Motorcycle Suspension Adjusters: What Why Where and How

www.DaveMossTuning.com
We go through both shock and fork preload, rebound, and compression adjusters explaining where they are, how to adjust them, and what effect they have on a motorcycle.
Shock Preload Adjusters (Freemium Video)
davemosstuning.com/shock-prel...
Clicks, Turns, Faces (Freemium Video)
davemosstuning.com/2-clicks-o...

[@erinbrandt5421]

This man spent 15 minutes adjusting my dorsoduro at a bike night and absolutely changed my life. Every word Dave says is LAW. UPDATE: it was actually at the same place they filmed this.

[@christopherblack7857]

I don’t normally comment on things but this short clip has literally just taught me the most about my bike - this guy is the best I’ve listened to

[@catalystreactionsbw]

I hope you continue to use other videos here to help you learn more!

[@olenilsen4660]

The more videos I watch, the more I become assured that Dave Moss is some kind of deity. I understand the physics when he explains it, yet I´m amazed every time he tunes a bike into something rideable for each customer. It´s like he reads both people and bikes alike, and match them together. Pure poetry.

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Yes, I do try to match the bike and rider together like fine wine and the requisite pairing. Thanks for that!

[@1001CP]

I have to say, for a long time I just left my '14 Vstrom stock because I was a little nervous about changing anything because I only had a basic knowledge of how the suspension all worked and sure did not want to screw things up or get them out of sync and not be able to return them back to stock. After watching a variety of these videos from you I figured why not try because my front end seemed really stiff and would bounce around on even a gravel road. I made some adjustments after making sure both were actually set the same I played with it and did the press tests (pushing down on the suspension) and ride tests. I want to say after just a little bit of adjustment it rode like a totally different bike. It remained in contact with the ground so well and the feel of that stability was wonderful!!! I have always loved this bike and now i love it even more after taking the plunge and finding that really good feel that was there all the time, I just had to find it!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE GREAT INFORMATION IN THESE VIDEOS!

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Dave Williams, editor, replying here. Fantastic! Thank you so much for taking the plunge and improving your bike. I know you'll inspire others to do so as well.

[@1001CP]

Thank you!!

[@bailey9r]

Me too because I thought of coarse the factory know soooo much better than I till the Dynamic Duo Dave's gave me the confidence to at least explore my factory setup just to find the factory just spits them out willy-nilly with little thought to them. Now suspension is my first area of "upgrade". ;

[@wobblysauce]

@@bailey9r That might not be the factory, but the shop, as most bikes are assembled in-store and not shipped ready to ride.

[@catalystreactionsbw]

@@bailey9r Thanks for making the time to take the next step by leveraging the DMT content.

[@nickthequick]

I think I will be watching this a couple of more times ...

[@Thomas-qn4hj]

Study Study Study

[@Mercury4952]

+1 ;)

[@shannonhamilton1752]

@@Mercury4952 ll

[@PNH-sf4jz]

Great.Thanks to both of you. Clear, concise, on-topic. No BS padding. Just detailed, clean information. Cheers, Peter

[@mjjm8446]

I remember watching a youtube vid for onthethrottle TV, years ago, with Dave Moss talking about suspension adjustments. It was simple to follow, and it helped in my bike riding comfort confidence and experience. Thanks Dave.

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Thank you for watching, leveraging the content andn

[@TheJynx2011]

can't believe this is free information. thank you!

[@abhishekmaurya6407]

You are paying for you internet connection

[@TheJynx2011]

@@abhishekmaurya6407 oh you got me.. I also pay for youtube red and 10 pornhub premium subscriptions so I guess this "free information" is actually really expensive!

