Motorcycle Suspension adjustments: Basic tutorial (T7) 1/3

[@otakarsulc4686]

Great Video, keep them coming :-) Simple and straightforward and bit funny too :-)

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Thank you! What I really want to vlog about is trips and adventures, and those usually are funnier! But with covid quarantine and all i had to turn a little more to instructional contente...for now ^^

[@otakarsulc4686]

@@OFFroadOFFcourse To be perfectly honest, everybody doing vlogs about trips and adventures because its more fun to do. But these with informations about maintenance and setup are harder to find and more useful.

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Something for me to think about :o

[@tam410]

Well done. 1:34 Preload 2:30 Compression 3:31 Rebound

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Will use these chapters! brilliant! thanks man

[@cameronf2894]

Just got my T7 and about to adjust suspension. You demystified all those terms ive heard so many times with such simple explanations - you are a great teacher and i look forward to more of your videos!

[@samiounasti6638]

Great and simple video for a dummy like me! Many thanks!

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

It was a pleasure to help, Sami ^^

[@Oosik91]

Thank you thank you for making this video! I’m new to the motorcycle world and own a T7 new to whole suspension world

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

95% of the people (or more) have no idea how to adjust a suspension...so if you saw this simple video, you are alreayd ahead of most riders you will ever meet :D Thanks for commenting!

[@ParagliceCayenne]

Thanks. I like that you make it easy and not rocket science

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

I'm just trying yo convey a little general understanding about the subject ^^ Next videos will be a detailed explanation of all 3 adjustments (as much as I can, with my limited knowledge ^^)

[@BlackThor15]

Amazing video Diogo, well done!! Short, simple and straight to the point, what a fantastic beginner's guide to suspensions know how!! Can't wait for the next ones!! 👍👍

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Thank you so much for the feedback! Happy rides ;)

[@jprafael]

Nicely done! I've already seen a dozen of tutorials on how to properly set your suspension and this is by far one of the best ones! Keep up the good work.

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Awesome, thank you! thank you for leaving a comment :D

[@missadventuresmotorcycledi2773]

Love your delivery.

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Thank you! As a new channel, it feels really good to get this sort of comments =)

[@missadventuresmotorcycledi2773]

@@OFFroadOFFcourse me and my daughter appreciate your videos very much as they are informative but still entertaining and fun. We are heading off on a long trip, gonna take a year or so need to do our own work on the bikes. We like the look of the Tenere. Our last trip we used bikes that cost about 200 dollors 😅 Did the trick, we went far!

[@KenpachiZarakiX]

Man I'm loving this production, good stuff man. Subscribed! Excellent work!

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Thank you! For a small youtuber, you have no idea how good it feels to read this kind of comments ^^

[@CarasdeCasco]

THANKS! Best video for adjust my Tenere suspension!! 👏

[@advanceglazingsolutionsinc5527]

I found you 3 days ago, I really like your style, keep them coming! Also when you talk about mm or Cm try to also translate in inches, it will help you with the American market

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Thats a very good advice! I usually try to, but sometimes I forget "the translation! =) Thank you for watching and for commenting, and welcome aboard!

[@advanceglazingsolutionsinc5527]

Thank! I’m 1:70 cm short legs, I have a DR 650 factory lowered because I used to fall all the time doe to reach down off road and nothing was under my feet, much better now, however I like the 700 , I was set on the ktm 690 but after your video…meee! So the 700 in your opinion is a good one bike for all?

[@louvega8414]

Wow, I got it! Thank you.

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Glad it helped! Thanks for watching!

[@milaventurasprod]

Damn. Good explanation, now I know what I need to change on my XTs suspension (the TT600 Ohllins is a bit wee soft for the extra 40 kilos it has). Great editing as well, nice channel that this is becoming

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

You don't know yet! that will be next video :P

[@milaventurasprod]

@@OFFroadOFFcourse Perfect, feed that knowledge hehehe

[@beddccom]

Simply and clearly explained :)

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Glad it was helpful!

[@scottburghart9278]

Simple and well explained. You must be smarter than the average reviewer........

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Nah, i just like motorcycles more :p

[@slewbangles]

Awesome videos! Excited to see where this channel goes 😊

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Hopefully to the moon... lets see :P So far, I'm enjoying quite a lot and learning every day, so in theory, things are going to steadily improve for quite a while ;) Thanks for the comment Luke!

[@drciio]

The sky is the limit! Os 10k estão à espreita!

