Motorcycle Suspension tutorial: Compression and Rebound (T7) 3/3

This is the 3rd video of my mini series about adjusting suspensions (for dummies on adventure motorcycles).
This time we talk about Compression and Rebound, responsible for dampening the movements of your fork and shock.
These adjustments can basically convert a bike's behavior from a "track-day-machine" to an off road rock crawler, so finding a setting that works for you and for what you like to do is extremely important.
For more adjustment tips and troubleshooting, I found this brilliant guide from Teknikmotorsport.com:
www.teknikmotorsport.com/Offr...
Make sure you check it out for more ideas on how to test your adjustments and to adapt them to the bike's feedback.
Again, special thanks to Bluemotor.pt for letting me convert half the store into a "studio" and to let me use their Yamaha T7 (or is it T700? Tenere 700?) as my guinea pig :D
T7 Owners manual (the correct one)
www.manualslib.com/manual/192...
-Diogo Guerra
#mechanics #rebound #compression
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Chapters:
0:00​​ Intro
1:48​​ Factory setting adjustments
4:53​​ Field adjustments
6:38 Shock compression
8:26 Shock rebound
9:50 Fork compression
11:20 Fork rebound
12:20 Outro

[@benjaminevans1025]

Hello from Utah, USA! This 3 part series has been a huge help and I learned so much! Thank you! The humor, information and video quality remind me a lot of Ryan’s F9 videos. Keep up the good videos!

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Getting compared to Ryan is the highest of praises, even though I am 5 light years away from his quality levels :D One day maybe i will get there ^^

[@goatman86]

@@OFFroadOFFcourse I hope you will some day :) but light-years are a measure of distance not time.

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

@@goatman86 I knowwww, i knowww :P

[@FredrikTornkvist]

I have searched the web for years how to set the suspension and this is the only useful and understandable information ever. THANK YOU! THANK YOU!! 🙏 😊

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Thanks for watching and for the incredible comment!

[@Sweetw4ter]

Again, the best ( and only! ) video explaining and SHOWING how to adjust compression and rebound. Well done.

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Phew, thats a relief... I was not sure at all about this video :D

[@alvarosolis7837]

One of the best videos about suspension I’ve ever watch! Keep the good work!

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Thank you Alvaro! For watching and commenting!

[@usbsol]

This series on suspension is great! Clear information packed in a fun presentation 🤗

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Thank you for watching and for the awesome comment!

[@dannysmith9217]

I grew up in Central America. A Pastor from Brazil stayed with us for a year. Instead of learning English, I learned to speak Portuguese. It was an easy transition from Spanish. Beautiful language. I'll keep watching 👍👍👍

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Oh thats amazing Danny! Brazilian is sort of a simplified version of Portuguese, so it is ideal for foreigners who want to learn it quickly! ;)

[@gwolt]

Diogo, thank you so much for these well explained series. Probably the best out there, at list for my taste. I Learned a lot and been put ur guidelines to the test and results were finally make me and my bike happy. Thank you so much! Keep it up!!!

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Great to hear! You are the first person who actually tried these "teaching" and reported back with a comment! :D Thanks for that!!

[@sonajuma]

Thank you, simply the best advice on T7 suspension from any source.

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Hey, thanks for watching and commenting! I am glad it was useful ^^

[@user-uk3ky6qc2n]

Great series! Thanks for doing it. Very helpful and informative!

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Glad you enjoyed it! And welcome aboard :D

[@peterbrophy9442]

Enjoy your style. Thanks for creating this and shared with ridding buddies in 🇨🇦

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

My pleasure! Thank you for sharing and for leaving this awesome comment :D

[@wanjamoto]

Great video series, excelent explained. Very audience-oriented, with a lot of knowledge, experience and love for the bikes. Many Thanks Greetings from Vienna

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Thank you for taking the time to leave this awesome comment !

[@lucjeannottat9553]

Hi from Switzerland. Thank you very much for the video. It's a perfect combination of fun and information. I receive my T7 next week and can't wait to experiment.

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Glad it was helpful! And thank you for leaving me this comment =) Is it easy to find off-road tracks in switzerland?

