Harley Sportster:- YSS Suspension Upgrade (2 of 2) "Tuning & Setup"!

[@johnmetcalfe5631]

I fitted a YSS shock to my 1994 K1100LT left it as straight from the box and went for a ride. As nearly all of my riding is with the wife on the back and did any ajustments that were deemed necessary to keep her comfy and feeling happy on long fully loaded trips. All I needed to adjust was the preload as the damping and rebound were spot on. Happy wife means happy days out riding

[@Moonfleet41]

Totally agree John, there is nothing better then setting it up on the fly for your specific joint comfort, indeed like you say, happy wife happy life mate !

[@Butterfly07949]

This is the reason why we tune in and watch. The content is marvellous. The production is superb. What goes on behind the scenes in resourcing and logistics. But the number one thing we tune in for is Del and his wonderful personality, professionalism, and charisma. Great video once again. Del and Penny. Both of you are amazing!

[@Moonfleet41]

My word Marc, thank you so much for such kind words of support and encouragment... it's great to know that the effort we put in to it is appreciated and recognised! Have a great and blessed weekend, D&Px

[@myz06rocks]

a pretty popular topic this one :) First rule I learned through my track day schools and suspension setup classes is never to make more than one adjustment at a time. It is important to learn what change each parameter makes to the bike as you progress into being your own suspension technician. Glad you're making progress.

[@enduromotorradtouren]

If possible on a test ride I use the same stretch of road. It's amazing how better a ride gets with a well-adjusted suspension. By the way, preload doesn't make the spring stiffer, the spring rate stays the same. It changes height/sag. Have a great weekend, Günter/Nürnberg

[@motostroller]

1) set the static sag. i.e. the amount the shock compresses from full extension to having the usual load on it, that would be the bike weight and you. Lots on the internet on how to do that. The purpose id to put the spring into the upper middle part of its travel with the usual load on. 2) set the damping to the manufacturer's suggested. Go for a ride. 3) back all the damping off completely, repeat the ride 4) put all of the damping on, repeat the ride. Remembering how the bike felt on each of the three rides adjust to taste. Of these steps static preload is the most important. Have fun.

[@Moonfleet41]

Thank you for your insight... and as you wrote :- "manufacturer's suggested", sadly there isn't any, these are shocks rated for a Triumph, fitted to a Harley that isn't factory weight..lol.. so im guessing all the way ! seem to have them quite comfy now though, and will tweek as needed along the way !

[@motostroller]

@@Moonfleet41 Glad you have settings that you are comfortable with. One thought; if you have backed off all the preload it *might* be worth considering a lighter weight spring so that you are running some preload. That way you have to option of positive or negative adjustment, should you need it. Once again, if you're happy, comfortable and safe, job done.

[@wobblysauce]

@@motostroller Yep, in most setups the preload should be in the middle for the spring used, if you are at either end of the preload a spring change can bring you back to a better feel, which has more to do with rider weight, like Japanese bike set up for a small 60kg soaking wet rider vs a 6ft'r.

[@eamonsaunders8741]

Bike really looks great. Dare I suggest perhaps thinking about doing something with the dead alien bug eyes in the top yoke?

[@jesuswithrealhair]

This is how I'd set the damping but not the preload. You can set the preload without riding the bike. Make it so there is no static sag then adjust so there is about 30mm of rider sag.

[@Moonfleet41]

Thank you for your insight Jesus..!

[@wobblysauce]

This... 25-30mm is a good number, also it can affect the chain tension that some over a lot as well depending on the pivot point. I know you won't do it on this bike but, if you want to tour and bring your kit/go 2up it is just some extra clicks on the preload, com/reb should be untouched if set properly which you will tell after a few 100 miles as you will see the tyre wear and just from there.

[@DLL969]

There should always be static sag. That is the amount of suspension movement under the weight of the bike only. But don't worry about it to much, just include it in the overall rider sag. I'll come back to this point. A good rule of thumb is that the rider sag should be around 30% of shoal shock travel depending on how you like your ride. So if you have a shock that has 220mm of travel then your starting point should be around 66mm of compression. Etc. Now if you have to compress your preload so you have no static sag to achieve somewhere near that 30% guide then its most likely that your spring rate are incorrect. Your sag should always be set first. If you have incorrect sag then how can you make other adjustments?

[@tommylitchfield3450]

Good suspension really makes a big difference in enjoying the ride, no doubt about it! That stock Sporty suspension was first used on Covered Wagons going across the Great Plains back in the 1850's. And they were still too stiff, even back then. A wonderful combination of tooth-rattling stiffness and an amazing ability to bottom out on the teeth clickers, all rolled up into one!

[@Moonfleet41]

ha ha, i totally agree mate... stock harley suspension can be spectacularly awful, usually rock solid with hardly any adjustment... i proved this a while back with the Streetglide shocks.. even on all minimum settings you need to be a Sumo wrestler to make it sag.. Thankfully this works a lot better then that..lol!!