[@Pizdzirynka1]

All it costs is thumb up

[@harrybrown4815]

Brilliant as always Mr Moss and Mr Williams Learning is a process that starts with an inspiration to know more, after that with the right teachers it become infectious. 20 years ago I bought my first bike, a GPZ750r and tore down the front forks to understand how they worked.... well I needed to change the seals as they were leaking. Years on and several bikes later I couldn't understand why people found bike suspension a mute point. You pointed out that people cannot discuss what they do not comprehend. Well its been 5 months since I serviced the suspension on a GSX750F (04) the chatter it has started around that group of riders is getting louder and as always I point them towards your videos as it is such a great resource for learning to occur. One of these riders i heard went to look at a Fazer 600 in a show room and was told it was fully serviced. when he asked does that include the forks and shocks the retailer scoffed at him with a "Noooo" to which he replied well its not fully serviced then and you can keep the bike. I don't know about you, but every time I tear down a shock or a fork I learn something new and comprehend more. The hydraulic fluid for one tells a story. whether it has turned to chip pan oil or an emulsified goop neither state is desirable for efficient suspension that brings the bike to life.

[@davemellor7503]

Every time something new and always easy to follow. I really enjoy.

[@douglas_martins]

Nice content Mr Williams! Very easy to understant, what a class.

[@temblekec]

Bro!!! This is LITERAL gold!!! This info is amazing. Thank you dave for blessing oht lifes with this knowledge. We arent worthy lol.

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Thanks for watching and using the content to improve your own knowledge and settings.

[@parko1965]

Oh he's good alright.

[@tonyalanmarchant9099]

Dave Moss Tuning hello fella where is ur accent from the south or midlands area from a Brighton boy

[@alanbrown5593]

I owe you both a box of Scottish shortbread for this good video. Thanks

[@nomdeploom5707]

I'll send the glass bottle Irn Bru... the good stuff, not that new sacharin filled weak sauce.

[@Dave.S.TT600]

excellent narration and editing. Thanks Guys

[@nyleen]

Thank you so much for this. Using your video I was able to write a small cheat sheet to use at the track. Hopefully when the weather warms up here in Scotland I'll be able to put this into use. Thank you.

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Thanks for the kind words and leveraging our content online. I am sure you will get a lot of benefit from your cheat sheet not only the next time at the track but for many years to come!

[@lostinsdf]

Thanks Dave. One of the best videos by the best.

[@bosfilm]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge Mr. Moss. Me and my brother riding tracks on track days just for fun and learning as we go. These pieces of advice and knowledge are gold to us and help a bit in understanding what is going on. Thanks a lot! Keep going.

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Thank you for using the content to make your experience at the track far more positive!

[@Abdal-RahmanI]

Thanks for such a piece of motorcycling education. This helped me greatly to tune my suspension.

[@emfl4437]

Great video, much appreciate the info and delivery.

[@D_Fo]

Lol “jump in and pee all over the place.” Cheers

[@petecurran3995]

Awesome explanation! 👍🏻

[@paulelkouss]

Thank you Dave and Dave

[@ReganOnWheels]

Your advice and teachings are awesome sir. Diamonds alike. Thank you and kindly keep them coming.

[@eternalsunshine1651]

Subbed. This channel is pure gold!

[@nazeerahmedsonday5071]

This is real useful information. The thing is to i guess adjust a little at a time and feel the difference on the road. Thanks Dave. You a magic man

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Glad it was helpful!

[@yvesdegheselle]

Thx for this detailed explanation.From a Belgian fan.

[@bobrowley4346]

Pure gold content! Thank you!

[@dardobartoli]

Thank you so much for sharing, I do take my bike to the local Suspension specialists (REVS) but it's nice to understand. Oh and I'll have an ice cream with flake and strawberry sauce please..thank you

[@f0sterPlays]

ALMOST 100K SUBS. Love your vids guys. Learning so much.

[@31acruz]

I have been looking for a video like this, lets see how good it is, I hope I am not disappointed.

[@vidithdrew5788]

The best video I've seen about suspension and Mr. Editor you did a good job explaining 👍

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Dave Williams, editor, replying here. Thank you!

