Was it just lowered by reducing the preload or did they change the link?

If it is just the preload, go on youtube and search "motorcycle suspension set up" to see how to set the proper sag. The stock spring should be good for your weight.

If you don't know what the OP did to the bike, check your owners manual for the stock damping settings and start there. Keep a record of where they are now and what changes you make so you know if it gets better or worse for your type of riding.

 

PO used a set of lowering links as seen in the photo



I assume the hole nearest the "G" would be the factory height, and I assume the shock linkage is factory. The spring has not been cut, but the PO backed-off the pre-load completely, which makes the sag quite pronounced when I sit on the bike.

I plan to raise the bike back to factory (front and rear) later this week when my new side stand arrives.

 

I would say the bottom hole is were you want to be. When we race these things we jack them up more that stock half the time with adjustable shock lengths. And when I setup a street bike I use this as a guide line!! This seems pretty close and feels good out on the roads.

http://www.sportrider.com/suspension_settings/suspension/146_suggested_suspension_settings/

 

And if you really want to get into a perfect suspension settings you'll have to learn how to read tire wear. Then adjust to what you find, jump on youtube and check out Dave Moss 2 clicks out. And if you spend the time to reserch and learn it'll payoff in the end!!:bounce

 

Thanks. Watched Twist of the Wrist II "Sag" section again, read Lee Parks "Total Control" suspension sections again, and have read and re-read the factory owner's manual and the service manual suspension sections. Also watched several YouTube videos on suspension set-up.

The PO has (I haven't changed anything yet) the front forks cranked with full pre-load and the rear shock with no pre-load; he also has the dampers in the front and rear set for soft. What kind of crazy settings are those? No wonder the bike wallows and squirms in corners! I though it was me--he told me it was all set up for a 160lb rider for street sport riding. Well, it kind of is me for believing him. I'll be putting the bike back to factory height tomorrow, and going back to factory settings. From there, I'll set the proper sag and damping for my riding style. Hopefully, the springs are not worn out.

A quick question: if the previous owner was dishonest, could he have had fork leaks and simply drained all the oil out to hide those leaks? What would the ride feel like if there was no oil in the forks?

 

The PO has (I haven't changed anything yet) the front forks cranked with full pre-load and the rear shock with no pre-load; he also has the dampers in the front and rear set for soft. What kind of crazy settings are those? No wonder the bike wallows and squirms in corners!

Boy, I'll bet that handled like a pig.

BTW. You can find stock links for about $25 on Ebay or probably cheaper at a salvage yard. They don't normally get damaged in a crash so there are plenty of them.

You mentioned you were waiting on "side stands". I'm guessing you meant a rear stand. This will not help to change the link as you need to get the weight off the rear swing arm. You can put two jacks under the rear sets or a pipe though the swing arm pivot to lift the bike.

 

Oil provides the bound and rebound dampening. Without the oil, the front end would bounce for miles after each bump.

It'd feel like, well, just riding on a spring, cause that's exactly what you'd have with no oil. If you've ever ridden in an older truck or horse drawn wagon that was only leaf spring, it'd feel alot like that.

 

Thanks, at least I now know there's oil in there for sure!

 

Yep. New kick stand (aka sidestand). Got a minty kickstand w/springs and bolt for less than $35.00--taken off a 2004 right in the dealership to make the bike a track racer right from the start. Part was brand-effing-new!

Used a steel rod through the swingarm pivot and jackstands and a floorjack with a block of wood under the oil sump. All is back to factory settings along with pre-load and damping. Rear of bike is now 1 3/4" taller than PO had it. Haven't recorded front yet--still have the cowling and fairings off for the steering damper work.