How to setup the Yamaha MT09 / FZ09 front suspension

Setting up the MT09/FZ09 suspension.
Rear suspension setup video here - • How to setup the Yamah...

[@SenorPickles946]

I just adjusted my 2018 MT09 now it rides a lot better! Thank you

[@MatglasMusic]

Your explanation and patience are incredibly good ! Was looking for this for my mt 09 and didn't understand anything about suspension. Now I feel I can adjust mine based on your videos . Thank you !

[@SunnyWijeratne]

Thanks, just got my MT09 and this was a big help.

[@fatso819]

I'm going to set mine up tomorrow morning for my ride to Woodenbong in Aussie. Thanks for the vid. Very very helpful.

[@kalansi35]

Very helpful thank you I’ve watched several videos but yours made it very simple and easy to understand and made me confident to adjust mine. 👍

[@frankcarey147]

Two things, I now understand preload and rebound 👍👍👍. Part of my address is the bog road ,so you can imagine how bumpy it can be. You seemed the same weight as me so I copied your settings and it honestly transformed the bike . Factory settings for me were very soft. I was thinking of upgrading to ohlins front and back but now, you saved me a fortune ,cheers. P.S. Isn't the MT09 a great bike ? Cheers ,keep the videos coming. 👍👍👍

[@lakesbiker7286]

3 front rings 1 turn out from max front rebound. 5th notch of min on rear spring 1/2 turn off max. larvly jabbly. thanks for the 2 vids. very informative.

[@christianscheepers5040]

Loved the video! Great tutorial and just subscribed, thanks!

[@CptMacaroni]

Mr. Brain, Thank you and fantastic video! I will happily subscribe!

[@arjay1337]

Thanks for the video,having just bought an mt09 I found your video helpful!

[@BraindumpTv]

arjay1337 Awesome, enjoy it safely =) RSMF-*RI* Mr B

[@zaks5433]

Great vid. Thank you. It's a lot of help

[@austin22hunter]

Andy first time adjusting the front forks. Thanks man, this video made it almost to easy!

[@BraindumpTv]

dicemanyo Brilliant! Always good to know I've helped someone! RSMF*RI* Mr B

[@austin22hunter]

Love all your videos. Did you ever do a video for the back shock yet?

[@BraindumpTv]

No but check out my latest vid on the details of my full setup - I hope to record the rear this weekend :)

[@davidburns670]

Hello mate. I’ve got a 2015 MT-09 and I’ve found the suspension to be terrible (as I think all owners have) I’ve never touched the suspension on any of my bikes before but I’ll be giving this a go. Thanks for the great vid!

[@SkeggyCruiser]

Good video Andy, not seen this on the tube yet, mind you i've not looked for it, lol, very useful for those who've not done it before, RSM8, RI.

[@BraindumpTv]

Skeggy Cruiser Heheh - Cheers Buddy RSMF-*RI* Mr B

[@joet3816]

this is a great video! great explanation and easy to understand. thanks!

[@BraindumpTv]

Joe T Cheers Buddy, you are welcome :) RSMF-*RI* Mr B

[@nikosgiannakis4634]

Thanks bro! that was very usefull, i ' m looking forward to see about the rear suspension adjustment

[@BraindumpTv]

Nikos Giannakis Welcome Bro| - Rear next week =D RSMF-*RI* Mr B

[@MnJimi]

thank you for this video! I adjusted my 2015 FZ 09 similar to your settings, WOW it feels like a totally different bike and handling improved. im on the heavy side so the factory settings were to soft when cornering. what year is your FZ 09?

[@KoolMikeC]

Thanks for the tutorial M8!

[@rossfitness]

Very helpful. Thank you

[@umtaeyoun]

I love this video. thank you.

[@EyalMaoz1]

Nice video, thanks!

[@DenysZayets]

Thank you for this short tutorial!

[@BraindumpTv]

***** You are most welcome. RSMF-*RI* Mr B

[@carters2]

Very helpful tutorial! Waiting patiently for a rear shock setup video from you.