[@iamneallyons4263]

Superb video, hooked on daves info now and spoke to him via fb - hopefully get my bike setup by him in the future in the UK!

[@rizkiyoist]

I enjoy watching this even though I don't even own a sport bike. I need one now.

[@johnschlesinger2009]

Thanks for a great video. The basics explained clearly.

[@siruga]

great vid as usual.... Man i would give a finger to spend a few months of "internship" at the tracks with Dave.hahahahah Makes it look so easy.

[@bobobobobobs]

This is priceless information, Thank you!

[@manuelfvdias]

Hi, greetings from Portugal! This knowledge is priceless. Just want to say thank you very much! I learned more in yours 15 minutes video than in 25 years of street riding experience. Excuse me for my english mistakes but i'm not a english native speaker.

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Dave Williams, editor, replying here. You're English is excellent. As soon as I get a few more financial ducks in a row, I'm moving to the Algarve.

[@rickyboy199554]

Tugaa

[@breakz187]

Great video!

[@flyaroundyourfire]

Come back to Britain Dave we need you back!

[@jag3217]

Thanks you guys much appreciated

[@marcodimaio3087]

I LOVE YOU DAVE&DAVE

[@JJ_Sun800]

excellent video. Thank you Guys

[@johncarlson8029]

Dave I hope all the "squids" find you and or your channel. You guys are the best motorcycle channel period

[@tonyalanmarchant9099]

john carlson what constitutes a squid?general dick head?

[@johncarlson8029]

@@tonyalanmarchant9099 usually younger men that are.devoid of safety gear, disrespectful of tje bike, no mechanical sympathy i.e. bouncing an engine off the rev limiter when the gear box is static or in neutral, or clutch in or no load on engine or drivetrain. Oh the perfect example revving during exhaust system tests, revving instead of using the horn wheelies at high speed in traffic like the highway. Generally any person with a bike that acts in a way that makes other motorists hate all motorcyclists. And yes a dick in general.

[@courtlandkoonce8649]

Thanks for the video!

[@dariusstanaitis4293]

Fantastic video!!!

[@ericdishington428]

Thanks guys, I'm beginning to get it. I'm ashamed I haven't known these things years ago. Guess my riding buddies just looked out for me and adjusted my suspension if they saw an issue.

[@catalystreactionsbw]

I rode for a decade knowing nothing no making any changes, so I come from the same place. It is a journey - happy you are getting started with yours!

[@tommoso55]

Brilliant vid chaps

[@giuseppepopa3768]

Great video! Thank you for sharing!

[@BlaineyBiker]

Best suspension video on KZbin

[@jermpeeps]

Ice cream truck at a track day? Wicked lol

[@cinnamonrollypoly]

What is it with motorcyclists and ice cream? Every time I do a group ride, there's always a stop at an ice cream shop.

[@KR4Z3D666]

@@cinnamonrollypoly Because it's cool and yummy :D

[@cinnamonrollypoly]

@@KR4Z3D666 Oh, I love ice cream, too... but why is it a motorcycle thing these days? I'll bet you the Hell's angels make stops for ice cream on their group rides.

[@KR4Z3D666]

@@cinnamonrollypoly If they did stop for icecream, I wouldn't blame them haha I stop at a pub for a feed and a beer.

[@Theninjadeathhawk]

He's basically doing alignments for motorcycles it's amazing

[@thaik56]

They're not the same thing though, cars have alignement and suspension setting adjustment too, those equipped with adjustable that is.

[@RamblerBG]

Awesome, thanks!

[@TheNoobComment]

Thanks . Keep it up !

[@earlldavis8003]

Legend dave🤟

[@stephenjohnson7519]

Perfect exactly what I need to know 👍

[@davidwilson8010]

Great job Dave you and you your speaker..he does a great job..youall keep you videos coming and be safe now..God bless always

[@atolliver91]

I’m glad you guys explained tension….thank you…

[@catalystreactionsbw]

👍

[@418lightning8]

Who in the world disliked this gold video

[@bailey9r]

That's the "engineering crowd peeing all over the place" LOL

[@jlhicks6517]

Okay I simply wanted to say thank you! I was able to get my 08 cbr1000rr properly set up as I only weigh 150 and purchased from a 220lb man. Rides so so much better, even seems more flickable in the curves and just overall more control:) just hope I dont have it to soft.

