2 Clicks Out: Motorcycle Shock Static Sag

[@cryptout]

If you think this is impressive, wait till you see Dave look at a rear tire and tell the rider what food he had for dinner the night before.

[@johnbomenka6131]

Thanks for the good laugh brother.

[@AndrewFosterSheff69]

I'm betting everyone went out to their bike and tested for static sag after this video. Loving your work brother!

[@maidenstrat1]

I'm setting everything up tomorrow!

[@Achilles22]

bang on mate

[@c0mputer]

Going out to the bike right now...

[@warsok2151]

😂😂😂😂 I left mine alone

[@benjaminbutton1124]

I definitely did and I have none, totally wish this guy was closer to me. I'd gladly pay him to tune my cbr

[@britishbulldog8966]

It’s refreshing to see a confident expert, not trying to show off, just educating people and showing them how to be better. Excellence shouldn’t be a dirty word. Cheers.

[@Pentoute45]

"Are you riding a chopper ? No you are not. So why should you suffer the indignity of riding one?" Words right there. Thanks Dave for the amount of info any enthusiast riders can get from your channel and expertise.

[@garrit3363]

You sir, are the Gordon Ramsey of motorcycles. But much friendlier

[@mloclam6917]

Well said that man

[@mrneatmuzic1022]

Tiitittiitittiiietiitietieeiitietietitietiiteiteititi

[@DJDeonPearson]

Gordon Ramsey is the Dave Moss of culinary... ...but not nearly as cool. Or fast!

[@GabenHood]

I would kinda like to see that, guy rocks up with too much pre-load, "oh for fks sake!".

[@dndmotoph1418]

Love how Dave constantly educates the riders of the bikes he's tuning

[@flinch622]

It's a must. I'd bet half the riders in need of adjustments thought 'more is better' and cranked their adjustments completely out of whack. Ignorance is not bliss on a bike.

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Static sag with the bike under its own weight should be 15-25mm in the front and 10-15mm in the rear with cold suspension. Rider sag should be a totally separate number. Add both together. Static sag creates a dead space so when the shock (most important) tops out it does not ping you straight out of the seat.

[@Dub3God]

Dave Moss Tuning when are you coming to the Philadelphia NJ area.

[@chipper442]

I have just discovered your videos. Do your tips apply to dirt bikes as well? I ride and race dirt and just ride street, no track days. I have an '06 883C an '83 VT500 Ascot, and race a '84 and '95 CR250r Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@bcyz1000]

Dave, I do not understand why a lack of 'static sag' would "smash you out of the seat". Static sag is being set with no rider on the bike. Bikes normally will have a rider when in motion. For example, when that rider hits a bump, the suspension is not sitting at static sag, its sitting at rider sag...which is 20-30mm more than the static number... Am I missing something? In your metaphor about being the second kid on the trampoline....are we not also the first kid since we are sitting on the bike? How can we be both? Thanks in advance!

[@bcyz1000]

@SSR Suspension I am not disagreeing with that statement. However, i am still not sure why a lack of static sag matters at all since the bike will have rider weight compressing the suspension at all times. If the bike drove itself with no rider, I would understand...but if there is a rider on the bike, you will never have the rear shock fully extended when hitting bumps...unless I am missing something. To be clear, I am not trash talking, I genuinely want to understand the physics behind this concept.

[@Robnoxious77]

bcyz1000 because under brakes the rear will unload due to weight transferring to the front. A little give beyond that means the suspension has a little give left in it under brakes?

[@zesty1725]

I like the fact that he does this on a variety of different motorcycles.

[@michaeldobson8859]

This is why I love riding my Multistrada with DSS. JUST PRESS A BUTTON and it figures it out for me and it has taught me how it should feel when properly setup. Watching Dave has taught me the mechanics of what I already knew but needed to see it being implemented. Thanks Dave, your simply amazing.

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Thank you for wanting to learn more and trusting my videos to leverage to that end.

[@catalystreactionsbw]

@old man strength Measure to a decal, piece of tape or scratch. Your call on the point to measure to.