[@BraindumpTv]

carters2 Thanks - the rear will come... :) RSMF-*RI* Mr B

[@krugsin2849]

excellent video m8

[@baragi0702]

thank you Mr. Brain

[@Emcamden]

Spot on I'm a little chunkier at 205lbs but 5 exposed rings on the preload and 1 click off of max on the rebound made it sweet in the curves in Hell, Michigan thanks

[@cfvgd]

way to loose. About 1 and 14 i would use

[@boblelezard]

@@cfvgd So almost the hardest!!

[@nealmclaughlin6821]

Good instructor... very helpful information. Any info on balancing front to rear suspensions ? I have a FJ09 in my garage.

[@JagdeepSingh-sy2mh]

Lovely video. Very clear and precise. Thanks.

[@paulocampos6052]

The first thing I thought was that the Sag needs to be set first, that would solve the bouncing issue. However The suspension is so bad that I don't think the range will allow you to set the sag on that bike unless you are around 170 pounds, I am 210 and there is no way I can set the sag on mine. The realistic solution for the front is to change the springs and raise the oil level by a bit, then try and replace the rear shock (garbage) and only then you will be able to set the sag. The changes you are suggesting are a bandaid but they are good enough to make it a little more bearable, however for someone trying to bring the bike to a point where it can be ridden fast then understand that the suspension will not work adequately with the proposed changes. I am not criticizing as you did a good job explaining and it does make the suspension work better however just need to ensure new riders understand that the first step to setting a suspension is to set the sag and if you are not able to, then you need to spend some money.

[@adamcooper9965]

Thanks liked your post ...... except the "awesome like a boss" bit at the start and the end

[@BraindumpTv]

+Adam Cooper Yeah I think 50% of viewers agree with you. Will do another intro/outro for next year :) Cheers RSMF-*RI* Mr B

[@Booki89]

How have you found the suspension on the mt09? Lots of reviewers complain about it, compared to say a Street Triple. have you ridden a street triple before Mr B's Brain Dump? How does it compare?

[@gradyturner3367]

awesome video great job... gota ? tho.... front forks were bouncy and you commented was " factory settings" .... however sir you had already increased preload a small amount....? that said i own a xsr9 and both ends are hopelessly soft and squishy right from dealer floor i agree and have done all you explain and your advice is legit!! .... git s plastic barn owl and post him up outside scares em off? .... lol grandparents did it same reason lol

[@chipwood67]

Best overall ..to come to on KZbin for my 09.. keep it up*. Does it matter what your weight is for front and rear setup! I am about 165 pounds with gear on. Or does it not matter for my 09.. sorry if you've all ready explained it..

[@dry509]

What about the fork tubes in the Triple clamp? What are yours set at? Can you explain how to adjust? Not sure.

[@samadlone611]

top video mate

[@BraindumpTv]

Samad Lone Cheers Buddy RSMF-*RI* Mr B

[@MrBeerscuits]

Thank you!

[@gibo12310]

Brilliant thanks.we just need the one for the back end now Mr B? If you've done/doing one

[@surg23]

I wonder if the reason behind the factory settings is related to how easy the machine wheelies. I imagine softer front would be less abrupt when the front comes back down, although horrible for cornering in general.

[@hagaxxx]

excellent explanation, i really appreciate it. BTW what it is the the SAG distance? is the one bettween the max point where the suspension fork get and where it stops from bouncing?

[@BraindumpTv]

Check out rear setup I explain SAG there :) RSMF-*RI* Mr B

[@DLindgren46]

Do you have a guide for the rear shock also?

