[tuk]

Hi all,

Firstly, Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to all.

So I've put a whole 730kms on my 2007 Sprint ST and am starting to get a good feel for how it handles - but not completely comfortable with it yet.

I've started playing with the suspension settings, although the manual doesn't help as it says the adjustment for the rebound damping on the rear is accessible from the RHS of the motorcycle, roughly below a line from the rear brake pedal - but it isn't there. It appears to be on the base of the shock assembly, accessible from the other side! Hmmm.

Anyway, I've firmed up the front a bit (unfortunately leaving small marks in the alloy slots for the fork adjustment - very soft) and I think this feels better. As for the rear, I haven't done much except very slightly tighten the rear spring but frankly, I don't know if I'm much good at this.

I'm not unhappy with the handling but notice a bumpier ride compared to my previous BM, but given it was a bit more of a "tourer", maybe that's to be expected. I'm just wondering if, out of the box, the front is maybe a bit soft and the rear perhaps a tad too firm.

Anybody got any suggestions for settings? I think the 07 is unchanged from at least the 06 but I might be wrong.

Cheers,

 

[DaveM]

HI tuk,
the manual should have some base settings from which to start experimenting.

It does in the '04 manual at any rate.

This of course is a very subjective personal subject and one I do not believe is simple or an exact science.

Once again two guys same bike what suits my riding style may very well not suit yours.

This link may be of use.

Suspension set up website

cheers,
DaveM

 

[Longpath]

DaveM's link will help, as will this http://www.sportrider.com/tech/146_0402_susp/index.html . I suggest you shoot for somewhere between 30 and 35mm of travel in the rear. Following this guide should get you close.

Unless you have an aftermarket setup (doubtful) you have only preload in the front and preload and rebound damping in the rear...or was that compression? Either way, follow the guide, lol. It did wonders for my bike, and should yours too.

FYI I checked my suspension after there were about 20k mikes on it and found I needed to crank up the preload by 10 clicks and I am a relative lightweight compared to most folks I think! Won't hurt to check your adjustments every year.


Just in case you missed it, the preload screw is on the left side, just under the seat near the spring. You count the clicks from all the way in. When my bike was new, 24-25 was fine...now 15 is right.

Oh, and thanks for asking an interesting question!

[ This message was edited by: Longpath on 2006-12-26 19:41 ]

 

[Beach]

Hey Tuk,

As previously mentioned, setting up the spring preload at both ends to 30 - 35mm for your weight is the place to start.

Our ST's are notoriously under suspended, with the stock springs being very soft. I'm around 75kgs and I nearly ran out of adjustment on the front to get it to 30mm of static sag. Add extra weight, such as pillion and/or luggage and the handling suffers noticeably.

I felt for sure the new series would have higher spec suspension at least as an option. But no...

After you have adjusted your preload, you could try replacing the fork oil. The factory stuff is light and goes off surprisingly fast. I ran 15wt in my 99 ST and now also in the 05 with good results.

By the time you reach 30,000 - 40,000kms, depending on your riding style, the springs will need replacing. This is a good time to up spec your suspension as it will transform the bike. There are quite a few options available depending on your budget. Suffice to say slightly stiffer, quality springs and improving the valving at both ends will bring good results.

Remember to make changes one at a time so you know what has made a difference and to make a note of your starting point as a reference.

Hope this helps.

Brett.

 

[tuk]

Thanks Dave, that link is awesome and easy for a dummy like me to understand. So too the one from you Longpath - thanks very much.

Thanks also Brett for the words of wisdom. I'll talk to the dealer about it during services and good point to keep a note of what changes I make so I know where I'm up to.

Cheers,

 

[DaveM]

Your welcome Tuk.

FYI I am a dummy myself.



DaveM