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Thanks for leveraging the content, rolling your sleeves up and making a difference for your CBR! Please share your settings so people that own this bike who are in your approximate weight range can see what you did, so that they can start their journey with your help. Thanks!

[@jlhicks6517]

@@catalystreactionsbw its definitely not as perfectly tuned it would be with your touch. However I am very satisfied with the stability I now have. Going to get a couple more rides this week and I'll update the comment with final tune. (Wish it had notch settings) 5 11 146lbs. 08 cbr1000rr.

[@Emmerxa4]

"Stiffening the spring" is not adding tension (only on a non rider loaded bike), but actually changing the place where the spring is acting at: so adding ride height and losing negative ...

[@AbhiShettydancinginvoid]

Thank you for this amazing video…was looking for this information for a long time

[@catalystreactionsbw]

I appreciate you taking the time to comment and watch the video. Thank you!

[@Shan-sg7mm]

Great explained boss,love listening to you 👍🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳

[@CarkeekW]

something in tension is being pulled , the front fork spring is always in compression , it is just more or less compression that you are adjusting on the spring. I'm not talking about dampening, just the springs loading. "In physics, tension is the pulling or stretching force transmitted axially along an object such as a string, rope, chain, rod, truss member, or other object, so as to stretch or pull apart the object. In terms of force, it is the opposite of compression."

[@zyanj7845]

Thanks for the video.. nice and easy to understand

[@supermech6429]

Thank you sir. new ideas

[@sameerajgaonkar23]

I follow your flow of information,everywhere it leads me to ...it's just short of enlightenment. That too because we can't meet you in person .. But what information, knowledge and wisdom you prefer to share ...fir free .. Most experts can't do that ,even if paid handsomely.. Suspension geometry,it's effects and intent of design are very well understood ...just because you explain them in layman's language ...you have ste a benchmark , too high for a teacher n mentor RESPECT .. ..GRATITUDE .....

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Thank you Sameer - I hope riders that understand this process will go into their community and help others. That is why I try to travel so much for this purpose - riders helping their fellow riders.

[@blessedrezum228]

Very nice, thank you.

[@Brian_R6]

I wish I saw this video when I had my R6. Would make it much more comfortable on the crap roads I have. My mt09 is a dream to ride now.

[@14moldyhamsandwich]

GENIUS , end of story !!!

[@earlldavis8003]

100 percent

[@garymanning8920]

Great lessons Dave, I'm trying hard to understand...

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Thank you for starting your journey. take one at a time beginning with static sag on the forks and rear shock. Then rebound, then compression.

[@davypig571]

2:35 looks like he was smelling the engineer pee he tried to prevent 😂

[@paulbaker9064]

Awesome! Thanks DMT 👍🇳🇿

[@pacobanshee5265]

Holy Molly! This is PURE GOLD!! Thanx for this!! Subscribed and a huge fan of your channel!! ✌🏻😃

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Thank you very much for enjoying the content and subscribing!

[@pacobanshee5265]

@@catalystreactionsbw Keep on rockin'!

[@FlyLowJoe]

Brilliant

[@garo52]

Great stuff..thanks!!

