Author Topic: Is this a good suspension setup (Read 4154 times)

FreediverGa · « **on:** August 26, 2005, 10:12:29 AM »

I just finished the install of my progressive springs and decided to go with the stock 10 weight fork and raised the forks 10mm, I thought about maybe going to 12 mm. I can still move them before putting the wheel back on. I was also going to set the dampening from 5 to 6 and 2 to 3 for the rebound setting. Are this good to start off with to figure out if the bikes suspension is balanced out. I'm starting to think twice about maybe sticking with stock 10 weight and should have gone with a lighter oil. what do you B6 rides think about this setup? Should I stick with 10mm fork adjustment or go ahead and make it 12mm.

I'm pretty much converting my b6 to sport riding only kinda ride. I've installed the holeshot sport bike bars and a lift kit for the foot pegs.

thanks for any insight on this subject

tacoman · « **Reply #1 on:** August 26, 2005, 01:23:49 PM »

How much do you weigh? I think the 10wt oil is good. I'm over 200lbs and put in 15wt. Its on the firm side. If you weigh under 190 stay with the 10wt. As for the 10mm or 12mm height, I'm sure its personal choice and you'll have to ride both to see. Are you still on the stock rear shock? The progressives with good fluid will firm the front pretty good. You can run into balance problems because the stock rear shock is wimpy. Again, this depends on how much you weigh. Cranking down the preload may be all you need.

FreediverGa · « **Reply #2 on:** August 26, 2005, 03:00:59 PM »

I about 175-180 but will shortly be at 165-70 I'm training up for my up coming freediving and spear fishing trip. I have the rear set at 5 now and it feels just alittle soft to me. I think 6 or even highest 7 will be more than what I need and the rebound of 3 or even 4 would fine I think.

I thinking about shorting my dogbones to raise the rear so that should make it alittle stiffer in the rear as well! I was going to making my own set like Manny but just need to figure out how much shorter I should make them.

Red01 · « **Reply #3 on:** August 26, 2005, 09:27:19 PM »

Quote from: "FreediverGa"

I thinking about shorting my dogbones to raise the rear so that should make it alittle stiffer in the rear as well! I was going to making my own set like Manny but just need to figure out how much shorter I should make them.

If the 6 is like the 12, anything more than ~1/4" shorter will render the centerstand useless.

FreediverGa · « **Reply #4 on:** August 26, 2005, 11:55:32 PM »

I don't plan on using the center stand anymore just the swingarm racing stand

Red01 · « **Reply #5 on:** August 27, 2005, 01:01:28 AM »

If you get too crazy with tail lifting and/or sliding the forks tubes, you'll be giving an open invitation to tankslappers.

chevsuz12 · « **Reply #6 on:** August 27, 2005, 02:13:35 AM »

This is a stupid question, but ........:

Is there a fork specific oil used, or should any 10W or 15W oil be used? (Such as 15w-30 etc.?)

FreediverGa · « **Reply #7 on:** August 27, 2005, 07:09:12 PM »

no just the settings I've mentioned before and that's it. I'm raising the forks 10mm or 12mm max. I'm going to put on Metisse tail lifter dog bones which will raise it about 1.5 inches! after that I'm just going to work on power. I still haven't installed a jet kit which I'm hope will done why the time I do my first track day in November!

tacoman · « **Reply #8 on:** August 29, 2005, 07:03:40 PM »

To the previous post, are you talking motor oil? I hope not

Yes, there is specific oil called of all things, fork oil. There are several good brands out there, Bel-Ray, Maxima, Golden Spectro. Go by a local bike shop, they should all carry these. My B6 used exactly one quart for both legs. Also, you can mix weights. We used to do this on our old dirt bikes. ie: make a 12wt by mixing 10 & 15wt.

Red01 · « **Reply #9 on:** August 29, 2005, 10:36:50 PM »

I also remember using ATF for fork oil back in the old days. It's 10w IIRC.