tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55137915868027630932024-03-06T00:45:18.050-08:00Suspensions by SasquatchJay Jobeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08774548709079540952noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5513791586802763093.post-4103412833853511462014-11-06T13:34:00.001-08:002014-11-06T13:34:40.237-08:00<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Setting your fork sag</span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
First you need to measure the sag in the same way I
described in my last blog post.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your
forks should sag between 1/4 and 1/3 the distance of your full suspension
travel, which you will need to look at your bike’s specification sheet to find
out that number.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As an example, if you
have 10” of total fork travel, your total loaded sag should be between 2.5” and
3.3”.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
As a guideline, you can use these numbers :*</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><u>Road
Race<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Street<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Dirt (full size)</u></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Sag<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>25-35mm<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>30-35mm<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>60-75mm</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Preload<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>5-25mm<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>10-35mm<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>3-15mm</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Stiction Zone<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>5-15mm<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>5-15mm<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>10-25mm</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
*<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Race Tech’s Motorcycle Suspension Bible, Paul Thede
and Lee Parks</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In order to adjust the sag, you will need to remove the
fork caps to gain access to the springs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You adjust the sag by adding to or removing length from the spacers
between the springs and the stops.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each
fork configuration is different, so consult your manual.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
If you need to add more than the preload spacer lengths
mentioned above to achieve the correct sag number, your springs are too soft
and need to be replaced with the proper spring rate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And in the same way, if you have to remove
more than the recommended preload amount to gain the correct sag, your springs
are too stiff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
It is important to note that these spacer lengths are
important.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Springs, in order to function
correctly need to have some preload on them even when your suspension is fully
extended.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And in the same way, you
cannot correct for a spring that is too soft by adding a bunch of preload.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A .48kg/mm spring is still a .48kg/mm spring
no matter how much preload you cram on top of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Springs are relatively cheap and the reward
you get for a properly handling motorcycle will be worth it each time you let
the clutch lever out to start on a ride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Spring selection</span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Now that you know how to measure and set your sags, in
most cases on bikes where the rider is over 180 lbs or under 160 lbs, you will
need to swap springs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most bikes are set
up from the factory for a 165-170 lb rider.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(I wish I fit into that demographic)</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
There are some online spring calculators but please take
those numbers with a grain of salt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
have found some of the more popular calculators provided by my competitors to
be very far off, especially for dual sport and adventure bikes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Contact me and I can get you the right number
of the spring rate you need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can
either purchase the springs from me, which is of course my hopes, or take that
information and source your own springs from your favorite source.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Sasquatch Suspensions has a large rage of springs
available to you as well as being able to have custom springs made for your
project.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Email me with your specific
needs and I will get a quote to you.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Stiction Zone</span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
What the heck is a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">stiction
zone</i>?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was actually coined by Paul
Thede, an engineer and the owner of Race Tech Inc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a way of measuring how much friction is
within your suspension.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is how to
do it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you measure your unloaded
sag, have your helper lift up on the suspension and just let it settle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Write down this measurement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then have your helper press down on your
forks, compressing them, then gently releasing them and measuring where it
stops.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The difference between your
higher length and your shorter length is your stiction zone.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Friction is all around us, and I am not just talking
about your boss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In simple terms, it is
the resistance to movement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Friction can
be a good thing, like how a tire uses friction to gain traction on the road