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Give me 3 more weeks :p

[@palamidagheo4520]

great teaching skills

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Glad you think so! I'm learning as I go :D

[@TheAnasAcuta]

Informativ, no bull shit, - and spot on! Love your videos ! 👍

[@motoric5188]

Awesome, thanks!

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

My pleasure! Not a full enciclopedia, but something useful for the average joe :D Thanks for commenting!

[@VadiodaXT]

Excelente... Fala-se muito sobre suspensões mas não desta forma tão simples e fácil de compreender. Obrigada pela partilha ABR

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Isto é mesmo do mais básico que há (nem eu sei muito mais para em alongar com mais detalhes :D). Nos próximos videos vou ensinar a malta a ver no manual os clicks e +- a conseguir encontrar uma afinação que funcione bem para eles...vamos lá ver

[@martinvang6352]

Thx a lot, great info!!! Grtz from Holland

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

I'm glad you liked it! Happy rides! :D

[@seisamigos397]

Great explanation! Thanks!!

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Glad it was helpful!

[@coolbeans7274]

Funny how the guys we like on you tube, like the other guys we like on youtube. Ryan F9

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

That is... a brilliant sentence! Thats poetry! :D And so true... I draw some much inspiration from his work ^^

[@BlAdYAdv]

great job, really. I need to take care of this fast :)

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

thank you! Hope the videos help you through the process ^^

[@valdemar7986]

Excellent!

[@lukimy2704]

Thanks -great video

[@P6_7R_Nick]

This is quite good timing as I've just received a new fully adjustable rear shock for the XT. I do know quite a bit about what the suspension adjustment do but it would still be good to here your advice on suspension set up. If you don't mind going into high and low speed compression too, that would be just 👌 I'll look forward to these vids.

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

oh! I also got a new shock for the XT660R (finally!)...but I didnt have the time to install it yet. Which one did you get? I was not planning to talk about the high and low adjustments (mainly cause the T7 doesn't have them), but I will think about mentioning them "honorably" or make another video later dedicated to that :o What hi-lo adjustments does your shock have? The Compression?

[@P6_7R_Nick]

@@OFFroadOFFcourse I bought the swanky TFX from OTR. I wasn't cheap but it looks very pretty. I've not installed the shock yet either. I have the old one off and I'm just waiting for some advice from OTR about remote reservoir location. The shock has fast and slow rebound for compression, rebound adjustment and a remote preload adjuster. I'm quite excited about feeling the difference it makes. Which shock did you go for?

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

@@P6_7R_Nick a friend of mine has the same on a XT660R as well. He is very happy with it. Somewhere in the next few weeks I'm actually going to be with him and will ask for a test-ride ^^

[@P6_7R_Nick]

@@OFFroadOFFcourse you could ask them how they installed it too just incase I'm still struggling haha. 😁. It would be interesting to hear your thoughts.

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

@@P6_7R_Nick Well, so far I know that you have to disassemble half the bike cause the airbox will be in the way of the top shock screw... and I know that the external reservoir (if you picked that version) is a bit tricky to install cause the tube is short so it limits the options of where to place it. But thats it... no biiig issues =)

[@everythingtenere]

First thing I did was to swap out the rear spring and added 5mm preload washer in front. Where no videos out there how to install the preload washers, so I made one 😅

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Nice solution, the washer! But why did you need the washer if you switched the spring?

[@everythingtenere]

@@OFFroadOFFcourse changed the spring in the rear, washers are for the front fork 🙂

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

@@everythingtenere of course, it makes all the sense in the world now :D 2 Questions: -How heavy are you? (sorry for asking) -Did these changes improve the bike significantly?

[@everythingtenere]

@@OFFroadOFFcourse no worries, I’m 82kg after morning toilet 😅. I can’t tell much in regards to difference, as I installed it prior riding it. But I got a proper sag with gear etc, and that’s what counts. More useful travel in the end 👌

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

@@everythingtenere With 82Kg you would probably get away with adjusting the pre-load a little harder than the standard 10clicks (ranging from 0 to 24) but this way you will have a bigger threshold for extra-luggage, wife and so on :D Well done ;)

[@perhennung]

EXCELLENT! Thanks!

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Thanks for commenting ;)

[@r10j91]

Mais uma vez bom video... boa explicação com boa linguagem! Continua com o bom trabalho...

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Muito obrigado! :D

[@oleeolee5576]

Gracias por los subtítulos

[@usbsol]

Thanks -could you say anything about how much (in % for example) the fork will get softer if I change the oil to a thinner one?