[@denisrailey777]

Sir Dave Moss. You may have saved my life by the importance of correct suspension settings. I no longer bounce around corners but smoothly progress around corners. I am now in my 70 so I thank you so much for your advice from NZ where we have a lot of bumpy roads.

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Thank you Denis. Hope to be back on tour with classes in NZ for 2022 if NZ opens up to tourists. I would love to get back to saving lives with Shiny Side Up events.

[@DàvidNewton-u7q]

Lol im 69 and been riding since 1971 and didn't have a clue about suspension set up until i started watching these videos, they are so informative. I ride in the UK and there are bumps and potholes everywhere so hoping this will help improve my riding experience

[@Invis_Space]

@4:36 static inception. I have now found a new joy.... 1 coffee + 1 new Dave Moss video. 🙏🏻

[@johnrutledge3892]

This is really important . This guy's knowledge and work undoubtedly has and will save lives. Very cool.

[@kennethelderhorst]

Your a top bloke!. I have a 2001 R1 & MT-09 2022 which was easy to ride, I followed your steps and did all adjustments, The bike glides around, I'm amazed at how smooth wheelies are now. They should show your videos when people get there learners. You save lives

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Thank you for using the information I provided and posting your experiences that resulted from changes being made. A tip of my hat to you sir!

[@Boxer4ever]

Not sure why only 47k subscribers. It’s fast, clear, without talking too much. Once some time ago I have used PB Uk magazine chart they did with group of bikes. I followed that chart for zx6r, risen rear height, soften rear spring (a lot) added preload to the front forks, played some clicks with compression. This was only based on tester weight, so not really custom setup. It was really different from factory setup anyway. I mean the bike was completely different, it was amazing, softer and more friendly on the road, but way sharper to turn and nimble because of added rear height. Guys! Don’t do crazy upgrades, don’t buy shit you don’t need. Make sure you have good tyres and do professional suspension setup! You will be amazed. Most of bikers should watch his videos to get the idea. Thank you Dave!

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Thanks for the support! We have no idea why so few subscribers. This channel is unique so the only thing we can think of is that it is too technical.

[@Boxer4ever]

Dave Moss Tuning it is technical indeed, but it gives idea how important suspension is. You go down to dealers to buy new bike, no one ever ask what’s your weight, 70-80-110kg. You just get the bike and that’s it. If it’s too technical just go to see specialist! Best tuning you can do without changing hardware on the bike (in most of the cases). Thank you Dave and Guys for being there!

[@louscannon6265]

Dave, your accent, I can't place it - but I don't need to. This is straight down to earth facts, clearly you know your science and there is none of the repetitive bluster of so many other channels. Maybe thats not an accent, that is the voice of knowledge and experience. This is absolute mustard.

[@assortedpov]

I've been watching some of his videos and trying to guess the accent too. Think I hear hints of northern English (Manchester maybe) but it's faded a bit from probably travelling a lot. Anyhow yeah watched a bunch of videos about suspension and he's the only guy I really feel like I'm understanding

[@firmbutton6485]

He’s a Mix of Aussie American and English!

[@thomasyo75]

Dave's a combination of loving his job & having almost zero patience for people with zero preload lol

[@King-Arthur-The-First]

reasonable static sag just shows you that you have a reasonable suspension spring if its set for you with reasonable rider sag. ie zero static sag usually shows you have too light a spring fitted because you have to put a stack of preload on it to stop it sagging too much because of your weight.

[@pdubowner]

Dave Moss is such a genius that when he talks very few people can keep up with him.

[@Ryan_Harkin]

Dave is a credit to the biking community.

[@wfloes5420]

Great camera angle and explanation on multiple set ups! Beautiful

[@paulh9301]

Just checked the static sag on my 2018 MT - 07. Absolutely none with all the pre-load removed. Hitting big bumps on the highway does make me want to fly off my bike. Thanks Dave! for teaching me why my bike is doing that to me.

