Hey,
I just got an S4R and I have to say it was quite scary at first. I Dropped the front end 9mm (i wanted 10 but measured wrong) and it was like a new bike!!
Unfortunately I'm short 5'8 i need to lower the rear more then my fat ass (190) does naturally. What is the correct rake (I'm a race car driver don't know the bike equivalent terms yet) front to rear? 5mm difference 10mm difference?
How about bump (compression) and rebound settings for the shocks that works for you guys? I feel the stock settings are a little stiff but don't have the experience to set them up right by feel.
Much appreciated!!
V
First you're gonna need to set the pre-load.
Then get a stati fix on compression and rebound.
Ride it and make any fine adjustments.
It's possible you'll need to have it re-spung for your weight.
What about the ride height (rake) f/r
Quote from: va122 on May 23, 2009, 09:40:05 AM
What about the ride height (rake) f/r
That is more of a personal preference than anything.
They're fairly level as set up at the factory which is too low in the rear IMO.
I have mine set up low in the front and as high as possible in the rear with the stock parts.
I like the way the bike turns that way.
If you're trying to work around a height requirement so you can reach the ground you may encounter ground clearance issues.
What is more important is swing arm angle which will determine how the bike tracks on the power out of corners. I believe the preferred number is 11 degrees downward front to rear of the arm itself.
I have mine set up like DP for the same reasons.
Might I add that the Ducs tend to ride/handle better with more rebound and less compression.
Also increase the spring preload for your weight. I believe the S4R was originally sprung for a 160 -170# rider so you're not too far out of the parameter. I'm 210 -220# which required new springs (attached to Ohlins [evil])
Very helpful, so i'll take a level and measure the angle rather then guessing.
I was thinking i'd lower the front as much as possible (-20mm?) and lower the back to where the front is now (-10mm from stock)
Quote from: ducpainter on May 23, 2009, 10:29:52 AM
That is more of a personal preference than anything.
They're fairly level as set up at the factory which is too low in the rear IMO.
I have mine set up low in the front and as high as possible in the rear with the stock parts.
I like the way the bike turns that way.
If you're trying to work around a height requirement so you can reach the ground you may encounter ground clearance issues.
What is more important is swing arm angle which will determine how the bike tracks on the power out of corners. I believe the preferred number is 11 degrees downward front to rear of the arm itself.
Sorry for the noob questions but how do i adjust preload?
Quote from: alfisti on May 23, 2009, 11:10:50 AM
I have mine set up like DP for the same reasons.
Might I add that the Ducs tend to ride/handle better with more rebound and less compression.
Also increase the spring preload for your weight. I believe the S4R was originally sprung for a 160 -170# rider so you're not too far out of the parameter. I'm 210 -220# which required new springs (attached to Ohlins [evil])
Quote from: va122 on May 23, 2009, 11:23:27 AM
Sorry for the noob questions but how do i adjust preload?
Before you start doing much, you should set sag...which is done by adjusting preload.
You'll need at least one helper, and should wear all your gear.
You're looking for total sag in the 30-40 mm range.
First you top out the suspension and measure from a fixed point to one near the wheel.
Then you bounce the bike and measure again. That is static sag.
Then get on the bike, and in a normal riding position measure one final time. That is total sag.
If you can't get the desired number by adjusting the preload in or out you need different springs for your weight. Also if you adjust the preload so much that you have no static sag you need different springs.
There should be adjusting nuts on the front forks, and a large ring nut on the rear shock
Be aware that if you lower the front below the stock setting and bottom the front suspension, your tire will likely hit the radiator.
You *may* be able to get away with -10mm, but at -20mm you're pushing your luck.
Get a rear spring that's right for your weight.
Something around an 11.0 kg/mm - 600 lb/in rear spring.
Front springs are about right, but you may want to go up to a .90 set if it feels too soft.
this forum kicks ass, you guys rock! Thanks! [thumbsup]
I'm 190+ and my rear shock is fine. Not sure about all this talk about needing to get a different spring. [roll]
Quote from: cgos4r on May 25, 2009, 06:10:07 PM
I'm 190+ and my rear shock is fine. Not sure about all this talk about needing to get a different spring. [roll]
Define...
fine. ;D
lol, well, it's not screaming at me! [bacon]
The rear shock has plenty of adjustment left in it, dampens well, doesn't squat, and the bike lays into the corners perfectly.
Quote from: cgos4r on May 29, 2009, 09:37:33 PM
lol, well, it's not screaming at me! [bacon]
The rear shock has plenty of adjustment left in it, dampens well, doesn't squat, and the bike lays into the corners perfectly.
Still got the OEM spring on it?