[@richardwhittle2302]

As predicted Del, you made that look easy. Logical approach got you quickly set up 👍

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks mate👍, justrsimple base settings, and now i can fine tune it as i ride..

[@rsbharley4766]

Hi Del & Penny, hope all is well over your side. Nice video mate, good suspension really makes all the difference. I went with air suspension on the rear of my fat boy, makes life easy to go from solo to two up and I can adjust it on the fly. Have a great weekend and take care. It's bloody cold, windy and wet over this side LOL. Cheers

[@rickrogers2649]

Sure is a lot of engineering into a set of shocks anymore. Thanks for taking the mystery out of the set up process. Man, does that bike sound sweet !!! Not to mention she's a looker too. Safe riding and a great weekend to you and Penny. ❤👍👍

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks Rick, that's very kind... it's certainly a bike that's fun to ride through tunnels and multi-storey car parks lol Enjoy your weekend there too, keep safe! D&Px

[@bobstevens9040]

That bike looks fantastic now Del!

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks Bob.

[@jerryokeeffe9886]

Good video pal, you make the job look easy, if I was doing that I would be adjusting them for a month especially the road I do be riding on.

[@Moonfleet41]

Cheers buddy, it's not as hard as it looks... and I'm no expert, I guess we can be thankful that the pro guys are out there if we want them!

[@tinks43]

Great to be able to fine tune. Mid way settings is the ultimate starting point 👍🏻

[@Moonfleet41]

Absolutely mate, few rides and a few twiddles, and it'll be just right.

[@grosbeakmc]

Hi Penny and Del - another great video. Thanks for showing the steps involved... I really should check the adjustment on my own bikes! Take care, dear friends. Be well and ride safe.

[@Moonfleet41]

Thank you so much for your kind words as always, Can't believe when i look back how much time and work we have invested in this bike.. great to be able to stand back and take stock now. Take care and have a great weekend, and stay safe. D&Px

[@motordown7664]

Great video Del. First the countryside landscape is beautiful. You are spot on explaining the rear suspension. I know some individuals start off with bike sag and rider sag but it really comes down to comfort and safety. Have a wonderful weekend.

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks mate👍, as i explained, im no expert at this, just the basics to get it riding safely, and naturally there will be much more fine tuning to be had if professionals got involved.. but im happy with the ride for now, i't the best it's ever been since ive been riding it!

[@ObsessiveCarDetailer]

Brilliant Del, worth its weight in gold👍

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks mate, glad you appreciated it!

[@kevinshelley2803]

She's a beaut' and looks like an entire bike build I've missed. Cool 😊

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks mate, there's a playlist on the whole series so you can watch from the start if you wish!

[@rsbharley4766]

Hi Del & Penny, hope all is well over your sided. Nice video mate, good suspension really makes all the difference. I went with air suspension on the back of my fat boy, makes life easy to go from solo to two up and can adjust it on the fly. Have a great weekend and take care and it's bloody cold and wet over this side LOL. Cheers

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks mate, gld you enjoyed it.. and Cold? i bet for you that means under 22c and cloudy..lol! Take care and have a great weekend mate, always good to hear form you.

[@matthewjackson3034]

That sounds mega. Good intro to adjusting suspension mate.

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks mate👍

[@renzovc]

Awesome video brother ! Learned something new today, very informative brother . Did that to my bike and what a difference, made the rider experience so much better 🎉 stay safe guys cheers from New York !🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@Moonfleet41]

Glad it helped you Renzo.. and thank you as awlays for your kind words.. Take care and have a great week both of you.. D&Pxx

[@HD2O13XL12OOC]

Excellent loved it

[@paulradcliffe2391]

Nice one Del 👍 Some great looking roads in your neck of the woods 👍 Keep up the brilliant work Del 'n' Pen 👍

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks Paul👍, we are lucky to live here, great riding roads and not too much trraffic.. Happy days.

[@Goldwing1500rider]

Been watching and re-reading reviews…. Pretty informative and understanding of these new shocks. Looking forward having my own pairs on my 2 1986 1100 and 700 Hondas shadows.

[@Moonfleet41]

Thank you for watching, and glad you enjoy the content.. take care as always.

[@ukbertie]

just bought a new 75 inch tv with awesome sound system built in and that bikes sounds awesome , and the quailty of your vids justifies the price , ive been with you since the begining when we both had dark hair snd i have learnt a lot so thank you ,

[@Moonfleet41]

My word, thank you so much for such kind, long term support... I remember dark hair, a distant memory now! Glad you enjoy the videos... have a great weekend.

[@OG_MuttDog]

Once again brother man nice, I would not mind having that Sportster next to my old speedy

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks so much, ive put it up for sale now as the project's all finished, so drop me a line if you're serious. !