[@catalystreactionsbw]

As soon as you get the fork oil viscosity changed and trim the spacer, it will be a different bike. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jl7YmpyhqLymhdU

[@getabiggerhammer342]

My conclusion from this video... there is my bike... and then there is my bike's hidden potential for giving me a better ride after applying these tuning tips.. can't wait to try this and unleash the bike within.

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Excellent statement, perception and goal. Start with ergonomics, then sag, then damping. Use a cable tie on the right fork tube to assess travel used. Then experiment with cold pressures. In this sequence, your knowledge will grow on a solid foundation.

[@randy1203]

I just came across your video, and I subscribed. Thanks for waking me up to properly setting up my bike Sir!!! Now I can have a safer ride at 64 yrs old!!

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Never too young to learn something new right! :) Welcome to a new and more comfortable (old) bike.

[@joelfildes5544]

Static sag,is used to determine if the spring weight is correct for the rider.

[@HalospeedGT5]

knowledge and humor personality make it easy to like this , nice to watch and learn something along.

[@johncarlson1877]

Thanks for promoting safe riding and putting people in the know or at least getting them to think about it some

[@scorsesefan91]

You are watching a master at his craft.

[@LiquidAudio]

Been riding all my life and still learned some really useful stuff from this vid. Thank you!

[@medievalX]

For the track and street fast use, I harden the compressiotion than further, and more important I hard the rebound, feel the bike firmer, more responsive but I don't test yet on track

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@guyedwards6696]

Thanks Dave my Street triple was showroom set with too much rear preload. It didn't budge and felt light in the rear on breaking, and hard on bumps. Two clicks longer and feels good.

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Glad it helped

[@guyedwards6696]

@@catalystreactionsbw Yes, thanks all the way from Merseyside

[@catalystreactionsbw]

@@guyedwards6696 You are very welcome and thanks for rolling up your sleeves and finding the settings you need.

[@caramelamcphee8106]

I can tell that the camera man has a lot of interest . As he knows exactly where that spanner is going & where he needs to be to get the best shot . Would love Dave to set up my enduro bike

[@catalystreactionsbw]

We can do that via remote tuning, so you have the ability for me to help you set it up.

[@kawilifezx10r23]

Dave you need to come to massachusetts. Cycle gear in woburn, ma. We spoke last season about this but due to schedule and financial reasons you werent able to make it. If you came during a bike night im positive we could get 50-100 bikes to show up.

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Then I will look into this further. I cannot physically get through more than 60 bikes a day before I a physically depleted. I can price out the cost of the trip and see how many bikes it would take to break even. Ir would not be on a bike night - it would be a stand alone event.

[@intravelt5684]

There’s only two people in motobike world you need to know. Mechanical topics Dave and riding topics MotoJitsu.

[@LoudGuitar14]

I went and took a click out of preload on the back of my bike because of this video. I kinda think I had static sag but now I am sure I have some. Have to see how the bike rides tomorrow

[@svendusmcveteraner]

valuable information thank you for shearing 👍 we even lowered our bike 30 mm mounting longer 🦴 dog bones and 15 mm in the front forks after adjusting the static’s i think an adjusting of the low beam on the headlight are also necessary

[@Daschickenify]

Truly therapeutic to watch. Informative too!

[@brandonfontaine285]

This guy is a suspension wizard.

[@jag3217]

Not only working on there Bikes u have to deal with customers.Great Job Dave

[@perrysimpson4906]

I have watched tis video several times but not got around to checking this my concentration on front end etc/runs revealed despite rider sag matching front some discomfort on some sharp bumps. Checked static rear found barely 4mm adjusted preload now very close to 10mm for my GSXR 1000 K4 suspension fitted K2 - cheers. Look forward to next run out to check results.

[@gsxrdevaangk7346]

First you have to check if the spring is the stock spring. Sometimes a former owner mounted another one because of his weight or he is alway's driving with a passenger. In other words you have to change the spring. When they don't want another spring the compromize it with such a hard spring with no static sag. So there is mostly a reason wy they choose for no static sag.