[@rijuk45]

Thanks for the video. I am a novice when it comes to suspension setup. I havent touched the settings since i bought my bike- SRAD 600. Is this trial and error iterative method safe for an in experienced rider like me to understand a good and bad setup? Also will a new set of tyres require further adjustment? Thank you in advance. RS-RI

[@BraindumpTv]

Rij B Hi Buddy, new tyres will improve corners, if you have any concerns then get a pro in or ask a friend to help that does know. Basically a bad setup with either bounce up and down the road or Jar your spine when you hit a bump. Make sure your tyres have correct pressure before you start. - You can always ask a question in one of the live hangouts too :) RSMF-*RI* Mr B

[@garyspencer9070]

Its crazy how a few turns of a spanner can change a bike

[@lurker-mq4fp]

I have the Tracer 900 - worst set up suspension I have ever had to deal with/adjust to personal taste. Took me days to figure it out!

[@Deimian22]

Hi dude! the sound on the suspension when you push it, it's normal??

[@jonathonvince3605]

helped a ton. running 14 clicks

[@jawknee21]

+Jonathon Vince how much do you weigh?

[@jonathonvince3605]

+jawknee21 260, I'm a fa

[@boblelezard]

I'm 200lbs and I'm set at 12 clicks from the top

[@davmanlop333]

Hi! thanks for the video, i see my front suspension on my mt09 does not click when trying to adjust them. would you say thats faulty? when will you do the back shock? cheers

[@BraindumpTv]

Dave Lo Only rebound clicks, if you are not sure or it is faulty take it back to the dealer :) Rear Shock next week. RSMF-*RI* Mr B

[@steve34416]

Come back Mr B

[@Dobbo2958]

I have the Tracer version but I'm surprised how good yours look. My problem is the suspension is so hard at the front it's bouncing me out of the seat. I've ridden various bikes over the years but do not know much about the dark arts of suspension adjustment. Thanks for the video... Mark

[@BraindumpTv]

+Dobbo2958 Set it all back to middle mate, let me know if you still have issues. RSMF-*RI* Mr B

[@welbys]

Hi Mr B , noticed your local to me I'm in Whiston area , wanted to ask where your suspension settings are now set after trying them out ?

[@BraindumpTv]

Mark Slater Hi Mark, all my setting are in this video and description... kzbin.info/www/bejne/iV6oh36Fnr9-i5Y Cheers RSMF-*RI* Mr B

[@AllInOneCz]

Super chief

[@toro514]

Thanks for the video, and say hi to the birds for me.

[@hxgianni1]

well done, really useful video, Cheers!!

[@BraindumpTv]

Helmuth R Alpizar Cheers Buddy RSMF-*RI* Mr B

[@hxgianni1]

Actually I went to my garage and set up the suspension and throttle and is a lot of difference! thank you

[@lralcantara]

So what’s the rider SAG front and back?

[@pipnmaz]

Great video, well explained. I had set mine up similarly from tips on the MT forum but have to say I didn't understand he terms and what I was adjusting until I saw this. After adjusting my suspension from stock it made great improvements in handling and braking so well worth taking a few minutes to give it a try yourself.

[@BraindumpTv]

pipnmaz Cheers and good stuff, it takes less than 5 mins to adjust too! RSMF-*RI* Mr B

[@RoyalLiving15]

Is this the 2015 model? I'm just curious, I heard about these issues on the 2014, I'm getting the 2015 tomorrow, your video is extremely helpful!

[@BraindumpTv]

Jesse Montes Hi Buddy, yes this is the new 2015 model. Cheers RSMF-*RI* Mr B

[@vancuy]

Hi Mate, My 2015 FJ 09 has one front rebound adjustment only. How does it work ? Having only one on right hand fork? I would like to know if I can find another right hand fork insert and install it on the left.

[@joecamel6835]

Sometimes they make one fork do one job and the other the other job .

[@eliaskhalil562]

This help to lower the seat height??

[@gosoku2771]

Sorry, but how are you determining how tight to set the preload?

