Motorcycle Suspension Upgrade - Necessity or Wasted Money?

This is one of the most popular adventure modifications, that many of you plan to do in the near future. Fair enough, but are sure about it? In this video, I will tell you what is worth and what is just wasted time and money.
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[@jimnotbob]

After a year i upgraded the suspension on my two bikes, the difference is incredible. Makes them a pleasure to ride. No more fork diving under braking and the rear is so much more stable

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for sharing, Martin!

[@ElDuderino999]

Thanks Pavlin for the two major pieces of advice: - Get enough mileage first to get to know the stock suspension inside out before you start messing around - Know where to stop with modifications instead of wasting money 🤙🏻💪🏻

[@motorcycleadventures]

My pleasure!

[@RealHooksy]

Suspension upgrades and weight savings are the 2 best mods you can do to any off-road motorcycle imo. Protection and luggage are probably just as important for adventure/ travel motorcycles, but it depends on your budget at priorities really.

[@motorcycleadventures]

True!

[@pasomama]

To me, suspension upgrade is one of the best investments i can make on a motorcycle. It will improve traction, cornering and braking, all with more comfort. In a motorcycle i allways felt the need to control three suspension parameters, spring preload and hydraulic compression and rebound. This and a proper oil viscosity and air chamber level can make a huge diference.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for sharing! I agree that the suspension is N1 modification that has to be made.

[@jacquesnel8384]

I upgraded the fork springs on my XT660Z and it has transformed that bike. Best money I ever spent. Thanks Ken at GAME Services for the Racetech upgrade 🇿🇦

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for sharing!

[@EEEEMMMMKKKK]

Nicely said, the proper spring rates not the shining yellow suspension that make the huge change.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Good!

[@rayweeks1056]

My last bike had an upgraded suspension for my weight and it was like a new bike…!!! You are so correct about upgrading to the correct suspension to fit you and your riding style. Thank you for sharing this…. 👍🏻

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for sharing, Ray!

[@NomadSweden]

I have things to do. But I watch your videos anyway. 👍🏻

[@motorcycleadventures]

I appreciate that!

[@garyhoward4064]

True. I’m 80kg and when the good weather comes I am every day in the terrain with 1 of my off-road bikes. All are adjusted to minimum with original springs. If I’m going to ride hard then a bit of damping and rebound adjustments. I used to race cars and bikes on tracks and one of the biggest mistakes many make is to adjust too hard. Off course, spring adjustments to avoid bottom out makes sense if you are heavy.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for sharing, Gary!

[@BigYouDog]

I'm 1.85cm and 97k. My Yam XT1200Z (2011) factory suspension was OK for solo riding, but maxed out with my wife and luggage. In our case, the upgrade on the rear was a good investment.😊

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for sharing!

[@allenhuling598]

Once again, very valuable info....thanks Pavlin!

[@motorcycleadventures]

My pleasure!

[@enduromotorradtouren]

First thing with a new bike: Measure the suspension, unloaded bike, bike and your weight. That should tell you what to do. Of course you can change the clicks in rebound and compression, depending on your riding style. If you know what to do. My riding style is comparatively gentle (racetrack, asphalt and off road), so I don't have to set it on maximum. Less is more (for me). I feel the bike better with a soft setting. By the way: The softest setting is in my lightest bike, a modified Beta Alp 200, for slow technical terrain. The hardest on a stock Aprilia Tuono 1100 V4 on supersports tyres. My ADV bike is in the middle. Still a bit stiff for my taste, since the previous owner had put new fork springs (maybe shims) and a harder rear shock in. Only with luggage it's okay for me. But I am about 20 kgs lighter than he was. Cheers, Günter/Nürnberg

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for sharing, Günter!

[@somestuffithoughtyoumightl6985]

I’m curious about a few statements; Preload does a lot more than just prevent bottoming out, it drastically affects geometry and handling. Everyone should adjust their preload for proper sag. Progressive springs do become stiffer near the end of the stroke, so adding preload can correct for improper springs, but at the cost of a rougher ride and likely the best possible grip. Even with less than ideal springs, adjusting damping and rebound for your riding conditions can make a big improvement. I love my electronic suspension because most of us would be too lazy to manually adjust for each type of riding the way I do with ES; soft rebound/damping for highway, medium for twisties and hard for off road. I get three bikes in one ride at the push of a button. Learned a lot from Dave Moss channel (still have lots more to learn)

[@motorcycleadventures]

Fair enough!

[@zerotonine807]

Hi Pavlin. I owned a KTM 790 ADV 'S' Model - after almost 2 years i wanted to upgrade the Suspension because the fork was too stiff and nervous and the shock was also too stiff. Comparing all possible solutions (i cannot do all by myself) i ended up with around 1500 EUR or more to change it to something more proper at a specialist. Then i thought: what if i am not satisfied later? So i just sold the Bike and bought a 'R' Model instead, never regretted. The Suspension is the long term key for me for being satisfied with the bike or not. Of course there is no 100% suspension for everyone of us, we all have to use it, see and then decide.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for sharing!