[@snowpirate1619]

The person/s at Yamaha who chose the suspension and base settings for the 2018/19 MT07 needs a good slap 😄...Can't wait till I upgrade

[@dragking9735]

"sometimes fancy it cost more money for no reason" an advice from the expert for all newbies that all show no performance, stock is the best afterall

[@edispatssautoks7179]

About a month ago I have been forced to swap to stock exhaust, which was passed to me along with the bike. Gosh! It is different machine now, the bike, how its engine was designed and tested in the whole bundle. So much more from... the stock, exactly.

[@sbkpitstopgarage8656]

That adjuster tool looks special one. I hardly can’t find it on internet. Can send me a link where to buy that tools. Thanks Dave, you’re the best.

[@catalystreactionsbw]

www.maxiscoot.com/en/product/buzzetti-c-spanner-43660

[@chriscunha3246]

im def scheduling some sort of remote session with you Dave when the weather here in NJ gets nicer and im back on my '18 triumph street triple RS more... pure magic these vids!

[@snakepliskin1185]

A few mm here and there makes all the difference and also makes Dave Moss a nice living.

[@youtubeisasshoe8153]

This dude is a awesome at his job

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Thank you - it took a lot of years to really understand what was needed and then be able to communicate to any rider the what and why in clear and understandable terms.

[@timothymartin5665]

Love this guy stay strong Dave Moss,

[@dannyipwn1203]

I don't like that not a single rider rode and tested before / after feeling.. im a larger rider myself. and ive set my bike to have MINIMAL static sag, and i focused more on rider sag. my bike felt like complete poop when setting it up how others "suggested" after measuring everything myself and starting with factory suspension settings the bike woke right up. I then followed a very trusted suggestion of them saying to stiffen everything up tight just like the GP riders. You HAVE to absolutely consider Cornering stability, and also straight line stability. braking stability and on/off throttle stability. From my personal experience (and it may not be worth much) i found INFINITELY more confidence through corners when i tightened the bike up. i absolutely did not like coming on throttle and feeling the rear end squat/sag while im flying through a corner flat out. It made my trajectory unpredictable at best. i also noticed that the softer rear makes the bike turn response duller? when i had the bike stiff everything was SHARP. i could avoid anything. like i said my confidence was through the roof when i measured/stiffened the bike based on FACTORY specifications. (never listen to the guy that doesnt start from factory) In my final conclusion i would like to see track times. Bike performance is first priority. Rider comfort is second.

[@pawelbroniewski7100]

At least one man know what he is doing!!!

[@bccapone837]

The bat man fz1 I've seen that before 😂👍🏼✌🏼

[@randomusernumber1]

as a chopper rider i never even suspected of the indignity i was suffering , i shaw go and inform all of mi friends about this and we will all go on GSX R'S . I am onlyt joking ofc as i assume you are as well , lets respect all riders eh :D . Great vids , the only indigniity i have suffered over the years is i never knew of your chanell before yesterday so now i am binging it all , it is quite unhealthy but at least it will keep me off that chopper :D .

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Enjoy the content and start with a cable tie on the right fork leg to see how much travel you are using. Thanks for watching!

[@beverleynorth4914]

Great to see the enthusiasm you have in setting up riders safely. Please confirm that my reasoning is correct. If rear travel is 90mm then I need total of 30mm sag ( ie 10mm static sag and 20mm rider ) I assume that the measurements are taken with the bike on ground not centrestand?? Also if I take a pillion then the suspension will need to be firmed up, won’t this reduce the static sag??

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Yes, correct and make sure you trust the person measuring :)

[@nac5000]

6 years without rear sag holy.....

[@57energon]

Aren't you afraid, that removing too much preload will make the bike wallow in turns? I would love to have Dave fit my bike. I am impressed.

[@xfilecity]

Excellent video and free knowledge, thank you Dave.

[@darkchild4neverever]

And here I thought getting bucked out of the seat after a bump was just part of riding a sportbike in the city. Time to start experimenting with suspension.

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Sooooooo...... what did you do? Please share you experience to inspire others!

[@stefan-stocksmadesimple5241]

So a street sag on front and rear should be 30-40mm?

[@deedee5205]

Thanks for many answers,top notch.

