[ Jun Funahashi, the G sense CEO, a suspension service shop ]
First adjust the “preload” that determines the suspension stroke amount!
The third column would be about the preload (initial) adjustment that anyone can do.
As I have mentioned in my previous columns (“The suspension setting procedure is important!“), you can actually experience how “suspension setting could change the motorcycle!” just by finding out the appropriate preload amount suitable for your riding style and your body shape.
That’s why the preload (initial) adjustment becomes so important. And the title of this column, “Using 70-80% Suspension Stroke Is the Juiciest!”, leads up to this preload adjustment.
Then what is a preload adjustment? To say it straight, it’s to adjust the stroke amount of the suspension. Not only aftermarket suspensions, but in case of rear suspensions, almost all OEM suspensions do have adjustment structures too. So that’s the place where I want you to begin on the first.
Trying out simple adjustments, like weakening the preload of stiff suspensions or tightening the preload of soft ones, is OK. But I recommend you to add one small twist and bring the stroke amount into view.
Preload adjustment starts from “viewing” the stroke amount.
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As shown in the picture, G sense offers its original stroke indicator (a part that wraps around the front inner tube) and a silicone o-ring for the rear shaft to make the stroke amount visible. But, you can use a tie-wrap instead. In case of a tie-wrap, it will hinder the movement of the stroke if you wrap it too tight, so you need to be careful.
The good thing about bringing the stroke amount into view is that you can check the condition of the suspension that you’ve actually felt while you are riding the bike. When you feel it stiff, the stroke amount is most likely not used even half. On the other hand, if you feel it too soft and moves too much, the stroke amount might be 100% used or might be bottomed out. It’s so reassuring to actually view and check what you feel, don’t you think?
“70%-80% of the stroke amount” is the most appropriate, the remaining should be left for “emergency cases”.
Then one would probably come up with the question; “What is the appropriate level of a stroke amount?” Well, as a rough indication, “Using 70-80% Suspension Stroke Is the Juiciest!” If the used stroke amount of the front and rear suspension that you can see during a halt is about 70-80%, it means that you are fully making use of it.
In other words, all you need to do is to adjust the preload to make the suspension stroke use 70-80%. And it is important to keep the remaining 20-30% for emergency cases (for cases when you need to use the emergency brake or make a sudden turn).
Be mindful of adjusting the preload (initial) amount that suits your riding style and your body shape, so that you can experience what “Using 70-80% Suspension Stroke Is the Juiciest!” is like!
Now, just begin by installing a stroke indicator or a tie-wrap!