[@sonichives1]

How did you determine that you wanted to wind it down 2 notches from 7 for preload ? Thanks

[@boblelezard]

That's your choice, what you feel best. Do you want a softer front or harder front? If you like it softer, then go 3 clicks back (from 7) and go from there. If you prefer a harder front end, then go down 3 clicks (from 7) and do a test ride Etc... until you find the setting you're comfortable with :)

[@yammydodger1988]

@@boblelezard preload doesn't alter the comfort of the ride, it affects the ride height, compression adjustment alters the comfort.

[@burntrubber7109]

Close the rebound valve all the way in, then back it out 1 turn. TOGETHER with your fork spring all the way down showing only 2 lines. Thats the best setting for the FZ 09.

[@burntrubber7109]

Correction on the rebound. 2 clicks out from full closed position

[@abderrahmanedd734]

How much do you weight

[@jbroadbelt6]

This is old but in case other people come here I do the same adjustment as this commenter. I'm 170 lbs.. 180 in the winter. Daily drive this bike for the 4th year in a row..

[@rollinon1000]

Hey mate are you still happy with your mt 09? thinking of getting one.

[@abderrahmanedd734]

rollinon1000 i guess you got it, how is it so far?

[@paulgreenan3696]

im clueless,,,,not anymore, spot on

[@kevinevilman]

My screwdriver adjustment thing does nog click, is it broken or am i doing somthing rong🧐😧

[@mikaelholmgren4340]

👍

[@nguyenconghoanyamaha3429]

Why do you adjust rebound fornt fork on the right only ? I think we need to adjust both of Fork ? Right ?

[@alloutofdonuts3998]

Only the right side has adjustment. Check out what this guy did. Seems pretty savvy IMO. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnvUl4Jnj7Vnfqc

[@boblelezard]

I have the 2018. Has both sides : right fork = rebound and left fork = compression

[@akademifmmsubib7904]

Hello. Is winding down the preload and suspension will lower the bike a bit?

[@BraindumpTv]

+Muhamad Nur Firdaus Only on the Rear, if you make the rear softer it will sit a bit lower, front will make no difference. RSMF-*RI* Mr B

[@yammydodger1988]

@@BraindumpTv you muppet, preload affects ride height both on the front and rear.

[@isaaclarson]

I had thought for a second that the MT-09 got better suspension than the FZ-09... I missed that it had adjustable preload, and it's just like the FZ for rebound/compression.

[@Dobbo2958]

+ilarson007 I have aMT 09 Tracer. Can I ask what you adjusted yours to, I'm a bit of a lard arse but find the front to be too firm

[@isaaclarson]

+Dobbo2958 lol, I don't have one, sorry.

[@BraindumpTv]

+Dobbo2958 Hi, it's hard to give advice without seeing what is going on with your shocks, set everything back to factory (Middle) and go from there... let me know how you get on :) RSMF-*RI* Mr B

[@ChuckieFinzter]

Mr B.......Any ideas about setting up the rear end? Regards CF

[@BraindumpTv]

ChuckieFinzter Hi Buddy, see my video here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/iV6oh36Fnr9-i5Y Also hope to record something soon. RSMF-*RI* Mr B

[@ChuckieFinzter]

Cheers....Mr B CF

[@Womanwolfrider]

They must have thought your name was Alfred!

[@H1TMAN930927]

Those damn birds!

[@davidmc3741]

Great Video. Minus the birds. My only issue, is that there is no click on my 2014 FZ-09. Turns as expected, and based on the number of times you turned yours, mine turns about 14 times in either direction. Just no clicks. maybe some click, some dont??

[@BraindumpTv]

David McMurray Thanks Buddy, the click help, but really it is what feels best, my rear shock does not click, so I count 180 turns :) RSMF-*RI* Mr B

[@rideforrestride]

where can I get those clear lenses for your indicators?

[@jonsy_gunn9791]

Yeah I was wondering too where can I get those!!!

[@BraindumpTv]

Clear Lenses are 2015 versions, just go to Yamaha parts online and order 2015 lenses (Europe) RSMF-*RI* Mr B

[@MrGlennz0r]

They have been clear since release in 2014. But only for the EU market. US get the ugly orange lenses.

