6th Gen Front end is bouncing?

Ok, so this isn't a MAJOR issue, and I realize it's a pretty 'noob' question...but it is annoying nonetheless because the bouncing travels up the shocks to the bars up to my noggin which gets shaken about.

I'm playing with the suspension but I'm guessing it's just set up too stiff? At highway speeds (and even lower actually), I feel every bump in the road.

Was just curious if anybody else was experiencing this and was able to eliminate it, and if so what your front forks are dialed to? Thanks!

 

The only adjustment on the forks is preload. Compressing the springs in the forks too much can give you a harsh ride. If you look on the Sport Rider website they have their recommended suspension settings. Also search on how to set suspension sag.


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That depends on what you would describe as feeling the bump. If you're meaning a bouncy, up and down feeling that's bothering you then you'll need to stiffen the front pre-load (mine is set one quarter turn from full stiff), this setting will also improve handling in conjunction with a stiffer rear setting.

If you're describing a rough sort of feel, like when going over a bridge seam with a bit of a skip, or feeling every little wrinkle in the road as being not what you desire than you'll want to soften the front pre-load to your liking. The softer you set the front the more you will decrease handling and increase comfort in the form of floating over bumps.

If you're going to soften the susp. lower than the factory setting I would consider doing it in very small increments, maybe a half turn at a time untill you find what you're looking for.

 

Yeah, I had the sag set at a local sport bike shop on a group suspension day. I'm 6', 190lbs and they had to basically max out the front preload setting to get the appropriate sag (not too surprising as the bike was meant to be a tourer as well). Close to the same on the back. I've dialed it way back from that day as it was just unbearable to ride with that setting.

I will try the setting from Sport Rider though and report back. Thanks!

By the way, when they say "1 line showing", I assume they mean 1 thread showing, where you adjust preload?

Sport Bike Motorcycle Suspension Settings - Sportbike Review - Sport Rider

 

The front pre-load settings are the giant screws at the top of your forks on either side of the key ignition.

 

No, I know where and how to adjust, I was just asking what they meant in Sport Rider when they say '1 line showing' when referencing how much preload to set. There's not really any 'lines', just threads on the 'giant screw' Obviously, if only 1 line of thread is showing, that's pretty stiff.

 

Gotcha! Yea, you're looking at threads and showing one line is nearly as stiff as the front will get. Take your measurement from the inside of the nut around the screw, you'll notice that the nut is slightly cupped inward toward the screw. The bottom of that cupping is your reference point. If your a corner hound that close to full stiff is right around where you'll want it, despite it's lack of comfort.

 

too much preload unless you are riding track. would soften down to 5 lines

 

Unless you live around some curvy stuff in a safe area and treat it similarly to a track, IMO 5 lines would be too soft. A loose front end dive while cornering can bring up some issues. I guess it depends on how hard your style of riding is.

 

Yeah, it's going to vary from day to day. Some days I have a straight 50 mi shot on the freeway, some days are the twisties. I'll just need to play with it and see which is best. Thanks all!

 

another something - front tire cupped?

 

We are almost the same size and I run with 3 lines showing on my 6th gen. I also think this might be a tire issue, good luck.

 

For the record I did have about 4-5 lines showing, moved it down to 2 and commenced with the long ride home. Much better. It should only get better in the twisties.