surface.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But in other areas great
lengths are traveled to minimize friction, like inside your engine, or within
your suspension.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are points that
generate friction all throughout your suspension.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seals, bushings, bearings, pinch points, etc.,
each adding a small amount of resistance to the smooth movement of your suspension.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you add those small resistances up, it
can actually become quite noticeable and affect how your bike handles.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Here is a simple test to show you what I am talking
about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stand beside your bike with it
off of the side stand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apply the front
brake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Slowly press down on your handle
bars to compress the forks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will
notice that at first the forks do not move, but as you add force, at some point
they will break free and start compressing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is friction keeping you from compressing the forks until the force
of friction resisting movement is overcome by the force you are applying on
them.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Friction in forks comes from the bushings and the fork
seals/wipers and you can never completely eliminate it. Friction can also come
from damage to the forks like from a bent fork tube. As a suspension tuner, I
have spent a lot of time looking for ways to minimize this friction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One process that I have been using with great
success is to actually hone the fork sliders putting a fine cross hatching pattern
in the chrome coating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This microscopic
texture traps oil in the grooves which lubricate the bushings and seals better
as well as breaking the hydraulic seal between surfaces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That seal can be described by taking two
pieces of glass and pressing them together, they come right back apart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But if you place some oil, or water on the
glass surface, then pressing them together, they will lock together, sometimes
requiring a great deal of force to dislodge them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cross hatching the surfaces helps to minimize
this seal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is the same reasons that
cylinder bores in your engine are honed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As a side benefit, I have seen a great reduction in seal failures,
lengthening their service life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each
pair of forks and shocks serviced by us gets this treatment.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Stick around and the next installment on my blog will be
to talk about the difference between high and low speed damping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just a hint; it has nothing to do with your
speedometer reading……</div>
Jay Jobeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08774548709079540952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5513791586802763093.post-65030483181962547112009-10-19T07:10:00.000-07:002009-10-19T07:15:12.909-07:00Basic Suspension Setup<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBz6-ZVZgpBzda4O28dEgu4Z2rXNxvNTtXkKcaCME8KdJx0TZT-j-Qdi7xmltT9iC1mjGj5KUYesPiqS1MvhMbrf35GqJ3vZ6vr1JApZxQ_bpDiKi1DQETpSV7Sv7nKGnxJpVyomGru8/s1600-h/Sag.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 247px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBz6-ZVZgpBzda4O28dEgu4Z2rXNxvNTtXkKcaCME8KdJx0TZT-j-Qdi7xmltT9iC1mjGj5KUYesPiqS1MvhMbrf35GqJ3vZ6vr1JApZxQ_bpDiKi1DQETpSV7Sv7nKGnxJpVyomGru8/s320/Sag.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394314038719912226" border="0" /></a><br />Today I would like to talk about setting the sag on your motorcycle. This is probably one of the most misunderstood, yet simple things to set up. First, you’re going to need a helper, a tape measure and a pad of paper to scribble on. You will also need to get your total suspension travel from your owner’s manual or some other reference material.<br /><br />We need to take three measurements. R1; unloaded sag, R2; static sag, and R3; rider sag. What you do is measure from your axle straight up to some point fixed on your bike. See the photo. The first measurement, R1 is taken with the suspension fully extended. All weight is removed from the bike by either putting it on a center stand, work stand, or by pulling it over on the side stand while your friend measures.<br /><br />Then measure for R2, which is the “Static Sag” is with the bike only carrying it’s own weight, off the stand, balanced upright. The third is R3, which is taken with you on the bike, at least a half of a tank of fuel, all your gear and what load you normally carry. I find that I can balance near a wall using my elbow to keep me right at that balance point while my friend measures.<br /><br />Now that we have those numbers, you will need your total travel from your owners manual. I am going to use 10” of suspension travel as an example. Your bike should squat (R3) 30% of your total travel. In our example’s case, that should be 3”. If you squat more than 3”, you need more preload into your rear spring. If you squat less than 3”, remove some preload.<br /><br />Ok, so where does R2, the static sag come in? Good question. You bike should squat from .5” to 1” depending on the bike you have under it’s own weight. If you have to put in so much preload on the spring to get your R3 number correct that you have less than .5” of static sag, your spring is too soft and you need a stiffer spring.<br /><br />If your rider sag is correct, but you have more than an inch of static sag, your spring is too soft. And obviously, if you can not get your rider sag correct with your stock spring no matter how much preload you put in or take out, you need to go stiffer or softer with your spring.<br /><br />Getting your spring settings correct can totally transform how your bike handles and should be done immediately after getting a new bike. It is one of the cheapest modifications you can do to your bike that gain the most in return.<br /><br />In my next article I will talk about setting the sag in your forks.Jay Jobeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08774548709079540952noreply@blogger.com0