Triumphrat

Sparti · 05-22-2006

I went for a spirited ride yesterday and started to push the S3 a bit more through the corners. On a number of tighter bends I felt the front end give way (felt like a slide). I really thought I’d lost it but all turned out well – this time!
I'm running the factory settings for the suspension and my tires are 6500k's (4040miles) old. The tires haven't been abused.

I have a few thoughts on the subject.

1, I need to have my suspension set up correctly.

2, My tires have gone off.

3, It may be that the outer edge of the tire (chicken strips)I used yesterday was virgin rubber and that’s why I had some grip issues.

I'm leaning (sorry, bad pun) toward the suspension as the problem. If someone out there weighs 70kg (154lbs) and has set up their bike for their weight can they please share their settings. Alternately if someone is a wiz with setting up suspension, please empower me with your knowledge on how to do it correctly.

Thanks in advance

Sparti

stmike · 05-22-2006

The factory settings on my bike's front end were way soft, especially the preload. I turned the to 1/2 a turn out, and the compression 1 1/2 turns out. Feels much better to me now.

BUCKET · 05-22-2006

If you got 6500 on your front tyre (assuming it's a pilot power it might be one of the problems),i hardened up my front rebound a bit and it seemed to correct the front wanting to push out.I'm 90 kg's but,could have been***** on the road too.
Bucket

cheapbastard · 05-22-2006

sparti, could definately have to do with your tires all together. Especially if your edges were "virgin" to the road until then. I think stmike may be on the wrong track for you. The bike was set a little soft for me, but I'm 200lbs!!! Should be plenty stiff for a lightweight like yourself. Do a search on how to set your sag. Motorcyclist magazine had a good "how to" section a year or so ago. Might get you pointed in the right direction! :-D

Curmudgeon · 05-22-2006

I'd start by setting the sag to about 35mm front and 25-30mm rear. I weigh about the same as you, assuming you're giving your weight without gear. Relative to the stock settings, I had to decrease the front preload so that five rings were showing and I had to increase the rear preload about three turns. Changing the chassis attitude like that should make the front feel a little more planted.

TonUp · 05-22-2006

I got 4,100 miles out of my Pilot Powers, no chicken strips, great tires, I only slid once on a pretty cold morning. I also run 34f/36r psi in the street on the Michelins.

I would think the suspension might be ok for your weight. Is your rear tire wearing flat in the middle? What air pressure are you running?

Ton Up!

AttackPug · 05-22-2006

Sport Rider did a multi bike test with the S3 all with suspension setting for all the bikes . I set the forks to their settings work real good for me 235 lbs. They listed softer setting for the shock so I just left it stock out back . :upthumb: :smug:

Sparti · 05-23-2006

Quote:

On 2006-05-22 19:28, TonUp wrote:
Is your rear tire wearing flat in the middle? What air pressure are you running?
Ton Up!

The rear may have worn a little in the middle . The pressure i run is 34psi F & 43psi R

RedNeck-Rat · 05-23-2006

Sparti,

I would back off on that rear tire pressure some first and see if that helps. I run mine around 37/38psi on both front and rear. I weight 180lbs. If that doesn't seem to help then look into the suspension..........

Sparti · 05-23-2006

Quote:

On 2006-05-23 00:07, RedNeck-Rat wrote:
Sparti,

I would back off on that rear tire pressure some first and see if that helps. I run mine around 37/38psi on both front and rear. I weight 180lbs. If that doesn't seem to help then look into the suspension..........

Just curious, how does the rear tire pressure effect the front slipping?