[@ze3bar]

IM SAVING THIS VIDEO

[@WireSniffer]

I stand to be corrected, but Dave started with all the way out ( open tap) 10 clicks out when he adjusted the rebound for the S1000RR. But the other chap said you should start all the way closed (tap closed) and then work your way out. So the S1000rr wasn't started at 3 clicks out from closed. Dave actually started it from 10 clicks out fully open. Just wanted to point this out, thanks. @10:53 & @15:05

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Great point, excellent observation. If you start open, you get a more accurate rad on initial sag numbers. If the tap is closed, compression will hold the bike up so you will get a different reading. Anyone reading this comment that has adjustable suspension - try max preload and compression (measure), then remove all preload and compression (measure again). What was the difference? NOTE: don't forget to check for stiction: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3yZkGqliauSmKs

[@Nalopotato]

NOTE: When they say "Damping" in this video, they are referring to REBOUND *AND* COMPRESSION. This is something that totally went over my head the first time I watched it. DAMPING IS HYDRAULIC, and again, it is set with rebound (abbreviated "TEN") and compression ("COMP").

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Thanks! You can also add C for compression R for rebound and sometimes you will see REB in place of TEN. Look at your owners manual carefully!

[@garymanning8920]

Im 210lbs. fully leathered. My front, on track, dives too much... rearend seems great on track. I know I'm not balanced though. On the road, rear bucks u off at higher spirited speed, front feels really comfortable but a bit soft. 06 cbr Honda f4i is what Im going to try out your recipe on. Thanks for all this info. Seriously important info you are giving me... I'm sittting on Dunlop q3 sportmax. Think, i will keep the same tires I'm used to. Temps run at my window of riding...ambient air about 88 to 98f. They perform nice on and off track with pressure attention. Just had to say it outloud.

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Start with a cable tie on the front forks and mark bottom out to see how much travel you are using. Next, check static sag on the rear shock. Then check tire wear for rebound.

[@dvandam9574]

Exellent info

[@tompoole6666]

Damn this is a great video

[@TheJosa007]

I wonder if when you buy your bike, is the tech supposed to measure the suspension ? How interesting !!!I have learned so much form you. I'll have to watch this video couple of times to really get it. But that's me.

[@catalystreactionsbw]

When you buy the bike it is delivered to you with Factory settings as per manual. Once you have taken delivery, settings can change. To the best of my knowledge I was the only general manager of a Yamaha store that set the bike up for the owner when they took delivery of it prior to riding away. it is very unusual indeed.

[@tonykartracer8032]

How about air assisted forks or whatever? How do those work?

[@paulaus]

What about on a basic bike with no fork adjustment and only preload on the rear. Any tips and tricks for playing with these on the cheap?

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Oil viscosity thicker or thinner and different volumes along with different size spacers. You can also change fork position for faster or slower turn in.

[@Larping101]

How badass would it be to run into Dave Moss at a track day and get your suspension adjusted personally to you

[@delmilligan4584]

Superb

[@joelsterling3735]

Oh man, I wanna trade in my Shadow for a GSX just so I can tinker with the suspension!

[@basstradamus1]

Shadow on The Wall

[@TrustableGuy]

Wooo!

[@x_ghost_x6612]

Damn that color blue on that bike!

[@marcosgarcia11084]

Dave moss is a bad ass!!!! Is there a way to know where he will be to do adjustments?

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Absolutely! davemosstuning.com/new-calendar/

[@MuhammedAli-co7ow]

Thanks a lot for a video, just a quick question here i have is, after fully tearing apart, and changing all seals and everything, should we set again all the adjustments ?

[@catalystreactionsbw]

I would reset hydraulics based on new oil, I would not change preload.

[@dougiequick1]

I look forward to having fully active suspension where an ecu is doing all the adjusting for me except me choosing a setting....I would think with computers today that could be the optimal thing! I have semi active suspension on my 22 Yamaha T9gt ....I dont know how good or how bad it is but it seems to work so far for me....all the manual stuff just seems like voodoo to me I can not wrap my head around it Am I just beyond lazy? Or is it reasonable to want TECH to take over keep everything adjusted? Back in the day I had to constantly mess with carb jetting when racing MX and it was truly a PITA especially when racing at altitude etc but even changing expansin chambers or the weather etc made a difference ,,,,nowadays an ecu is adjusting the mizture! So wonderful! Suspension and EVERYTHING should be like that I think! Yes it will cost more! It will be WORTH IT IMHO lol! I just want to select HOW I am riding and let the computer make the changes....like sport, rain, comfort etc....Seems like sensors and servos etc could make changes as you ride the moment the conditions change the settings adjust! ya know?