[@weekendwarriorT7]

This was one of the best video I've seen about this topic, really explanatory 🤙👌

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Great to hear! Its weird to evaluate my own videos...from my perspective they all kinda suck :P ... so its awesome to get comments like these :)

[@weekendwarriorT7]

@@OFFroadOFFcourse I've been looking at alot of suspension /sag videos, it always seems like rocket science, but with your video it seems doable.

[@luisguerradasilva2659]

Parabéns Diogo, sem dúvida o mais esclarecedor dos 3 vídeos! A cereja em cima do bolo, para quem viu os dois vídeos anteriores ...

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Que maior riqueza!!! Obrigado! Daqui a 2-3 dias ja ponho as legendas ^^

[@whataboutjeff]

Really good video. I really really understood how what I should feel and how I then should adjust it for the first time. Really like your videos and your style of talking 😁

[@BlackThor15]

Great video to finalize a great series, well done Diogo!! Also, your English technical language skill is awesome too! Keep it, you're doing great!! 👍👍

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Thanks! 😃 Actually I notice my english skill sort of improving lately... I feel more at ease and thepronunciationn is getting better. Practice makes perfect I guess :D

[@doc_on_bike]

Thank you so much for this great tutorial. I even use this knowledge for sucessfully adjusting the suspension of my mountain- and downhillbike. And, of course my Tenere. Very useful. Cheers from the South of Germany!

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

You're very welcome! Fantastic! Thanks for commenting and sharing ;D

[@escapeartist7900]

Brilliant video with excellent, clear concise guidance. Well done.

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Thank you so much man! For watching and commenting ^^

[@RoscoRide]

Great in-depth explanation on Suspension set up my friend

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Glad you liked it! Thank you for taking the time to comment!

[@tedleroux7131]

In my opinion that answers all I need to know just a matter of fine tuning now Thank you

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Glad to know! ^^ Best news ^^

[@brianq103]

Again, great video! Suspension adjustment is a kin to witchcraft! Even pro racers will decide on settings and then the next ride will hate the very same settings they loved previously, even in the exact same environment!

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Yeah, I've seen/heard the weirdest things when it comes to suspension preferences! I was blessed with the sensitivity of a mule, so for me anything inside the right ballpark works well :P

[@tonyseeley]

Really good video, thank you. I FINALLY understand all the terms and hopefully will be able to tune in my suspension. Thanks again.

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Glad it was useful :D thanks for commenting!

[@denroux]

Un très sincère merci à toi !!! J'ai partagé la série des 3 vidéos ;-) Good ride !

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Merci! d'avoir pris le temps de laisser un si gentil commentaire! :) Et désolé pour les sous-titres français automatiques ... je suis sûr qu'ils sont très mauvais :P

[@cambag77]

Good, funny and informative video! I see some RyanF9's and Bret Tkacs' style in there. That is a very good thing. You have a new sub from Argentina. Keep it up!

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

I appreciate that! Getting compared to Ryan or Bret is the highest praise! :D I obviously draw a lot of inspiration from them both ^^ Thanks for the sub and the comment ;)

[@Hellishrider]

Well done.. simple explanation and easy to follow thanks for that. Great job and nice braaapings 🤘

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

It was a pleasure to share the few things I know ;)

[@mirkorossi4865]

Great videos, thank you

[@carlbayard8729]

Fantastic video thank you!

[@xRotivx]

Very good, very nice video. Keep up the good work.

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Thanks Vitor! :D thank you for watching!

[@MalickU9ur]

very useful video my friend ,

[@wombatbreath]

Brilliant video series - thanks a lot

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Nice! I'm glad you enjoyed it! thanks for the comment =)

[@wombatbreath]

@@OFFroadOFFcourse I'm seriously considering upgrading my cb500x to the T7 so this series is especially helpful!

[@muraty921]

Awesome video thanks!

[@dave99887]

Excellent videos. Cheers!

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Thank you for taking the time to comment =)

[@oleeolee5576]

Gracias por los subtítulos, buen vídeo

[@dannysmith9217]

Greetings from America, muito, muito bom. Boa instrução, bem feito. Looking forward to to your future videos.

