Suspension set up( kinda long )....

[turbolc2]

I've done the searches and I've done the Google search. My question is, what have I done???

As I understand it, Triumph sets the bike up for a 175lb.ish rider. I am 220lb.

From gostar-racing.com:

Front Preload
Some people set the front suspension based on rider sag and static sag....Rider sag (35-48mm) and Static sag (25-30mm).

Originally I couldn't get the rider sag to the correct specs. I started with approx. 24mm of rider sag and 3 lines showing. I backed the preload adjusters out to 5 lines showing and couldn't get better than 30-32mm.

It kind of dawned on me that heavy rider = more preload, not less, so I screwed them in to 2 lines showing.

Wow my bike has made a 180* turn. More stable at speed and turns a lot easier.

My question. If changing the front made such a change what will changing the rear do?

Should I mess with rear spring preload? If so what's a good starting point?

Is it possible the static sag and rider sag numbers above are reversed?

Sorry for the length. I'm sure some other questions will pop up after some responses...

Thanks...

[29138]

I'm 220lbs also. take this with a grain of salt and do what ya gotta do but....

At our weight the rear shock is useless. Those that don't think so, and are our weight, obviously don't tax the the bike the way it's supposed to be.

If you ride the track or aggressively ride through canyons/twisties....the rear shock can't be adjusted adequately enough for us...period. I worked it and worked it and worked it and even broke down and paid $36 to have it adjusted by a local "pro" shop. Even THAT shop agreed....I'm too heavy for teh stock rear shock.

Bought an Ohlins and WOW. WOW. WOW.

[k1973]

Originally Posted by S3Junkie

I'm 220lbs also.....I'm too heavy for the stock rear shock.

Bought an Ohlins and WOW. WOW. WOW.

ARGHH !!!! don't say that.... now I'm going to have to spend more money...... I'm only at 215, and losing weight is just not an option

[turbolc2]

Originally Posted by S3Junkie

I'm 220lbs also. take this with a grain of salt and do what ya gotta do but....

Thanks for the reply. In your opinion did I do the right thing up front? I don't do any track riding,just "spirited" street driving.

Any who, it seems like I went opposite of what Was writen in all the suspension articles. I guess if it works it works.

[BEEMERPECKER]

Originally Posted by k1973

ARGHH !!!! don't say that.... now I'm going to have to spend more money...... I'm only at 215, and losing weight is just not an option

Ohlins, Wliburs, Penske or any quality shock will provide a superior ride to the stock Showas, but I believe you can get around the rider sag issue by installing a stiffer rear spring. Much cheaper, but not as effective fix.