Suspension Setting for 230lb Rider

I know, I know, use the search button. I've been reading up on suspension threads to set my static sag etc. I was wondering if there was anyone out there around my wieght with a 6th gen that could give me there settings that would get me in the ball park.

It would be nice for everyone to list there weight and rear preload settings so that wen can compile a table of wieght to setting list. i.e

1st Click 120-130lbs
2nd Click 130-140 etc etc

 

woops,....I'm 220lbs

 

When I set up my ride for 220lbs I realized it can't be done. The stock 6th gen suspension is good for 175lbs person and that's about it really. That's assuming you want proper sag and stiffness. I cranked the fronts all the way, measured the sag and matched the rear. The rear has a bit more to go but doesn't matter if your fronts won't match. The extra in the rear I use for when my hardbags are loaded. Next year I'm doing the front and rear properly to suit my style and weight which means new springs and valves in the front and who new shock set up in the rear.

I suggest rather than looking for a quick setting from others you find it yourself by measuring your sag. At least then it will be dialed in as best as possible. I also set my rear rebound to what I thought was good. It seemed to help.

Right now with all set my ride is still too "cushy" for my liking and my sag is at 38mm. I would like 30mm minimum.

No if only I could learn how to ride....

 

I don't want to come accross like a smart arse, after all if I knew anything about suspesion I wouldn't have started this thread. But, do you mean to tell me that the big H only accounted for a maximum cargo of 80Kg?. If you had two midgets on the bike (rider and passenger) that would easly add up to 80Kg.

Does Honda think everyone outside of Japan is 6'2" and 40Kg? :unsure:

 

Can I buy just a stiffer coil spring to replace the OEM?. Ya know what I mean?. So I haven't gotta swap out the whole unit. I'm not planning on entering the motogp anytime soon:redface:

 

Yep to your first question. The big "H" actually did make a bike that isn't great for us heavier dudes.

...and Yep you can replace just the springs front and back.

If your not that worried and don't want it to be the best, set up the sag as suggested above to the best you can get. Maybe it will be ok for you. It's not for me but hey were all different.

 

Yep big H made a minor mistake, so whats new? nothing! Yep only way around it is to get different springs, and yep they are available. only thing for the rear shock, best be down by sending it in. which of coarse is down time. The fronts you can do no problem. Or like Reg said get a Penske rear shock, all things being what it is that really is a good way to go..

 

how much does the penski shock cost? im 268 lbs (6'8) and every time i get on the damn thing it looks like an old lincoln with the air suspention flat ( ass dropped!) not to mention when me and my lady ride. our total comes out to just at 400 lbs...

 

VifferDude,
Try setting the forks to one line showing and the rear spring to the top of the ramp (full preload). On the bottom of the rear shock, 1/2 turn from full stiff. That should get you in the ball park. Like Jason said you really can't set it up unless you get new springs at a minimum. Hopefully that's what I'm going to do next year. It's not as good as replacing the whole rear shock but it's a good mod for the money.

Action

 

I weigh 205 and my settings are just about the same as Action's. And they are about the best one can do without spending more money IMHO. I have found that above 110mph on concrete interstates that this front setting needs to be backed off a bit or the front end almost chatters. I dont ride two up, based on how it behaves with my fat butt on it, its would probably be a bad idea anyway. I'm certainly no VFR expert, but it seems that along with R/R issues , stock suspension is the VFR's weak spot. Seems to be no way out of upgrading a VFR suspension, so I'll live with this a bit longer then bite the bullet and make some changes.

As for setting the sag, I agree with Action, no chance of that happening to your satisfaction without making upgrades first. Unless you weigh 130lbs