[@edsonsouza5150]

Thank you for vídeo class I'm try on my bike here in Brazil. Idid change the rear shock tree times already because mecanics sad that the shock went bad.

[@nigelnoble2290]

I am a new subscriber to your channel and so far I am very impressed with what I see there is a lot of things I did not understand and realize with bikes my name is Nigel noble I am all the way from Guyana that's in the South America

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Thank you for subscribing Nigel. I hope my videos really help you with the things you do not understand.

[@stephenlacey653]

When a bike learns to ride itself without anyone sitting on it that’s when static sag will become as important as he’s making it out to be

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Static sag is critical on every motorcycle. No static sag at lean can = involuntary bar inputs. Try zero and then the correct amount on your bike to test and review.

[@KubaLipienIT]

much appreciated for all the examples Dave! I watched your other vids to learn what each suspension setting do and learned where to find them all on my '10 Z1000. just missing the C spanner wrench, but once I get that I hope to fix the stiff suspension problem on my bike soon! I never re-adjusted after previous owner and he was doing a lot of stunts, so I bet he set suspension to hardest levels ... rear is killing my butt over road bumps on highway, smacks my own rear-end so hard sometimes that it hurts to the point I brace myself before each one LOL .... time to first document what each one is at and change that and I think I can do it the right way by checking for static and rider sag, rebound, etc. Great vids! I will definitely be sharing those with fellow riders!

[@robertklein783]

Thank you Dave!! Thank you for all your videos

[@mariusmihai918]

Thank you, Dave!

[@revo69]

Right, so removing preload to get back static sag makes sense WHERE, the sag is low. So we get the right sag and also some desirable static sag- two birds with one stone!. What confuses me though is the second bike you worked on- The Street 675R, the rider has 40mm of sag and NO static sag, in this case we removed preload to GET BACK some static sag but also now INCREASED the sag!. Now it must be greater than 40mm (greater than 30% of the total travel at the rear of the 675). So how does that work out? More sag? or desire to have some static sag?

[@Wikar222]

Same question here, I've got 35mm SAG in the rear with probably none static sag, what should I do if I want to keep this amount of SAG? Respring?

[@revo69]

Wikar222 Yes, perhaps, or the top out spring needs to be shortened or replaced (I think Dave will enlighten me if that's correct or not regards to top out springs in shocks)

[@matthewmosca3984]

I am thinking that person would need a stiffer spring (higher spring rate). This would allow the proper rider sag while keeping the preload relatively low so there is enough static sag. Sound right?

[@airdoctor1251]

yes a new spring is needed if the bike ends up not having any static sag after setting the sag. for an example a 69nM spring rate is good for a rider who is 75 kgs , with gear!

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Sometimes we need to do something in the interim to get the rider's bike safe while they wait for the new spring. Not ideal, but safer.

[@craigbrown3351]

Wow I want to check my bike now Dave your great mate (Y)

[@DàvidNewton-u7q]

this info is so useful , thanks for posting . .

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Thank you for watching

[@cloud9847]

"How long have you owned the bike?" "6yrs" ...oh my... I'm about to buy my first street bike and I've seen so many DMT videos the first thing I'm going to do is adjust everything lolol. I only wish Dave was around my area.

[@catalystreactionsbw]

I developed Remote Tuning for riders like yourself to interact with you in your garage via email or video 1-1. That way I can help anyone anywhere in the world. If you would like that help, please email me [e-mail]

[@rocknraptor3195]

Dang Kawasaki i can't even see my adjustment for the rear. Probably have to take the wheel off. Hopefully mine is good, i know its not terrible. Good video.👍

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Thanks, hope yours is indeed good!

[@davesilver6439]

Such an excellent video tutorial Dave. I plan on using your directions to start the set-up on my 2013 RSV4 for some canyon runs this weekend. However, I would like to know if *before any* of the SAG measurements are you supposed to completely back off (Unloaded / Zero) the Pre-load, Compression and Rebound settings for both Front and Rear Shocks ?

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Completely up to you. Most will set all damping and preload to minimum and go from there as that is their best case scenario on approaching the task. Mine is a time management issue, so I do not zero out, I see where we are and work form that point.