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Thanks Danny! Im learning as I go, and it has been a lot of fun!... Now please indulge me, why/how do you speak Portuguese? :P

[@Spike-rj6ye]

Not gonna lie that first microphone sounds like what it would be like to go through a woodchipper POV style. Loved the video man and Ill be referring back to it when I get my T7! Ride safe :)

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

ahaha, yeah I know what you mean! I'm on a tight budget, and my editing/filming skills are purely empirical so for now, its the best I can do :P Glad you enjoyed the video ;)

[@Navillus2273]

great vids, thanks!

[@tuskenridertv2678]

I just adjusted suspension on my 690 and 4 clicks in the front compression made a gigantic difference going through potholes.

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

The 690, specially on the early years had a very "performance oriented" suspension adjustment, most dual-sport and adventure riders didn't cope with it well. Did you add or take 4clicks on the compression?

[@tuskenridertv2678]

@@OFFroadOFFcourse increased compression.

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

@@tuskenridertv2678 ah, interesting! What year is your 690? The one I tried (before 2010) was hard as nails :o back then i didnt know a lot about anything so i didnt think too much about it xD

[@tuskenridertv2678]

@@OFFroadOFFcourse 2019, you'll see ;)

[@picadventure]

Just find your channel, great tips man :D V and ride safe ;)

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Welcome aboard! Thank you for he comment ;)

[@dominikols]

Awesome

[@rcdbraver]

Hi! Im glad to see this videos. I have a T7 but im not an off road rider mostly like touring. Maybe you can help me whats the right suspension tuning. Do i need to click to H (Hard) direction.

[@jiggier]

Thanks for the video! Even if it was conceptual, it is still way better than what I saw in other videos as you gave couple of good examples which describe too much or too little rebound/compression. Quick question: does rebound/compression need to be adjusted if I load bike with additional weight (for example load with luggage for a long trip)?

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Hello Jigger! I dont feel confident enough to give you a definitive answer, and although i searched on the web for info, i didn't find a direct answer/explanation. As far as I know, for extra weight you only need to adjust the preload, but it makes sense to me that for optimal performance you would benefit from adjusting the other 2 also (maybe cause you dont ride in the same way when you carry weight?) I can't do the math in my head and i can't find the scientific data to give you a solid answer :o But i will talk to some people..if i get more info i will get back to you :)

[@pedroguerreiro9881]

Great video. Im my opinion you must do that in my motorcycle i did not buy yet. Best regards. Keep the god job. 💪😁

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

If you can't do it by yourself, then the video was a flop :P

[@pedroguerreiro9881]

@@OFFroadOFFcourse floppy disk 👍😂😂

[@Nick-me9tl]

Thanks for the clear video! I try to understand it a little more and this helps a lot! I have change my rear spring for a stiffer one on my t7, but they say that i have to ingrease the compression and rebound with 2 clicks because i have change the spring. I don't know why, can you maybe explain it? Cheers!

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

To be honest I don't think I have the knowledge to confirm or explain that. It makes empirical sense to me that a stronger spring needs at least increased rebound, but sometimes physics has cunning ways to balance itself out. Nevertheless, the best course of action is to disregard those recommendations and adjust the clickers as you see fit, through trial and error. If it makes you more comfortable, use the recommendation as if they were the factory settings... seems like a good setup to begin with

[@elsingular]

Nice series, good info and good sense of humor. As I weight as you (75kg naked) can you share your final adjustments in preload, compression and rebound for the forks and shock. Will be a very good starting point for me. Thanks a lot, new subscriber here ;).

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Hey there! Thansk for the comment! I ended up just adding 2 clicks (+) on shock compression and 2 clicks (+) on the fork rebound. But I was more focused on the video than actually setting the suspension so I wont say this is done with a lot of care. I dont like the Pirelli rally STR tires and during some turns the bike felt like wanting to wash-out (front first) hence the higher rebound. Maybe 2 clicks wasn't enough though... Maybe just needs better tires. On the rear I increased the compression not because I felt I needed, but cause I felt it was SO soft and comfy, i could probably sacrifice some of that for a bit bigger peace of mind for the hard/unpredictable stuff :) Do as I say, dont to as I do xD

[@elsingular]

@@OFFroadOFFcourse thanks a lot as you say will try. But the preload will be almost the same, remember the shock preload clicks? Thanks a lot

[@petersolleveld]

Thankyou for very good content. Can you give us your favorite settings for the T7.

