Race Sag: '05-'06 Speed III

[EG1050]

Hello All,

I'm a proud owner of a '06 White Speed Triple. I'm still in the process of breaking it in, but am wondering about suspension adjustments. From what I understand, the bike's suspension is set for a 170-175 lb. rider.

Since I'm not that weight, I was wondering if anyone out there has some data on static sag and race sag (i.e. sag with rider aboard) for the front and rear suspension for this bike. I thought it would be in the service manual for sure, but haven't seen anything on this important suspension setting.

I would imagine the track riding population on this forum would have some guidance in this area?

Thanks

[Curmudgeon]

My suspension guru thinks rider sag on these bikes should 30-35mm at the front and 25-30 at the rear. I weigh about 175, with gear, and I had to increase preload on the rear and decrease preload on the front. It handles much better at these settings than it did at the factory settings.

[EG1050]

Thanks for the info. Good to hear from someone who has made the adjustments.

[JonnyComeLately]

Great idea if we can get some sag figures for different weights.

Can anyone start for my 220 pounds...yes yes, fett!!

[realizations]

I see you rode a Magna and a Shadow, so you may be used to a cushier ride. I'm 150 lb.and felt the rear was too harsh, and took a lot of preload out, and am now enjoying a better ride. My single-sided Suzuki was very harsh, and I wanted a smooth ride after four years of pounding, smooth like my wife's SV650. It's an easier reach at lights, too. If you're really going to the track, worry about sags. Otherwise, set it up to enjoy it. You'll never run out of cornering clearance with 175 lbs on board.

[Martin_R]

On 2006-04-19 18:57, JonnyComeLately wrote:
Great idea if we can get some sag figures for different weights.

Can anyone start for my 220 pounds...yes yes, fett!!

I am 5kg heavier than you and I have the rear preload at 9 threads showing above the locknut (stock was 4-5) and front preload, if I remember correctly, at 5 out from completely closed (this is tighter than stock, but do not remember how much, do not remember how many rings showing).

These settings gave me ~30m of sag in the front and ~35mm in the back. I was aiming for the said 30mm on the back also, but decided to try the 35mm first as the preload adjuster just kept on going, with almost no measurable difference in sag.

Comp in the front I have a bit tighter, all other settings as manual recommended "normal".

Ride feels good and firm, no good for pothole county though.

Disclaimer: I am no suspension expert. Only a guy on a netboard who has looked into this a bit.

[ This message was edited by: Martin_R on 2006-04-19 22:26 ]

[dr_gallup]

How are you measuring the sag? I am used to a bike with a center stand where you can completely unload the suspension. Are you just comparing the height with and without the rider?

I too am amazed that the owners manual make no mention or rear sag/preload adjustment. There is a brief mention of front preload adjustment but it doesn't specify sag measurements.

[Martin_R]

On 2006-04-20 06:53, dr_gallup wrote:
How are you measuring the sag? I am used to a bike with a center stand where you can completely unload the suspension. Are you just comparing the height with and without the rider?

No. I at least measure sag as unloaded sustension travel minus suspension travel with rider.

You need a buddy or two to unload the suspension. Two guys lift one end of the bike and one measures suspension. You can get by with one guy lifting the rear on the sidestand and other measuring too. And the front is pretty much unloaded if you pull the brake in and pull/lift the front at the same time.

Or get some sort of a centerstand or jack.

[Curmudgeon]

On 2006-04-19 18:57, JonnyComeLately wrote:
Great idea if we can get some sag figures for different weights.

Can anyone start for my 220 pounds...yes yes, fett!!

That's the beauty of sag measurements: they're independent of rider weight.

Or do you mean pre-load settings? In that case, I ended up with 4 lines showing at the front and I can't remember how much thread showing at the rear.

[dr_gallup]

On 2006-04-20 07:28, Martin_R wrote:

No. I at least measure sag as unloaded sustension travel minus suspension travel with rider.

You need a buddy or two to unload the suspension. Two guys lift one end of the bike and one measures suspension. You can get by with one guy lifting the rear on the sidestand and other measuring too. And the front is pretty much unloaded if you pull the brake in and pull/lift the front at the same time.

Or get some sort of a centerstand or jack.

OK, that'w what I'm used to doing on my CR500. I just pick it up and put it on a crate. I'm not man enough to do that with the S3! Looks like a SW-MOTECH centerstand is in my future. I was going to get a Pitbull rear stand but it won't help for sag measurements or be around when I need to lube or adjust the chain on long rides.