[@neilhamill318]

I learned a thing or two and a few chuckles along the way. Cheers 👍

[@Ladosligese]

thinking about starting to ride at the age of 41 .. not sports .. but street bikes ... no license yet .. nor bike ofc .. and still i`m looking at this vid .. find it interesting as hell haha

[@mmazourov]

It amazes me how popular lowering links are these days - I think it’s a part of the same issue: folks trying to lower their bike by compressing the shock spring.

[@radoslawnowicki2868]

Dave can you please come to UK Silverstone

[@EvanJS5]

A motorcycle is such an alluring machine. It's the capacity for speed and acceleration and the roar of the sweet aftermarket exhausts that draw you in. Then you realize you know nothing about how they actually work. Have respect for your bike. It can make you look real cool but it can also make you look real stupid.

[@Konstantinos340]

guys, when you brake youre supposed to feel the ass come up, not just the front dive down same as when you accelerate you feel the bag go down and the forks extend. I was lucky that i weighed what i did back in 08 when i got my 08 r6 and i was spot on on sag side of things out of the factory, then it was geometry and hydralics. in the end you end up with 4 setups, wet/dry road and track or 8 in total if you have pillion.

[@mrm6779]

Im sure hes working with what is in front of him alot of these bikes need a different spring and Im sure hes aware of this and makes them aware of this but them the best set up he can and knowledge that session

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Very true on evaluation from a test book perspective to the ability of the rider. Sometimes both do not match up - there is a conversation as to what would be in their best interests based on their budget or order of importance for safety.

[@astrozito]

First i would like to thank you for all your videos and advices , they are very clear and usefull ! I have one question ; did the rider sag should be the same on front and rear ?(for road use only) Sometimes i hear rider sag should be a percentage of total travel , but the total travel is not the same on fork and rear shock, so the rider sag would be different on front and rear . thank you and sorry for my english (french rider)

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Depends on the type of motorcycle (sport bike vs naked) and type of rider (aggressive vs commute). The more aggressive the use the more the sag changes to less in the rear due to very hard acceleration.

[@astrozito]

Thank you Dave !

[@johnbomenka6131]

Dave, I really enjoy the education you put forth and very greatful for all the effort you give to help the riding community. But you have given me a severe case of spanner wrench envy! Who makes that spanner? and where would I be able to obtain one like it?

[@raydolinger1980]

Dave just got a new 22 aprilia rsv factory... My god there chassis is phenomenal... you probably already know this..:)

[@catalystreactionsbw]

I do indeed and had the great pleasure to test that exact model against my 2017 RF. Wow.......

[@leminako]

Hello Dave, I'm riding a 2010 triumph bonneville se. And I weigh only 60kg.the bike rides rock hard from day 1. In the front I've put lighter oil in {5w} which made it better but it's still harsh, the rear is always solid. The step adjuster on the pre load is on its softest but still it butchers my back while riding. I can't afford to buy expensive shocks that can be adjusted on pre load and damping. Can you give me any tips to make the ride more comfortable that would be very help full. Thanks Dieter

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Hi Deiter. Thanks for the message and sorry that you are being hurt by the Triumph. Have you put a zip tie on the right fork tube, mark bototm out and measured how much travel you are using now with the 5w? kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5XWZJekZrF1odk

[@catalystreactionsbw]

For the rear shocks, spray a little WD40 or similar fluid on the shock shaft and let it dry. Then ride the bike and see how much travel you are getting from them. The easy fix would be different springs for the forks and shock if needed.

[@leminako]

Thanks for the quick reply and detailed reaction. I will look in to this and test it with the zip tie. But at this moment where are "grounded" thanks to the corona virus. Even a bike ride is not allowed ☹️. As soon as the corona restrictions are lifted I will report back on this. Also I must add to my first message that along with the 5w fork oil i also put progressive fork springs in. Standard where linear al the way. { forgot it to mention }. Kind regards Dieter

[@WILLY52368]

Can you please do a video adjusting a Honda XR650L the same way you do these bikes?

