600RR - Suspension is Whacked

stormcat

stormcat

Well-known member
Ok, who knows suspension setups and will take payment in beers and smiles?

The rear suspension on my bike ('05 CBR600RR) is totally whacked. It seems too hard so when I hit a bump, it knocks me into the tank pretty bad (yes, I have Tech Spec on the bike and grip it). It's like it wants to throw me off. I've remarked several times that I'm thankful I'm not a guy because otherwise I would have ended up sacked. :o

Lately it's doing something else odd. Going into right-handers it wiggles. I can't think of a better word. It feels just like when you hit hot tar snakes where the bike wiggles and then grabs again. There's lots of tread, so that's not the issue.

So, who wants to help with this suspension? :cool:
 
I think you may be good with simply removing the preload on your rear suspension. Your manual has a section on how to set it, if you have it. If not, there is a tool that looks like a letter C on a stick :) (this should be in your tool kit under your passenger seat) that will fit the gears at the bottom of your rear shock. Righty tighty (Firmer) Lefty loosey (softer) and your rockin.

If you want a complete suspension setup with sag... that will definitely cost you beers.
 
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I'm thinking I should pay someone in beers to do this for me. Someone who can look at me and say, "this would be a good setup for your height, weight and riding style." How many beers is up to you.
 
I would start with checking sag: http://www.sportrider.com/tech/146_0308_set_your_static_sag/index.html
Your friends can help you and it should take 10 minutes.

I would never let someone I don't know touch the suspension on my bike. It would be better to show up at a Pro6 track day and have John Sharrard set it up properly for you.

As for the wiggle, does your rear tire have a flat spot on it? This would cause my VFR to wiggle as the edge of the flat spot contacted the road.
 
BE VERY CAREFUL ABOUT PLAYING AROUND WITH YOUR SUSPENSION.

it could have fatal consequences.

my suggestion is to set it back to stock settings (should be in your manual) and have a professional WHO IS KNOWLEDGEABLE about setting up suspension have it set up for you. It has more to do with weight and the kind of roads you want to ride than your actual height or riding style.

if your rear tire feels like its wiggling and grabbing in a corner, it sounds like your suspension is too stiff and is actually bouncing the rear tire. VERY DANGEROUS as you will lose traction as it bounces.

this can happen if you have too much preload or compression damping, or too little rebound damping.

have you lowered the bike?
 
Franko! said:
I would never let someone I don't know touch the suspension on my bike. It would be better to show up at a Pro6 track day and have John Sharrard set it up properly for you.
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Having a pro setup your suspension is always ideal. But they will ask you a key question "what kind of feel/response do you like (Firmer/Softer side)" and "where do you ride".

Make sure your honest and say street riding. I've seen allot of people say set it up for the track because they think its faster. In fact its worse.

Problem is that they usually don't accept beer as currency lol.


I personally set my own sag, but Rebound and compression I leave up to the pros as I don't have a good feel for that yet.
 
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Tornique said:
Make sure your honest and say street riding. I've seen allot of people say set it up for the track because they think its faster. In fact its worse.
Click to expand...

I'm currently using the bike double duty for street and track. Here's hoping there's a happy medium available.
 
stormcat said:
I'm currently using the bike double duty for street and track. Here's hoping there's a happy medium available.
Click to expand...

just get a shop to set up for you, then find out how many clicks for track and street. write them down so you can switch yourself whenever you want.
 
Stormcat, I see that you live in Brampton.

Pay a visit to Brampton Powersports. Speak to Brad at the parts/service counter. Or, Mark in the shop. BOTH of them are very knowledgeable, have considerable roadracing background, and will send you in the right direction. Tell either one of them that I sent you there and that they owe me a beer :-)
 
+1 on what Brian suggested.
If you're ever in Aurora, let me know and I can help.
 
You live in the GTA...take it to PRO 6. for like $20-$30 they will set your sags for you. They will adjust your front and rear for your weight, ride height, riding style. They will still take smiles...and cash...for payment. Ask the experts...
 
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