Suspension set up problem?

[nuttyprof1]

Hi there. In my 2003 Bandit 1200S the front tire seems to wear much faster than the rear. Could this be a suspension setup problem? And, I find it hard to change the spring preload in the back: from what direction is it better to approach the job? Any tricks?
Thanks
Giulio

[reaper]

do you go in to a bend to quick panic and start to front brake ? i no that waers them out prity quick.

[nuttyprof1]

No, my goal is always to be as smooth as possible, that is to have the proper entry speed so I don't have to do that (Read "The Pace" by Nick Iennatsch). I do go fast, though, and do canyon carving at least once a week.

[andrewsw]

Does the front wear evenly? Is the front end straight?  maybe you've got an alignment problem there that is wearing the front end quickly.

maybe its a lack of wheelies?  

[nuttyprof1]

Yes, pretty evenly, no scalloping or anything, with just a little bit more wear on the left side (but I think it's normal, given the slant of the roads I commute on). I should definitely try to wheelie more often....  

[andrewsw]

some thoughts that may or may not have any relation to reality:

If you've got the preload too high in the rear, that could put more weight on the front possibly resulting in additional wear.

maybe you're dragging a brake on the front? I remember once I had a small bubble in one of my calipers (crappy bleeding job by yours truly) which was small enough that I didn't notice much sponginess, but when the brake got hot, that thing would expand and clamp down on the rotor and drag.... heh. that was fun.

are you running matching tires?

how many sets of tires have you seen this behavior on?

[Ranger]

[oremike]

I'll bet if your running the same tires front and rear you need to up your front tire pressure. I run the Pirelli diablo stratas at 36 rear and 38 front with no issues, rear lasts 5000 miles and front lasts 10,000.
Mike M.

[nuttyprof1]

Thanks to all. This is the first set of tires I have used on this bike (bought it at 1000 miles in March, now nearing 7000). The tires on it were the OEM, now I put on Pirelli Diablo matching tires. I thought it might be too much preload, but I will also try a little more pressure in the front. I had not thought about the brake dragging, but I do not think it's happening. I like sometimes to feel the rotors after a ride, just to make sure they are not overheating from something like that, and they have been OK.
So far, after only about 200 miles, I like the Pirellis. BTW, I find changing the rear preload a pain (no room for leverage on the tool). Is there a trick to it?
Giulio

[oremike]

I use a set of channel lock pliers to change my rear preload, handles are about 14" so get better leverage than the stock took.