[@beepbop6697]

Seems the common theme is to adjust rear preload for rider weight, then back off to ensure there is some static sag? At least in these videos there is no checking of rider sag, after adjusting the preload for static sag... If there needs to be "too much" preload to bring rider sag in to range, that leaves the bike with 0 static sag, does that mean you need a bigger spring?

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Yes, most bikes do not have static sag on the showroom floor - the forks do.

[@beepbop6697]

@@catalystreactionsbw Thanks Dave. I recently bought a Kawasaki z900rs, and you can push the saddle down pretty far with just two fingers with the stock preload -- just way too soft. Specs say this bike has 140mm rear shock. I'm having to really jack the preload up high to get my rider sag in to spec. Putting the bike on a center stand and I can see 5mm static sag. But with the bike on it's side stand and lifting up on the rear and you sure can't feel it. Pretty sure I need stronger springs for my "substantial" weight so I'm not maxing out preload.

[@catalystreactionsbw]

@@beepbop6697 That is the text book part of the process done correctly, so now assess how much shock travel you are using on your favorite roads to prove your theory. If you are using only 70-75%, remove preload to optimize travel.

[@beepbop6697]

@@catalystreactionsbw Hi Dave. I just want to say how much I appreciate you sharing your knowledge for us to get our bikes set right. I'm way up at 13 rings rear shock preload, and two turns back from max fork preload (16 turns is max) -- to get my rider sag in range -- I'm a "San Antonio medium" weight wise, which is at least 2x the average Japanese rider ;). Fork compression one click from max soft, and fork rebound 3 clicks out. Making those changes, along with getting the hand controls properly positioned and levers adjusted (leaned from your other videos), and the bike is now riding as it should and fitting like a 3x glove, heh. The bike is soaking up the bumps, no longer diving (and bottoming out) the front end, no longer weaving in the corners, etc. Firmly planted. It is meeting all my expectations now. Using your zip-tie test and practicing hard emergency braking and the front is ~25mm from bottoming out. This is all "good enough" for this daily commuter, and now the z900rs rides like my old cruiser did. That you for teaching this man to fish!

[@FlashManinSpace]

I've noticed my gf is starting to have static sag 😭

[@johnmatsacos4692]

They all get old

[@bobcampbell1037]

Rider error.

[@dragking9735]

poor maintenance xD

[@shisduhos5682]

lol

[@ArmadilloGodzilla]

Exchange for a newer model with fewer miles?

[@rallyzamora8356]

Great knowledge on suspension

[@OJMAH]

seems like people with already 35mm sag will get too big number after the setting. 5-10mm static sag + 2-4mm from loosen preload steps.

[@edhirxtrastrange]

I found your channel recently and been binge watching. I found that most people who came to you don't even take care of their bike properly. Their chain is dry and rusty in some cases. Sad to see that

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Most people leverage a car mentality re servicing motorcycles and have not had their eyes/minds opened to the fact that with two wheels, we need to service eveything far more often. Once they understand this, the changes/maintenance schedule is vastly improved.

[@hillie47]

@@catalystreactionsbw The first crash is usually a big eye opener. Or it closes them forever. I don't get people that don't regularly check tire pressure, lubrication (chain and engine), brake pads, fluid levels (brake, engine oil, coolant) and all that stuff. Nothing serious and any idiot can do it.

[@catalystreactionsbw]

@@hillie47 Some people should never be near tools, others should never work with electricity. At least maintain the bike via a reputable mechanic but many only fix things when the break and by then it is far too late. Hopefully I can inspire them to do better!

[@maidenstrat1]

Very informative video's Dave. Great stuff

[@karlk6834]

Great video I've become obsessed with watching them thanks for all the great tips, any plans of bringing your tools to the uk?

[@catalystreactionsbw]

I go to the UK every year right around Christmas time and have seminars at SSR Suspension in Telford.

[@MrEnglishman6969]

Hi I have a xjr1300 twin shocks i take it, its the same set up just with both shocks. I have no movement at the back of the bike and only have 25mm sag. advise would be handy. thanks

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Set static sag correctly by reducing preload until you get 12-15mm.Ride and see how much travel you use.