[@Arni0111]

Been playing with suspension adjustment on my Tiger 900 Rally Pro, what a difference a good setting makes.

[@Moonfleet41]

Glad to hear it mate!

[@vic2095]

I once thought that adding preload to a spring makes it stiffer. It simply does not in my opinion. It raises the bike when rider is sitting on it. Similar matter happens with slider springs in CV carbs. People tend to cut them to make them weaker - so slide can move up and down quicker - but it is simply not happening. It is counter-intuitive, I know. Cheers!

[@Moonfleet41]

It is a fact of physics i beleive that fewer coils will make a spring stiffer...so yes, that wouldn't work id have thought..? it is my understanding, that 'progressive springs' get stiffer progressivly as they load up..so if you "pre-load" them you increase the stiffness, which reduces the "rider sag" and yes, as you say, raises the rider when seated..apparently!

[@vic2095]

@@Moonfleet41 I'm glad you are showing interest in this. Googling phrase "does increasing preload affect stiffness" will point in right direction. Also - If I may recommend a YT channel, you can find some interesting videos of him. DAVE MOSS STATIC SAG would be your keyword for YT search. BTW: I love your videos and they helped me so much in the past :D

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks again Vic, i have that name a few times, ill look him up and check out his content for sure. !

[@andyjrichie6709]

Great video Sir. I had to buy our trike scoot 2 rear shocks from Lithuania as UK prices are just so exspensive, so shop around. Yss are a great shock 😊

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks for sharing Andy, you're dead right, shopping around can make it so much more affordable..

[@customgaragemoto7590]

Thank you 👍👌👌👌👌

[@kiwigrandtours]

Great video as always...side question what brand are those tan leather gloves..?

[@Moonfleet41]

Rather old now. getting a bit tatty.. but they are these..! www.infinitymotorcycles.com/product/richa-custom-leather-gloves/tan?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwiaa2BhAiEiwAQBgyHpy7yTGt3Uh4fru-m06hZWZMh9xVl9KZjG2PW2ykje1R80LfBngRrhoCweQQAvD_BwE

[@Cueballproductions1149]

I’d love to short my suspension on front and rear of my busa it’s way to hard when riding u feel all the bumps I think the busa though there’s more to it when setting up

[@n22pdf]

Looks lovely Del great build 😊 Pete

[@Moonfleet41]

Thank you kindly Pete.

[@TheoldBiker-bi1ho]

Informative and nice video when you ride your Harley. Great views also ! 🙂

[@Moonfleet41]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it. ✌️

[@JamesAnderson-zu7hl]

Del was it you that made a video about after replacing brakes then put some weight on the brake pedal over night and it will stiffing them up even more than after you have bleed them. Do i do that on the front brake to , i could findthat video but im a big fan you are great at teaching us how to do things the right way you rock and we love ya hete in bloody Oklahoma , Norman home of OU big game friday

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi James, yes that's correct... if you load hydraulic pressure in to the system it will miniaturise any air bubbles and allow them to pass up through the flluid and in to the reservoir easier... If it's the front, take some tape or a rubber band, pull the lever in to the bar with medium pressure, and fix it there overnight... remove the band in the morning, pump the lever a few times and you'll find it will be crisper and a little sharper! You can even do this every now and again as a little 'freshen up' to keep your brakes top top. Thanks for your support, glad to know our videos spread around the world! Ride safe.

[@JamesAnderson-zu7hl]

Thank you so so much , your my go to guy Del , i dont trust no other on this harley stuff this is my first harley im a jap bike through my 20 & 30 fixing to be starting on a KZ vey soon need carbs bad 1980

[@k.santhoshkumar5824]

Super video sir good information for mechanices🎉. Sir can you please help me to find harley sportster spoke rim wheels at 😊best shopping online website for india😊

[@k.santhoshkumar5824]

19inch f and 18inch r

[@thewiltshirerider01]

Nice one, you explained it very simply and made it understandable

[@Moonfleet41]

Thank you Andy.. Glad it helped!

[@mickusable]

Informative video, but not showing a good example to younger/novice riders with the clothes you are riding in, I know you didn’t go far but accidents happen anywhere, it’s your body I know but nevertheless.

[@loddude5706]

Wot - no bunny hop bloopers? No h'orribly h'oscillating h'out-takes? . . . Wah, boo, unfair etc. While not wishing to stretch Cecile B. DeMemsahib's nerves too far, I do feel that coming back with a whole new 'Robert Mitchum' type walk, after having your pantyline adjusted by a well caught high-side or two, would certainly add some wide-eyed credulity to that worryingly innocent term - 'Just a quick road test kid, I won't be long' - You must milk the drama man, that way you get fresh tea! : )xx

[@Moonfleet41]

Class as always sir..!