[@santiagosalcedo7909]

Dave, first of all congratulations to you and your team with the videos. I have a problem since my bike (monster 821) does not have adjustable forks. The bike is too soft which makes the bike bounce a bit after the full suspension travel. I am taking my bike to the track and wuld like a harder spring. I am 70 kg and 1,76 m. Do you recomend changing the liquid or not since the fork is made for an specific liquid? Thank you again.

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Hi Santiago. Thanks for the kind words. Fork oil needs to be changed around 8-10,000kms. If you are around that number, it is time. If not, change to 10w fork oil. If you want to change springs, you would change to .90kg/nm rate.

[@santiagosalcedo7909]

@@catalystreactionsbw thanks for the recommendation, do you recommend progressive or continuous springs? I also do touring with the bike and do not want to loose too much comfort.

[@catalystreactionsbw]

@@santiagosalcedo7909 progressive for touring and comfort :)

[@marlonguingon5717]

The time I watch your video Dave I’m so impressed.. i have 2020 MT09. My question is, I adjust my shock on the rear and front shock,do I need to adjust the front shock also? or stay on the factory level? Thanks you

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Try factory height on the forks to start for a couple of weeks, then change fork position by 7mm and see if you like the difference.

[@eternalsunshine1651]

2:17 cracked me up LMAO

[@jinxz108]

Hi Dave, thats you for making this video, its a great video with all detail information for anyone to learn about their suspension system. I have a small question hopefully you can help. In the video where the BMW S1000RR fork preload, rebound and compression have different settings in each leg. Can i know how can we tell which leg to follow please? For example in the video you started counting on the right leg then use it as reference. But if you were to start the count in the left leg the count would be different isn't it? Appreciated your clarification :) Edward

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Hi Edward. Manufacturer's have different settings per leg so your handbook will tell you what is where for damping and preload. In the S1000RR case, yellow has always been rebound (right leg) and red has always been compression (left leg) in separate function legs. You will see the same color coding on the rear shock. Counting from maximum clockwise or minimum counter clockwise will give you different values unless you by chance hit the exact middle of the count eg: 12 of 24 total clicks..

[@johannpretorius3864]

Proper Teaching

[@jinxz108]

Hi Dave, thank you for the response. I should have elaborated better in my question. What i was wanting to understand is that for example on the S1000RR, you started by counting rebound on the right leg at 3 clicks from close and the left leg was 6 click out. Then you reset the left leg to 3 clicks out to match the right leg . Similar to compression on right leg was 5 click out and left leg was 2 click out and was reset the left to match the right. May i know how can i tell which leg is the correct one because i might mistakenly reset the right leg to match the left leg in the case of S1000RR for example. Because im still a beginner on suspension tuning :) My apologies for the confusion earlier and thanks again for making the video.

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Hi Edward. Right leg/yellow is rebound. Left leg/red is compression. Both have 10 clicks to work with for each adjuster, all the way left being minimum (#1), all the way right being maximum (#10).

[@justaguy4real]

1:25 why would opposing sides have different colors? adjusting the 1 side be adjusting the other side as well? OR is it that the suspension is so strong, only 1 side is needed to have the desired effect, hence different color different sides..?

[@SantiSpeed1]

Just bought a 06 gsxr 750 front end to swap onto my Victory Octane and as soon as I picked them up I’m like I need to earn about suspension setup!

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Look at videos on my channel for fork sag, shock sag, fork travel and shock travel. Those short videos give you the basics. Then watch fork bottom out and "dump and run" oil change as you will have to do this unless you know for sure that the oil was changed before you bought them. Enjoy the learning and thanks for choosing DMT.