Suspension theory question.

[Tragic Image]

So, about 2 months ago I bought an 04 525 EXC. I've gotten about 20 or so hours on it, roughly 250 miles or so? Really just familiarization miles.
This is my first dirt scooter, and so I'm pretty new to alot of the ideas present within.

Today, I decided that while I was doing general maintenance I would give my suspension a solid once over and verify the original settings via the owners manual.

I noticed that on the bottom of the forks, the two adjustment screws were not adjusted Symetrically. The right side was about 5 clicks ahead of the left. I balanced them out.

Next I came to the rebound dampners. Left side was 10 Clockwise clicks from the stop. Right side was in a nominal position.

There were issues with the rear as well, but not as confusing to me.


Did I undo some sort of suspension voodoo that the previous owner performed? Was there a specific result that he was trying to achieve?

He probably weighed in at 280+ lbs, and the bike is sprung with all Original Equipment. Has approximately 30 total hours on the bike.

[yzmaico]

I would have the suspension sag checked for your weight first.

You might need springs.

I would have the suspension serviced, at least a fluid change.

Mess with the clickers last.

[Tragic Image]

Originally Posted by yzmaico

I would have the suspension sag checked for your weight first.

You might need springs.

I would have the suspension serviced, at least a fluid change.

Mess with the clickers last.

thanks.

my question was "why did the last guy do this".


I'm not adjusting the clickers to get it to match my weight. I'm returning them to the factory settings. MY weight is within the acceptable range for the spring rates I have now, previous owners weight was well outside of the nominal range.

[baloneyskin daddy]

Maybe he only turned one way

[ibafran]

It is not unsual for a rider to get 'lost' in his suspension set up after a series of adjustments. Tiny distractions and miss-rememberings are common. Thus settings become dissimilar after a time if care is not taken. Usually most of this can be controlled by keeping a suspension log. Keeping the log usually slows the adjustment wrenches down enough so that the job has a much better chance of being done correctly. The rule of thumb is that if you haven't got enough time to keep the log then you haven't got enough time to do the work well,

[kenny61]

Buy this http://www.amazon.com/Techs-Motorcyc...8089652&sr=8-1 well worth the money

[blues]

To answer your question, I'd say he screwed up.

8 year old bike? Did you r&r the fork oil? Air gap to spec? Very carefully align the front end and set up the steering head bearing?

Even though it's suppose to be ok I'd check the sag anyway. The shop that sold it might have set it up for a 280lb rider.

Originally Posted by Tragic Image

thanks.

my question was "why did the last guy do this".


I'm not adjusting the clickers to get it to match my weight. I'm returning them to the factory settings. MY weight is within the acceptable range for the spring rates I have now, previous owners weight was well outside of the nominal range.

[viverrid]

Originally Posted by Tragic Image

Did I undo some sort of suspension voodoo that the previous owner performed? Was there a specific result that he was trying to achieve?

Not likely, or if there was, it is a mystery to you. Returning to stock settings for a new-to-you bike is a fine place to start. Don't sweat what the other guy did.

[Tragic Image]

After two days of riding on the "new" set up there are definite things that I like more.

But the bike feels less planted in corners, while doing much better through less certain terrain.

Is this a common trade off

[LuciferMutt]

Originally Posted by Tragic Image

But the bike feels less planted in corners, while doing much better through less certain terrain.

Is this a common trade off

On stock suspensions, yes. To get a cushy ride over rough stuff, the damping needs to be dialed back but the crappy stock springs don't maintain good control while cornering. A bouncier ride more prone to bottoming is usually the result. A suspension that offers a cushy ride AND appropriate damping and spring control is expensive.

[MrLebowski]

Originally Posted by Tragic Image

But the bike feels less planted in corners, while doing much better through less certain terrain.

Slide your forks up a half inch. And check/set your sag.