[@tokolosh6467]

Amazing to watch a master at work. I'm wondering if static & dynamic sag should be around the same as these road bikes as opposed to my 07 BMW R1200gs which doesn't have ESA. I dirt ride a lot. Awesome channel thank you.

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Thanks for the kind words. Better to use a 30-33% starting point based on total travel available. Then mark bottom out on your forks (use video on fork bottom out) and you can see how much shock travel you can use. Adjust preload up or down on either shock based on travel used. Enjoy the travel.

[@tennesseehighclass]

Got some static sag in your microphone.

[@paulbridge6063]

Wished we had you here in Denmark :-)Would love to have a course with you,

[@riderzinc]

I really need to use this knowledge onto my 954, The rears so stiff it literally gets airbourne if i go over a bump in the road

[@catalystreactionsbw]

You can start by pushing on the bike to make sure there is damping action in the shock. If damping is 100% functional, set compression at 50% of the total range and then go to the second to lowest notch ion preload. Push down and test again to make surer the damping works. If it comes up really fast, then suddenly slows down, you have air in the shock and it needs a rebuild asap. If all is good, put a little grease on the shock shaft to see how much travel you are using.

[@riderzinc]

@@catalystreactionsbw Thank you Dave, I appreciate the reply, I’ll get if i have any sag which i doubt i do, I’m also light at 65kg with the previous owner being around 100kg

[@catalystreactionsbw]

@@riderzinc it will be interesting to see what you get for sag numbers.

[@riderzinc]

@@catalystreactionsbw i’ll reply tomorrow but i would be certain it would be low, The rear feels very stiff, I’m 4 notches away from the spring preload fully soft so i’ve got something to play with at least

[@BatmanYZFr1]

reference working on the GSXR, I had to notice, he has got good knees. I would not be able bounce down and back to my feet so often and so effortlessly LOL

[@dddon513]

That last guy who needs a new spring makes me wonder if Dave meets a lot of people who are "bike poor". The way he asked if the guy can afford another 150 bucks towards a 10k bike makes me think it's not uncommon.

[@rictube4716]

That's why in other videos he asks people what they've bought for the bike - the answer is usually "tail tidy, smoked screen, exhaust, bling, bling, bling, more bling" rather than buying the essentials such as adjustable levers and suspensions components.

[@savalixo]

Im going to book a sessin with you from Ghana one of these Days. Ninja 250 / 2012/ Green Monster

[@johnioannidis6466]

I know this video is 6 years old so doubt I will get any response, but I have a question. What matters most? Free/Static sag of the bike unladen or sag/ride height with laden bike? Im riding a triumph trident 660 with brand new Ohlins suspension and Im setting up my sag. I set up the sag when I sit on the bike to be between the recommended values of the suspension manual and now I have 0 free sag. I would assume that the laden sag is more important than the two since the bike won’t be riding itself but if anyone can chime in I would be pleased to learn more

[@johnioannidis6466]

Okay I found some replies below, so I understand the spring is a bit on the soft side in my case and ideally would need something harder so I can reduce the preload and “add” free sag but at the same time control my laden sag

[@catalystreactionsbw]

@@johnioannidis6466 static sag is by far the most import as you have read. Getting that correct is essential to comfort and performance. That being said, check shock travel used with your current preload setting to see actual travel used.

[@TheDriversPerspective]

Just walked out to my 765RS after having the dealer tweak my suspension, zero static sag. This video was incredibly enlightening! Going to make some adjustments and re-evaluate. Presumably with no other changes, reducing preload on the rear spring and increasing static sag will make the bike turn quicker?

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Thanks for the kind words. Setting the bike to flat or neutral will help the bike turn at your command verses the oversteer you get from the rear being rigid and tall.

[@TheDriversPerspective]

Thanks! I made some changes to preload and experienced exactly that. Time to experiment more with other settings. Thanks again for the insight and taking the time to respond!

[@wilstjames3111]

THANK YOU! Ill see mine later.