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Hey there Peter. I actually didn't bother reaching a very precise adjustment for myself, since its not my bike and I was focused on shooting the video. But for me I think the bike would work a bit better with +2 or +4 compression both front and rear and +2 or +4 rebound on the front (just cause I felt the front wheel a bit too "understeery" sometimes)... (I say +2 or +4 cause I usually can't tell the difference if the adjustment is too small)

[@tdr30]

Nice job on all three videos. It'd be great to see someone address front end dive under hard braking. Stiffer springs? More compression damping? Some other trick?

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Well, if the springs are correctly tuned (using the sag measurements) the it is what it is. As for the compression, you can definitely increase it in order to minimize the dive, however, the suspension will feel less "cushy" dealing with rocks/potholes/etc. Also, make sure your suspensions are not 20 years old without ever being maintained. Suspension oil is just like any other oil :)

[@Channel-gm3js]

muito obrigdo.

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Obrigado eu por veres e por comentares!

[@Channel-gm3js]

@@OFFroadOFFcourse Meu português e muito ruim. I had to laugh so hard about your jokes and learned a lot.

[@skybluetenere]

I really enjoyed your series about the adjustments on the T7 as this topic, same as my T7, is pretty new to me. Also interesting, that you found the mistakes of max clicks in the Owners Manual. I will cross check the German edition. Now it is up to me to find all the different types of offroad tracks to start with the adjustments. I hope I'm sensitive enough to identify the different settings. Stay healthy and save rides 💙💛🏁🤛🏼 UPDATE FEB/2022: The German Edition and later versions are OK in the area you have identified. BUT I checked several times another area and it looks like the Shock compression on my stock shock offers a range of 24 or 25 clicks and not just 18. Is there anybody out there who can confirm it? All other values are identical to the values in the Operator Manuals and as mentioned in your series of 3 videos. Appreciate any reply.

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

If you can't get the rebound right, use the factory setting (or maybe just 2 or 3 clicks harder (+)). The Compression should be fairly easy to adjust, its easier to feel =)

[@YamahaT7Florida]

What Brand is thats Engine Guard???? Nice video Thanks....

[@tims728]

Howdy, first few minutes in and im thinking you have Eucalyptus species (trees) in the background. I noticed you were in Spain, do you know if they were Australian gum trees? Asking as I'm from Australia. Cheers and like what you do, good humour and advice.

[@hmautomoveis]

Boa tarde e parabéns pelo seu vídeo 👍Tenho 90 kg e não me sinto muito ligado a moto (comprei nova) penso ser por causa das suspensões.Tendo em conta o meu peso e a sua experiência poderia se possível dar me um mapa de cliques mas suspensões e amortecedor para eu experimentar sff ? Obrigado

[@MrFreezook]

Thx for sharing this info, appreciate it very much. Is one click a full turn or half or quarter ? sorry mate, I just didn't hear any clicks from the video. Do they actually make a sound ?

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Thanks for commenting :D Usually for the forks there are like 8-10 clicks per turn. On the shock preload is maybe a click every 2 turns, and the rebound its like 2 clicks per turn. But it all depends on the motorcycle/brand, etc. You should feel the clicks easily so dont worry. If you dont feel the clicks than 99% sure your system isnt working anymore and needs maintenance :)

[@MrFreezook]

@@OFFroadOFFcourse Thx, I actually don't have a bike yet right now. And I was really interested in re-starting my motorcycling passion and buy this T7 zero. So that's why I'm acting like a nerd :) Never had a Zero bike before.