[@YourFatClownAss]

There is a clunking noise coming from the fork on my bike when I hit speed-bumps. Sounds like the spring is hitting the fork walls. Anyone else experiencing this?

[@MegaKaze11]

Only got a clunk outta the forks when I bottomed out the travel on my old gs500.

[@dmandhelen]

Can I ask ... Does removing some of the play in the throttle reduce the snatchyness ?.. I've just bought this bike and quite honestly it's fantastic to ride .. But the power is really instant and will take some getting used to ... It's teaching me to be a more skill full rider .. !!

[@BraindumpTv]

dmandhelen This is where you learn throttle control, no more twist back and go for you. Gentle on the throttle in low gears and it will be gentle, be heavy handed and it will kick back. That said, removing the throttle slack removes the guess work of when the throttle starts, which kinda helps! Welcome to the world of powerful bikes which deserve throttle respect :o) RSMF-*RI* Mr B

[@dmandhelen]

Yes you're right ...!!!! My z800 was so smooth and predictable...!!!!! It's lulled me into a false sense of security... Haha.... But I'm looking forward to mastering the little beast ..!!!!

[@BraindumpTv]

dmandhelen Me... Right? Oooo sometimes ;o) Yeah you will soon get used to the required throttle control and you will wonder what all the fuss was about.. You say you just got yours? I hope you got the free pipe too!

[@dmandhelen]

Yes it's being fitted at the first service .. Thank you for your advice on the suspension adjustment it was very clear and helpful..... I think it's great how Yamaha have made this bike ... It's such a character.. It's got so many facets to it's personality.. Whether good or bad weather we like them or not ... It's soooooo interesting ... What a great character for a modern bike ... So many bikes made now are a bit too one dimensional... Mt-09 certainly is Not...

[@BraindumpTv]

dmandhelen You are welcome, be warned, with the DB Killer out the pipe is crazy loud, no video audio can do it justice. As for the bike you summed it up very well, that's why I bought one! =oD Enjoy it and be nice to the throttle, don't be tempted to ride outside your comfort level. As you come to understand the bike your skills at handling it will improve, no rush :o) Maybe go for a ride out one day. - Oh I have to ask... what colour did you get? RSMF-*RI* Mr B

[@browie316]

Why were you only adjusting one fork leg before testing rebound?

[@BraindumpTv]

browie316 The rebound is only on the right fork, bit weird eh? RSMF-*RI* Mr B

[@browie316]

Mr & Mrs B's Brain Dump Very weird. Sounds like a cost cutting exercise?

[@halitcaglarakar201]

So 13 clicks are after fully softening the suspension isn't it ?

[@truculenttabasco]

No. lol

[@boblelezard]

@@truculenttabasco Screw clockwise all the way down and then back one click (so you end up at 13 clicks from the top)

[@kevincraig8257]

I think an upgrade is in the future

[@triumphtriplepaton1968]

You must do both sides

[@boxofmoles4057]

Bird noise? Didn't see the wife in the entire video. 🤣

[@Nalopotato]

Man..EU got the best colors for the bike...

[@72Hab]

How heavy are you mate?

[@BraindumpTv]

72Hab Around 150 - 160 pounds with gear, which is why I don't need the front as hard as others. RSMF-*RI* Mr B

[@JM-dt9oo]

is he still posting?

[@BraindumpTv]

Not often! 🙂

did you measure your sag?

[@BraindumpTv]

+Miika Venäläinen Sag? no... there is sag but never measured it. Just used my eye, however I don't think it's possible to make the front so hard that there is no sag. Rear is more the place to check sag, vid soon. RSMF-*RI* Mr B

+Mr & Mrs B's Brain Dump Check out Dave Moss' instructions on setting suspension. Actually setting the right sag would be the first thing to do. For that bike with 137mm front travel, right rider sag would be around 45... 40mm and for rear few mills less. And yes you are gonna have more front end dive with 17mm excess travel compared to traditional roadbikes. I have ridden MT-9 couple of times and it was an bit bouncy and still not that soft nor comfortable.

