Suspension / Geometry

Discussion in 'Technical Help' started by BenVig, Sep 17, 2012.

  1. Hi,

    So, I recently bought my first Duke, a 749s & am keen to get it set up for me.
    im taller and heavier than the guy I bought it off so I'm sure the settings he was running won't be best for me.
    Also, regarding the adjustable rake - just because it can move doesn't mean it should, I know - I'm just unsure where best to set it. I'll be mostly road riding, no commuting, just fun and a few track days here and there.
    Can anyone advise on this - either with tips for setup or a London based suspension guru to visit?

    Thanks a lot,
     
    #1 BenVig, Sep 17, 2012
  2. I think there's someone in Hertfordshire ( St Albans area) who does suspension set ups. Saw it in MCN, so check out this at your local newsagent and go from there. I don't buy it on a regular basis so can't help with the numbers. Will have a look online though.
     
    #2 Archer17, Sep 17, 2012
  3. Try P&H in Crawley, they advertise as set up specialists. Give them a call.
     
    #3 Archer17, Sep 17, 2012
  4. Thanks, Ill give them a call.

    B
     
    #4 BenVig, Sep 17, 2012
  5. #5 loveIt, Sep 17, 2012
  6. Thanks for the link, the page looks comprehensive.

    I've previously adjusted my bike's geometry (zx7r) but never messed with the springs. I've always been cautious of making a hash of it - also, understanding the way the bike rides and translating the feedback to relate to the adjustments that I make is something other than just knowing which screw does what.

    I've never really had that kind of approach to riding and controlling conditions to benchmark on a public road doesn't really seem realistic for me.

    No, I'd rather go to a professional.

    Thanks for the link though, it's definitely going to widen my understanding.

    B
     
    #6 BenVig, Sep 17, 2012
  7. Also on offer at MD Racing in SW London (Walton on Thames)
     
    #7 Stuart Fordyce, Sep 17, 2012
  8. My 848 was set so hard when I got it that I used to get home with a smacked arse where it had mercilessly bounced me about. When we had completed about 1000 miles to bed things in I set to adjusting the preload and that was all it needed! I found a video on YouTube from a Ducati dealer talking about setting up the suspension. If I remember rightly he said Ducati set up the 848 for a 200lb rider! Far heavier than me but explains why I was getting bounced about. Fairly sure it was an American dealer mind :wink:

    When you say you're heavier than the guy you bought it off it's the rider sag that you're talking about which is adjusted via preload. No different to fiddling with compression/rebound as in you don't have to take the bike to bits. You don't have to be a GP rider to know the bike feels nice to you or it doesn't. Just ride your favourite roads before and after adjustment.

    What's a professional going to do? 1) He's going to charge you a fair amount of money and give you a general setup for a bloke of your weight. Basically how they come out of the factory but you don't know what weight rider. 2) He's going to charge you a lot of money and keep making adjustments after you riding it and telling him how it feels.

    Initially put the bike back to factory settings, you may find this alone sorts it out if it's been adjusted. If not set the rear and front preload as per the link. I used to worry about messing with the suspension but certainly at this road level it's not that hard.

    Hope that helps
     
    #8 loveIt, Sep 20, 2012
  9. Learn about sag first loads on internet.....then set your front and rear accordingly to you then start meddling with compression and rebound....
     
    #9 andyb, Sep 20, 2012
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