[@glossblack1098]

Great set of videos many thanks. Just curious what settings you ended up with. I’m similar height and weight to you and like similar trails to your intro. Did you deviate much from the std settings? Cheers

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Hey there! I ended up just adding 2 clicks (+) on shock compression and 2 clicks (+) on the fork rebound. But I was more focused on the video than actually setting the suspension so I wont say this is done with a lot of care. I dont like the Pirelli rally STR tires and during some turns the bike felt like wanting to wash-out (front first) hence the higher rebound. Maybe 2 clicks wasn't enough though... Maybe just needs better tires. On the rear I increased the compression not because I felt I needed, but cause I felt it was SO soft and comfy, i could probably sacrifice some of that for a bit bigger peace of mind for the hard/unpredictable stuff :) Do as I say, dont to as I do xD

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Hey there! Thanks for the comment! I ended up just adding 2 clicks (+) on shock compression and 2 clicks (+) on the fork rebound. But I was more focused on the video than actually setting the suspension so I wont say this is done with a lot of care. I dont like the Pirelli rally STR tires and during some turns the bike felt like wanting to wash-out (front first) hence the higher rebound. Maybe 2 clicks wasn't enough though... Maybe just needs better tires. On the rear I increased the compression not because I felt I needed, but cause I felt it was SO soft and comfy, i could probably sacrifice some of that for a bit bigger peace of mind for the hard/unpredictable stuff :) Do as I say, dont to as I do xD

[@kostasrestas]

I thing that rear compression is 24 kliks max and not 18.... Im not 100% sure by the way..

[@fernandourrutia2566]

[@dannysmith9217]

They say the same thing about you 😜 But I love you both!!!

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

What? who? Whos speaking about me, a measly 3000 subscriber youtuber? :D

[@sergeballini1563]

Thank tou for your good tuto but why din t you talk about tires pressure, isn t a first suspension ?

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Thanks for watching! I have a video about that as well :)

[@alvarocosta6496]

É tudo que 99,9% das pessoas que andam de mota precisam de saber sobre suspensão.

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Foi o que eu achei! Não digo tudo (nem sei tudo...aliás, não sei mais xD) mas acho que serve perfeitamente para ensinar qualquer coisa e pôr as pessoas mais á vontade com esta "tecnologia", e porem-se a experimentar coisas. Power to the people! Obrigado pelo comment, Álvaro ;)

[@gwolt]

T7 front fork can be adjusted on the font claps, meaning you can lower or higher the two front telescopes. I did mine to 0 but I can't be sure what is does eventually... can you please explain these features too?

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Hey there! Maybe sometime in the future i will add a video about that to this series! Good idea :) The effects are +/- easy to explain. Lowering the forks makes the front of the bike higher, so, lighter. It will also extend the distance between wheels. This makes the bike more prone to headshakes at highspeed, better for highspeed turning, but a slight tendency to understeer as well (works well at high speed). Also helps a bit with trampling obstacles since the front is lighter. The opposite (lowering the clamp on the forks) makes the bike easier at lower speeds, less tendency to headshake (unless you do it too much) and tendency to oversteer. Theres more to say, but this is as far as I know ^^

[@gwolt]

@@OFFroadOFFcoursewow I'm very much appreciate the time you toke explaining this. curious to see a video showcasing the differences. I ride with a group of t7 owners without a clue about suspension, sharing ur vidros with them raised their thingy above the eye 😉 Cheers from Israel 🇮🇱 🍻

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

@@gwolt ahah, thanks for the share! There are people who know a lot more about this, i am just sharing a few tips for bigginners ^^ Happy rides my friend ^^

[@denroux]

Dommage que les sous titres en français ne soient pas accessibles comme sur les 2 précédentes vidéos 😭

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

je n'ai pas eu le temps de mettre les sous-titres, mais je le ferai, dans 3-4 jours :)

[@denroux]

@@OFFroadOFFcourse Wouah merci beaucoup !!! Je suis impatient ! ;-)

[@user-bd7yf5sr7s]

Sem tradução chinesa

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

謝謝你的評論。我添加了“繁體中文”，但“簡體中文”已經可用。你能再試一次嗎？ Thank you for commenting. I added "chinese traditional", but "Chinese simplified" was already available. Can you try again please?

[@pollepost]

*Damping.

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Somethings get lost in translation :p But motorcycle lingo is very diverse around the world, even with english natives, so please dont take it badly ^^