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Hey there! Thanks for watching! Actually I don't know! But thats something probably your local suspension expert might be able to answer (or give you some time of answer at least). My notion (not professional) is that you shouldn't switch the oil for one that is MUCH thinner (or thicker). Move only 1 grade up or now. So, if you have a SAE 10W, maybe try 5W or 15W, but not a 2.5W or 20W

[@usbsol]

@@OFFroadOFFcourse only making a gradual change makes sense. Cheers 🙂

[@superfly2705]

Que belleza de moto

[@MrAigaro]

Great video, but pleas do something with sound🙏🏻 Sounds like someone is whistling in my headphones

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Thank you! I had a problem with the mic this time...i was testing a wireless system with a new lapel mic and forgot to put it over the jacket, so there's a lot of cloth rattling and other imperfections :/ Will try to improve ^^

[@MrAigaro]

@@OFFroadOFFcourse no problems, we wait next video👌🏻

[@actstuntcam]

Didn't agree with everything you said, but a good summation of the basics.

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

My idea was to keep it as simple as i could put it :) On the next videos i wil detail more evey one of the adjustments, so I'd love to read your opinion before i finish the recordings! If you have the time to point out what you disagreed with, of course!

[@actstuntcam]

@@OFFroadOFFcourse You said you should never think of the preload adjustment as being a way to soften/stiffen, or raise/lower the bike. This is one of the things I disagreed with. In a pure sense, you are correct. However, as a rider who does not have the money to replace springs or re-valve shocks, preload is a perfectly fine way (within limits) of doing all of those things. The alternative is getting an 'expert' to replace springs and re-valve damping. Having a suspension expert replace your springs etc, is a difficult, problematic, expensive exercise that could see you rebuild your forks and shocks multiple times before you find a solution that works. Fiddling with your suspension settings is a cheap easy way to adjust your bike to your liking. AND if you mess it up, you can just return it to the standard settings in the handbook. Other than that you did a great job of demystifying what can be confusing to some. If you think about the terms used (preload, Compression/rebound damping) and what those terms mean, their purpose is quite clear.

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

@@actstuntcam ah, but thats exactly the type of information that I will be trying to teach on my next to videos! =)...How to actually adjust all those things. The whole point of teaching people the basics is for them not to feel the need to contact a "suspension professional" for a thing that can be corrected with a few clicks ;)

[@actstuntcam]

@@OFFroadOFFcourse Of course - no disrespect meant. I'm just a grumpy, old, opinionated, mongrel :) Aren't most motorcyclists? :) Look forward to your next one. Always good to return to the basics, it is easy to forget the simple stuff :)

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

@@actstuntcam Although I look young, and I'm only 34, I can definitely relate to that "old grumpy and opinionated" feeling :P My whole "love" for the T7 comes from a "the best old days were the best" mindset, ahah Its all good man, thank you very much for taking the time to reply ;)

[@liber2928]

boas, estou a pensar comprar uma xt600 pq sao baratas e tem aquela cena de dual sport, mas sei que vou fazer maioritariamente cidade e autoestrada e no fim de semana uma voltinha em santa margarida e pelo monte que ha por aqui, o que achas? conselhos? btw grandes videos com uma qualidade impressionante. obrigado

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

A XT600 é uma excelente escolha. Dentro do mesmo género (mas mais "racing" tens a TT600, a DR650 e até a NX650. Todas ali com 150-165kg, todas com 40-50cv, e todas muito capazes em offroad (sendo que a XT é a mais tractor e menos "endurista"). Até aos 110km/h vais mta bem, e depois ja assim a forçar dàs 150 mais metro menos metro. Uma excelente moto que faz tudo :)

[@liber2928]

@@OFFroadOFFcourse boa, obrigado!

[@gogostoro]

I'm so disappointed in this video... after all those nice videos that you posted at the end of this one you didn't put those fancy icons at the end for "like", "subscribe", and "thingy"... so disappointed :-)))) Please for next one, which i can't wait to watch, please don't do same mistake. :-)

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Ohhh!! Somehow I failed to put it on the final version of the video!! Can't believe you guys actually like these kind of details ^^

[@gogostoro]

@@OFFroadOFFcourse I don't like them... actually i hate them, but at beginning you were saying i think bell or something similar for notification and suddenly you changed to "thingy" which i found funny as English isn't my first language as well. You'r doing grate work! Simple short and funny... Pleasure to watch every single video!

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

@@gogostoro Thanks for the words, man! Im anxious to be able to ride more often and show you nice adventure videos, but the #quarantinelife is kinda slowing things down :o Happy rides!

[@tonysilva5558]

Great explanation, thank you!