Soon I'm getting an 1100S, and one of the big things that I'm looking forward to is the adjustability of everything -- to help me be happy with it for at least 5 years.
I was hoping someone could point me in the right direction towards info about the 1100S's suspension and how to adjust it and what the theories are behind making adjustments and how to learn all that fun stuff as best I can. I know that shocks take some time to settle in, so I don't plan on touching any of the adjustments until at least after the 600mi check up; but I would love to start learning about them.
Also, I only weigh ~130lbs and know that typically these bikes are aimed at riders in the 160lbs area. Do I need to look into new springs or can the preload take care of that?
Thanks!!
Generally, from my understanding anyway, a spring won't have a wide enough range of adjustment to cover 30 lbs. I'm thinking different springs and perhaps lighter oil is indicated.
You might want to pm ducvet. He's a sponsor and a suspension guru.
theres several threads that were just posted a few days ago. one links to a good book. and another to a website called onthethrottle.tv
i suggest you do some reading and watching/taking notes from the website. it will help you understand which part of your suspension does what.
im not sure if the psirngs are linear or progressive, if they are the later, they are probaly just right at the top of travel, and too harsh at the bottom of travel.
if its linear, then it depends on the rate of the spring. i dont know what rate it is, but for refrence on my s2r1000, which i am 150lbs, i went to linear springs that for hte most part is heavier than the progressive in there.
You can decrease the preload to help, but yes, it's very likely that the OEM springs will be too stiff.
The damping will likely be too stiff as well, even if you adjust it.
But I've not had any time on an 1100S, so no FHE on the range of adjustability.