Suspension question

Getting used to my new (to me anyway) 2006 VFR and it feels to me like the suspension may be set a little to soft. I am a fairly handy and mechanical individual, but I do not know anything about motorcycle suspension. Is there a way to set it back to stock? Or at least check what the current setting is. I would like it to be a bit harder and I also ride 2 up a bit.

Thanks,
Byrds

 

We shall need to know if you have an ABS model or not, and then we will be able to research what the settings should be. I'm assuming you don't have the manual for your bike. You can download the manual here in PDF form. I could have sworn I downloaded mine from here (VFRW) but I can't find it right now, anyhow, this one should work.

VFR Discussion -> Download Manager -> Owners Manuals and other -> VTEC service manual

I have the paper book version and this electronic one, seems to be the same, and much lighter and more portable as long as you have access to a computer near where you're doin the wrenchin.

 

If you weight more than say 165lbs or so it will be too soft and will only be able to be tweaked and not corrected (without parts). Start with setting your "SAG". You will most likely be limited by your forks springs first with the shock spring following closely behind. Set your sag and see what kind of numbers you get. Having the bike balanced is fairly important. Just for kicks a good sporty/controlled setup for the VFR is about 30-35mm of rider (dynamic) sag front and back. Some free (static) sag is also good to see.

 

Wow... well that may be the problem then lol, I weigh a bit more than 165 heheh...240 to be exact :tongue:. My wife is tiny though at 115. My bike is non-ABS model. Thanks for the quick replies.

Byrds

 

This should help,

Suspension Setup Guide - Sport Rider Magazine

Mac

 

Barry Wressel of KFG Racing particpated in a kick-@ss sport bike suspension tuning class last month. He is out of Kent, WA and knows his stuff.

 

At 240 you probably won't get an ideal sag setting with the OEM suspension, especially if you're adding an additional 115lbs riding two up. You could always take it to a tuner for precise sag settings, or do it yourself if you have the know how. However, I'm betting that simply setting both front and rear pre-loads to full stiff will get you as close as you're going to get to ideal sag. The rear rebound will need to be set at near full stiff as well. Which it would regardless of weight, unless you prefer a more plush, less handling, feel. Sort of. I'm 200lbs fully dressed and ride aggressively, I find that the best rebound setting for me is one turn out from full stiff.

 

Well, I need to set my suspension stiffer as well. I have the owners manual and looked at it, but i seem to be totally unable to get the tool in the tool kit to "catch" on the shock notches to be able to turn it at all. the wrench just slips off at every attempt. I am beginning to wonder if I have the correct / complete tool kit. It only included a spanner and the handle adapter.

So how "physically how" do I get the rear shock to adjust and what should be included in my tool kit.

Thanks


UPDATE
***** okay, i have answered my own question with a little more research. I am obviously using the chain adjusting tool, NOT the shock adjusting tool, hence the reason for slipping off. and I see I need to purchase an entire kit. I would have never dreamed it wouldn't come with that stuff. Oh well. Sorry for the needless post guys... ******