[@BraindumpTv]

Yeah, mine was bouncy too, you have to wind the rebound right down on the front. I will measure out of interest when I do the full setup - cheers.

[@yammydodger1988]

@@BraindumpTv how the hell can you set your preload without measuring the rider sag? you haven't got a clue what you're doing.

[@madeulook5421]

Time You did some weeding & with a bit of luck you'll at least get that right LMFOA still

[@BraindumpTv]

Madeulook Thanks for your concern about my garden.

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

'Ride invisible' Did he really mean that at the end? I want to be seen by cars. Great video.

[@BraindumpTv]

Nick M Cheers Buddy - Yes I did mean ride invisible, when a biker gets hit even with lights and high viz, what does the driver say? "Sorry I did not see you" Search the channel for ride invisible there are a few videos that explain how to (RI) - Ride Invisible. RSMF-*RI* Mr B

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

I'll have a look. I still don't get that!

[@BraindumpTv]

Hehe - Ride as if you are invisible and say goodbye to near misses :)

[@Ryan-re1rs]

@@user-sw2lv3zp6o . Then you should never ride a motorcycle. Lol. The Point is to act like no one can see you. That way you will ride safer in the end. Simple.

[@TheMumbleBee]

Normally people suss out preload with a few friends holding the bike with you on it in your gear. Is this a bit too lab-coat-y and safety goggles or is there a simpler approach? I don't have friends :(

[@TheMumbleBee]

Rider sag as opposed to free sag, yes. But I was more interested in knowing how Mr B knew that he'd need to turn x number of turns from stock considering he hadn't measured in the typical way you've mentioned during the video. Not all forks are equal but maybe he's just experienced in setting suspension up for himself in the past and I wanted to see if that was the case. I'm blabbering...thank you for the reply though!

[@BraindumpTv]

The Mumble Bee ***** Thanks Both, Basically rode it stock and it was too soft, so adjust & ride again till it feels good! No need for a white coat unless your trying to shave off a few 100ths of a second on a lap. RSMFs-*RI* Mr B

[@TheMumbleBee]

Mr & Mrs B's Brain Dump Fair play. My problem is I don't know what a good setup feels like (at least not yet) so I'll need to keep tinkering until something feels good. Thanks for taking the time to reply. Best, Mumble.

[@streetdouble9529]

Just looked at this vid quickly. Its all a bit sketchy and i’m sorry but your rebound damping is too tight, the forks come back way to slowly.

[@spunion38]

Why didnt you do each leg? Only adjusting one is incorrect.

[@chongwong]

On the Mt09 only 1 leg is adjustable, yes it's totally safe

[@RagingBad]

How heavy are you?

[@madeulook5421]

Thanks for the laugh

[@BraindumpTv]

Madeulook Welcome RSMF-*RI* Mr B

[@stephenmwyatt2]

Very helpful, but it would be better with English subtitles

[@yammydodger1988]

You didn't take one single measurement, you should have measured the total fork travel, no static or rider sag measurements either, you can't set preload in this way, you need to be in a 30% range with rider sag, very dodgy video tutorial.

[@mrb3788]

Tq.factory suspension sucks

[@MikeOxwelling2]

Good info but terrible presentation. That vid could be shortened to2 minutes without all the waffling.

[@itsretlig]

MikeOxwelling2 that’s Mr B’s charm. It is a ‘braindump’ after all.

[@blakefollett]

Just change your fork oil to something heavier. Problem solved.

[@TwoAndAHalfBikes]

Not in cartridge dampers,

[@yodo6414]

Skip the stupid intro,, seriously

[@BraindumpTv]

Seriously, skip the intro, like any other human would that does not want to see it! This ain’t TikToc!

[@rollinon1000]

Hey mate are you still happy with your mt 09? thinking of getting one.

[@Ryan-re1rs]

Yes

[@heazy87]

I just got one. 2020