Question for the suspension gurus

[BK_856er]

Step 1 = Set sag on both ends for YOU (aka, spring tension or preload).  This affects geometry and puts the spring in its sweet spot.  Requires two people.  From this you will also learn if the springs are suitable for your weight.  This part is strictly math.  Make sure you don't have some whacky stiction going on.  Same for all bikes.

Step 2 = Check damping behavior (aka, clickers).  Start with the factory defaults.  Aim for front/rear balance.  See how Moss does it on youtube, for example.  This part is somewhat art and technique, and highly subject to rider preferences and style.  I understand the S1000RR is more "indexed" than most bikes with respect to numbered settings.

Step 3 = Visit your local suspension guru - not normally the dealer - and let them work their magic for $20-50 (optional).

BK

[abby normal]

Not quite what I was asking. The springs will have a rate and that needs to be inline with the weight of the bike, rider and expected cargo (not in this case) for optimum performance. More or less preload does not alter that spring rate

The implication was that on stock springs and with my mass, the indicated
Preloaded is correct.  That's all I can do for now until if / when an expert
Tells me the springs need to be changed.

Ifanyone knows a good suspension shop in San Diego, that would help.

[Slide Panda]

Dunno how much suspension they specialize in, but you've got Ca cycleworks there

[freeclimbmtb]

The implication was that on stock springs and with my mass, the indicated
Preloaded is correct.  That's all I can do for now until if / when an expert
Tells me the springs need to be changed.

Ifanyone knows a good suspension shop in San Diego, that would help.

I had really good luck with GP Motorcycles when I was out in SD (hey its where Tom Cruise buys his Ducatis..)...send DTR a message, hes in Escondido and could point you toward a suspension shop...  If your in the north county, Moto Forza in Escondido is another good shop... I have a few friends out there that swear by them.

[Slide Panda]

Isn't Dave Moss out there some place as well?

[abby normal]

yeah, forza is great.  that's where i purchased the 848.  not sure i want
to slink up there and ask them to set up suspension on an evil I-4.

i backed out the front pre-loads to 4 lines showing.  front end feel (pushing
on the bars) is now qualitatively similar to the 848.  i'll give it a try over the
weekend.

[freeclimbmtb]

I wouldnt worry about hurting their feelings...money is money...you bought a bike so they made money, now your bringing them a bike to work on...so paying them more money...as for it being an I4...at least its still european so maybe they wont pee in your gas tank..

[creaking leathers]

Suspension aside for just a second…it's winter in at least half of the world right now.

How cold was it that day?  Was the road cold?  Were the tires warmed up? 

It's not uncommon for a road to lag 90 minutes behind air temperature.  I remember one track day where the track surface temp was about 30 degrees at 9am…and air temp was around 70.  It was a cold night, the cold track led to 9 crashes in the first two sessions…six of those in the first session and seven total on the first lap. 

Back to the suspension:  some of the best money I've ever spent on a bike was the $40 to have a professional set sag and initial settings.  I've since made the determination that professionals are there for a reason.

[freeclimbmtb]

It's not uncommon for a road to lag 90 minutes behind air temperature.  I remember one track day where the track surface temp was about 30 degrees at 9am…and air temp was around 70.  It was a cold night, the cold track led to 9 crashes in the first two sessions…six of those in the first session and seven total on the first lap. 

Good point, a buddy did a track day at Louden this summer, I think there were 11 lowsides in the first session, anouncer finally came on and reminded everyone to let their tires warm up.