located in a noticeful part. So, the dial is also easy to adjust.
Then, the change of compression damping would be recognized more or less, but they can’t determine whether the effect is worse or not. I’ve seen many cases that they have been fallen into a [Suspension Setting = Difficult.]
*Compression damping adjustment dial on a golden tank.
In my thinking of the procedure of Suspension Setting, the compression damping adjustment is like a kind of seasoning that is added to finally. So, it will be adjusted after all the other procedure are done well.
So, the compression damping adjustment is like a black pepper for a ramen-noodles, a red pepper for udon-noodles and a wasabi for sushi. It means if without those seasoning it will be insipid foods, but if with too much of those seasoning, we can’t feel the original taste of the food. That’s why we can say that the compression damping adjustment is a kind of seasoning.
Proceed setting considering impact in “large order” .
Then, the procedure to the main issue of suspension setting is the following order in G Sense. And at the same time, this procedure is the same with the order that is the big influence to the motorcycle.
1. Vehicle Dimensions
To be changed the vehicle dimensions by the attached height and angle of the suspension.
2. Spring Rate
To change the repulsive force of the spring by itself. Usually, it replaces the spring.
3. Preload (Initial)
To change the load of the spring, both front and rear suspension usually have screw type adjusting function. Some stock suspensions do not have adjustment function.
4. Rebound Damping
To change the characteristics of the damper mechanism of the suspension by the adjustment mechanism and oil viscosity and adjust the damping force against the rebound force of the spring.
5. Compression Damping
To change the characteristics of the damper mechanism of the suspension by the adjustment mechanism and oil viscosity and adjust the damper force against the compression force of the spring.
However, in terms of starting a general suspension setting, I think it is a fairly high level customizing to review the vehicle dimension and spring rate.
It is the act that is comparable to make from noodles and soup when you cook ramen noodles. It is certainly a good idea to do it on your own in case you want to challenge yourself, but for those who don’t have enough confidence to do it, I recommend to ask to the professional.
Let’s start from the preload adjustment!
*You are possible to adjust the preload by turning the protruding part of the circle in case of looking at the photo (Front).
Then, the #3 Preload (Initial) is easier way to adjust than other procedures. The most of after market suspensions have the preload setting function. And the most of stock rear suspensions have the function. In actual situation, if you feel hard, weaken the preload and if you feel soft, strengthen it. Let’s try with simple thinking.
If only you find the preload setting that suit your own riding styles and body type, you can feel “Bike will change by the suspension setting!”