Setting your Sag

[XRacerX]

There are a ton of youtube vids out there that explain how to set your suspension sag.  This one is particularly good at describing the basics.

Twist Of The Wrist II -SAG adjustment

I first met Keith Code in 1988, I relate well to his method of training.  The more schools to go to, the more you will realize you are hearing the same thing explained different ways. 

This is a good basic way of doing your sag.  There are more complex ways of getting it dialed in a little more accurate.  For example, KC doesnt take stiction into account with this simple method.  But for a starting point, this is better than just using the factory settings. 

Maybe we should have a get together (BBQ or something) and have a Sag party, setting everyone's bikes?

[Maverick]

Tight work Darrin this will help a lot of people to get outside of that comfort zone to REALLY realize what is really a comfort zone. I can remember the first time I set my first bike up and WOW I was so far away from the "comfort zone" I wasn't riding the bike, i was fighting it, lol. The spring was WAY too stiff for my weight and the preload was too far in to the point it was amazing that i wasn't hitting the bottom out spring. Nevertheless, it was and is a learning experience and after setting my first bike up I've learn how to do the same with bikes that followed that one.

I've had the honor and pleasure of speaking with Keith and his Team a few years back to inquire how to become more knowledgeable about motorcycles and racing. Additionally, I have a cool business/teacher-to-student relationship with Dave Moss who of which is trying to bring the riding schools and initial set-up conferences that  Kevin and himself do to the East Coast.

I've been working on a motorcycle suspension app that I hope to have go LIVE in late February, the team I am working with have been very helpful as well ans the input of some of the seasoned GREATS but ill keep those posted that are interested. Back to Dave and Kevin, this would be a great opportunity, them coming to the East Coast, if they could come to Jennings because I think people would REALLY appreciate the experience that they would be willing to share not to mention the business it could bring to Jennings as well.

http://www.crstuning.com/
http://www.keithcode.com/

Needless to say, great video and hope to see some of y'all at the track this weekend!

[EBGB]

I have SO much to learn, thanks for posting this! Makes me wanna go home and set my sag!

[EBGB]

I'm curious now to how far off mine is for me, and how much different my bike will feel with it set properly for street riding....

I'm also wanting some bbq now too. Thanks Darrin! 

[Chef]

Sag party!! I have been wanting to do this.

[Kasey0104]

I am completely down for this! my yzf has racetech springs in them, but arent set correctly. The zx feels like a rock. Suspension fiesta?

[Timh]

I am in too.  The Busa rides like a barcalounger..Nice a comfy on long rides    But I would like to get her tightened up just a bit.  So lets set a date and a place.

[Kasey0104]

Well... Anyone free on the 17 or 18? It's the weekend after finals for FSU, so traffic should have died down by then

[XRacerX]

Im not going to have much free weekend time until after the holidays... 

[Maverick]

Im not going to have much free weekend time until after the holidays...

same here but I can see what I can do though, maybe something can be worked out...

[Maverick]

I am completely down for this! my yzf has racetech springs in them, but aren't set correctly. The zx feels like a rock. Suspension fiesta?

Hey man we still need to get up I know and yes having those Racetech springs are awesome bro.

For the yzf I would use some zip ties to get a fill for the amount of travel you are putting on the bike. Coupled with this I would also see what are the recommended specs for those springs on that bike and then go from there. So, i have done some research for you but please feel free to do some yourself to learn more but stock settings are --

**********************FRONT**********************
Front preload 3 rings from hard
Front compression 2 clicks from hard
Front rebound 5 clicks from hard
***********************REAR***********************
Rear preload 7 from soft (Max)
Rear compression 3 clicks from hard
Rear rebound 5 clicks from hard

Hope that this helps you to really get a feel for what the bike needs to be set up intially. Now, you will need one other person but pm me about what we talked about. As for the zx, I would suggest bringing the rebound out at 2-3 clicks at a time from stock til it feels comfortable if that is your only issue. Also, find where you are for compression and it should be .75-1.5 clicks out from hard and .50-1.0 clicks out from hard rear. Here are some stock specs to go off of and start with.

**********************FRONT**********************
Preload: 3 lines from hard.
Rebound Dampening; 2.5 turns out (counter-clockwise) from full stiff.
Compression Dampening; 1.5 turns out (counter-clockwise) from full stiff.

***********************REAR***********************
Preload: 2 treads showing.
Rebound Dampening; 14 clicks out (counter-clockwise) from full stiff.
Compression Dampening; .75 turns out (counter-clockwise) from full stiff.

I am in too.  The Busa rides like a barcalounger..Nice a comfy on long rides    But I would like to get her tightened up just a bit.  So lets set a date and a place.

Preload could be an issue for you but also how old is your fork oil?
Plus, your preload adjuster is a little different then most so take a sharpie to the bolt to mark turns.

I would say that a play on compression and rebound would be a suitable solution to your issue because looking at you on the track you look good so it could be miner adjustments that are needed.
 
In addition, there are numerous sites with settings that probably work for you on the Busa in conjunction with your weight and height but i found this that may help with your suspension needs as well -- http://www.hayabusa.org/forum/maintenance-do-yourself/89876-jinkster-attacks-suspension.html Furthermore, I would start with the stock settings and go from there starting with the following in this order...

Suspension Order Check

1. Chain Slack

2. Free sag ( can be done easily with bike on peg and slightly lifting the bike to get a feel for how much play you have in the rear shock)

3. Preload

4. Rebound

5. Compression

6. Tire Pressure

Ride the bike (cautiously -- @ 70% to 80%) to get a feel for the bike then adjust accordingly.
Also, couple of things to consider with the suspension.
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1. What type of rider are you? Are you an aggressive rider or a more reserved everyday rider.

2. Current settings should be written down to record the settings that you have been using just in case you would like to divert back to them at a later date.

3. How old is your fork oil...? Depending on what kind and how long you ride Fork oil should be changed once to twice a year. I do mine often due to how often i ride but that is just me.

4. How old is your shock oil? Is it serviceable?

5. What is your Spring rate? If this is something that you don't know then you can divert to manual or go to http://racetech.com/TNKVehicleSearch. A very fascinating in telling you the rate of springs and suspension upgrades that are available for your bike as well.
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Again, for those that want to and feel comfortable changing settings on their bike.

Ride safe to you all!

[Timh]

Mav,
You are a wealth of knowledge and a research hound. Thanks for all the info.  I think it is about time to change the fork oil. Was gonna do some suspension tuning today but ran out of time. Thanks again for the link and info.  We need to get up and ride sometime.

[Maverick]

Lol, your most welcome man. Anytime. Yeah, Darrin and i were shooting the ish one day talking about suspension and tires, honestly i would really like to get something started at the track to help people with this learning curve and it would help me as well to know more bikes and there characteristics. I do side jobs now but really would like to do more of the track stuff  i mean being with you guys on our track day just made me REALLY realize how much i miss it man. I mean everytime i was coming out the apex you would have thought i was Rick Flare, Woooo! 

Yes we do need to get up soon I was planning on going to the track to hang out today but got caught up with hanging out with some friends and the dogs. Hopefully next weekend and/or the following will be a plus. Last two weeks of school looking forward to a great holiday.

[Steve-O]

I don't know why you guys have all these compligated instructions.  Just move to a looser belt loop and see how you like it.  If you don't have the desired amout of sag, adjust accordingly.   

[Zach!]

I set my sag on the CBR, did a world of difference. I will set up every bike I ever own now. By the way, stay tuned......putting a CBR suspension on a KZ750 and going to set it up for the bike.