[@xibilfc21]

This is very good advice. The Tenere is known for having soft springs but otherwise, a very good shock. Unfortunately, on my Honda 300L, a total swap was required because apart from being softly sprung, the shock was underdamped. So installing harder springs would have made the 'pogo-stick' effect worse. Manufacturers (Honda in particular) tend to cut costs with suspensions because that's the toughest thing to sell.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for the info!

[@teneretraveller8980]

Because my bike is budget ( 500x ) the suspension is one area Honda save money. New suspension has made a massive difference, most noticeable when we travel together with luggage. And a remote preload adjuster was well worth the extra expense, making adjustments so easy. Good one Safe,happy travels BTW, I had no notification of a Sunday chat. Did it happen?

[@motorcycleadventures]

No stream this Sunday. It was Easter here, will do it on the 23rd of April. Thanks for sharing your experience, Richard!

[@UtoyOnWheels]

Awesome advice! Thank you Good Sir!

[@motorcycleadventures]

I said everything that needs to be said.

[@timlubbers2884]

Good advice! Being a person that travels/lives full time on my bike springs are important as I carry everything I own on my bike. I have noticed over the years that Japanese bike seem to be in more need of springs than European bikes, but at the end of the day, yes! Respring to your weight . 🙏🙏

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for taking the time, Tim!

[@wristtwist1885]

I changed my whole suspension on my V-Strom 650 for more suspension-Travel. The whole rear Spring is optimized for my type of riding style and weight its soooo much better than stock. I can go offroading even a little bit harder offroad (Because of missing skill rn) and never bottomed out. I never reached it´s limits yet and I´m excited for getting to know the limit of my "new" bike. Nice Video and u got my subscription 👍

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks, man!

[@samhill3496]

Want a new motorcycle. Change the suspension to fit your weight. Front and rear. Simple. Get it right with gear and luggage you normally carry. Thank Pavlin. Have about an inch of sag front and rear. Have a balanced system unless you like riding a pogo stick. I've changed all of mine. It's my bike, it fits me. Go riding, preferably around the world or just ride the world. I do. Enjoy life while you are able.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for the tips!

[@skybluetenere]

Hello Pavlin, I don't disagree about the importance of the rider weight to select the correct spring rate but more realistic is the weight of the bike + the rider with riding gear and to start with some measurement. Static SAG of about 10% and dynamic SAG of 30% of the total travel are the values to achieve. Depending on all of the bolted options at the handle bar and at (the rear of) the bike you can find some extra kg and a different front/rear weight distribution. Even a full/low fuel level makes a difference. A rider should measure the bike's SAG (with zero preload at the shock) for 95-99% of the annual riding situation (solo, 2-up, with/without luggage, ...) to figure out the right springs. And keep in mind, that there is always a tolerance so a 85 N/mm spring can be as strong as a 90 N/mm spring. Have a good season and impressive travels this year, too. Greetings from Germany, Bernd 💙💛🏁🤛🏼

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for taking the time!

[@ee222224]

Thanks for good advice. Lets put under this good man video normal price suspension shops info also. I hope Pavel not be angry about. Me example looking for crf1000l new set of springs. 110kg clean waight only. ups.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for taking the time, Feliks!

[@Honda_Africa_Twin]

After owning a Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports since July last year (model year 2022) and 17.500km I made on it, I went to a suspension company last week to have them measure and order a set of proper springs for me. I held off the upgrade for as long as I could, but it has to be done. Can’t wait for them to arrive and get installed.

[@motorcycleadventures]

You will love it!

[@MattPerry]

does your Africa twin 1100CC drinks motor oil every thousand miles? because here in Portugal some people that bought that bikes say that they must feel in 33 centiliters of motor oil each 1,000 km. and they are very upset.

[@speece69]

Hi from Christchurch NZ. Have you noticed if the stiffer springs required thicker damping oil?

[@Nasputin87]

Greetings pavlin from Finland! I've watched your channel for a few years now. And you sparked a fire in me for motorcycle adventure. Since the time i started to watch your channel, i have been dreaming for a tenere of my own. Time has come to buy a bike, but there is a lousy market for tenere at the moment. Only 1 for sale with 76 000 kilometers for 7800€. I really can't justify that price for that bike. But there is an interesting bmw g650 gs with a good history in my price range. I wanted to know your thoughs on that bike. I kinda feel silly asking this guestion because i have been following yoy for some time now. And you will probably say "you can travel with any bike," "choose something that is good for you", "bike is just a tool, it's the trip you will remember" 😅 -Tommi from Finland

[@motorcycleadventures]

Exactly! Buy that BMW and go to ride, Tommi!

