rear damping adjustments

[Guest]

I am a 280 pounder and I was wondering how much damping force should I have my bike set for. I noticed when a second rider gets on the rear sinks down way to much. Its set at the factory settings at 4 and the front 3. Should I go higher or not in the rear. If so can I keep it at 5 or 6 when riding solo or must I return it to the factory setting at 4

[The CyberPoet]

Re: rear damping adjustments

'05 Kat, 280 pound rider, unknown passenger weight

I would suggest upping your rear preload to 5 or 6 (based on your weight) and then start testing with the dampening rates to find what works best for you and the type of terrain you cover. You can find some very good articles on setting up your rear suspension on the web (such as Sportrider.com - Setting suspension / static sag), and there is a very detailed article in the September issue of Bike [UK] (available in the USA at many Barnes & Nobles, and Borders bookstores, or by subscription).

Additionally, if you really want to improve the rear suspension, I still have two brand new Ohlins rear shocks (part # SU802) in stock that replace the OEM one with higher quality components and have a built-in remote rear ride-height adjuster... unfortunately, these were not the ridiculously low-ball price I got the first batch for, but are still well under half of SRP (and way below standard dealer cost) at $390 each. They also happen to be the last two in the USA as far as Ohlins & I know, with no more set to be built/imported in the future for our bikes.

Cheers
=-= The CyberPoet

[Guest]

thanks

I can always count on your knowledge when it comes to by newbie questions. thanks a bunch. I may entertain the purchase of that part from you. When you say remote height adjuster do you mean it will adjust the stiffness and height of the rear end at the push of a button and I wouldnt have to get on my hands and knees. If so, how much would you be willing to sell them for and would it require some sort of custom instillation.

[ThAzKat]

Definitely upgrade your suspension. Also check out Racetech.com for front spring calibration.

[The CyberPoet]

Re: thanks

I can always count on your knowledge when it comes to by newbie questions. thanks a bunch. I may entertain the purchase of that part from you. When you say remote height adjuster do you mean it will adjust the stiffness and height of the rear end at the push of a button and I wouldnt have to get on my hands and knees. If so, how much would you be willing to sell them for and would it require some sort of custom instillation.

To buy, see http://www.katriders.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=10917 for details.

To get more info on what the different parts do, see:
http://www.ohlinsusa.com/46drs.shtml (click on the graphic of the remote for a full explanation).

PS - I'll even give you a $70 rebate if you sell me your existing one (off the '05 model). Someone will need it sooner or later.

Cheers
=-= The CyberPoet