[@dashuntas.m4045]

You should check out BMW F750/850 GS as well

[@fisherman.585]

I am also 105kg. what spring did you put in front and what spring did you put behind please. do you have a link to the springs please? ✌️

[@motorcycleadventures]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXjLdJdmmtp6faM

[@fisherman.585]

Hi guy . do you advise to change only the springs or prepared hydrological + resort? thank you ✌️

[@briangc1972]

Unfortunately the advice to wait before changing springs is completely wrong. Spring rate selection is critical to proper geometry and suspension performance; especially when braking. Most motorcycles are sprung for a 65Kg rider (based upon the manufacturers' own data). If you weigh more than 75Kg, then you must install the correct springs. Sag must be properly adjusted and it is impossible to correctly set the sag if the spring rate is too low. I know of no rider who ever said "installing the correct springs made no difference and was a waste of money" I know many riders who have said "if I knew what an improvement changing the springs would make, I would have done it as soon as I bough the motorcycle."

[@motorcycleadventures]

Fair enough!

[@jjrider6758]

The quality and effectiveness of the stock suspension of some manufacturers must be at least borderline adequate for some riders ? - I'm sure a lot of us would like to ride some long, extreme trips in exotic countries at high speed over rough terrain but we probably never will ! - I think you need to analyse your real-world riding NEEDS carefully and HONESTLY before jumping into any decisions on expensive suspension upgrades, if you ride mainly on the road with virtually no luggage and maybe do a little light off-roading on good gravel tracks occasionally, then the stock springs may be fine, but if you regularly off-road on long trips with heavy luggage and over difficult technical terrain you probably WILL need to upgrade.. Of course if you're a gadget freak then go crazy !..

[@motorcycleadventures]

I agree!

[@GermanJobbies]

I bought my motorcycle from a dealer. The bike already had €1,200 worth of wilbers suspension upgrades from the first owner. Unfortunately I don't know what weight he was, so I just hope he liked cake too 😅

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for sharing!

[@PovilasPanavas]

😂😂😂 is there people who don't like cake? They will burn in hell for their blasphemy

[@cba4hk]

I changed the suspension after 70TKm . Then it was worth while. And if the seller of the suspension does not ask Your weight and where and how You ride, don´t buy! If You spend money for new parts they should by customized for You.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for sharing!

[@nemerkha]

Pavlin, have you had issues with the front fender extender? Any risk of catching it offroad and ripping it off?

[@motorcycleadventures]

Not yet.

[@yogeshavl]

Thanks for this advice... I'm 75Kg means my 390 adv is perfect stock.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Yes!

[@bryansuperduke1290r]

You need to change springs straight away if they are wrong, soft springs for your weight is dangerous.

[@motorcycleadventures]

My advice, as I said in the video is to try it first. It might be just fine for you.

[@bryansuperduke1290r]

@@motorcycleadventures But look at all the miles you did with too soft suspension, it should be the first thing you do when you get a bike. Check and set the sag, and thus will show if spring rate is right for your weight.

[@motorcycleadventures]

The bike in it's stock condition is good for 95% of the people 95% of the time.

[@raymondmccoy5352]

Pavlin, one concept I seem to have trouble understanding is adjusting suspension between a fully loaded down bike for a road trip and an unloaded bike for just joy riding around. Can you make a video that details how to adjust your suspension correctly when heading out on a road trip and how to put it back when you are finished?

[@motorcycleadventures]

If you have preload front and rear just twist it to the max when you are loaded.

[@TarekElShabrawy]

👍🏼

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks, man!

[@MrDEANOSCOOLVIDS]

I have a 1995 transalp 600 with hyprerpro front and back and it's like a new bike

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks for sharing!

[@aldra744]

Informative viseo and interesting.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks, man!

[@MauriciodeLeonHerrera]

Is switching to a heavier oil an option before changing the springs?

[@motorcycleadventures]

Won't help much.

[@jimperry4420]

Some bikes are fine stock. I weigh 200 lbs. and my Drz is very good.

[@motorcycleadventures]

Fair enough!

[@DragosStefan]

No need to wait 20K Kms (and destroy your cartridges in the process) to do a modification that'll be obvious in 1K km (or, as your friend found out, in a single ride).

[@motorcycleadventures]

Fair enough!

[@cornishrider576]

Hi Pavlin, I have watched many of your videos and appreciate your advice every time. I'm just about to buy a Tenere Rally but I'm looking to upgrade the suspension before it is delivered because I am 183cms tall and 125kg with kit on. From everything I read it seems that the suspension is set for riders up to 100kgs. What is your opinion, should I still upgrade now at a cost of £1350? Any feedback would be much appreciated.

[@motorcycleadventures]

It is set for rider 70-80kg, not 100kg! If you are 125, you will definitely need new springs. I bought mine for 220 euros.

[@allanb52]

My wife and I always ride together I am 75kg, she is 60kg, what about changing springs for my bike and scooter?

[@motorcycleadventures]

Will be a good idea.

[@ceva4085]

What about the case when you ride with a passenger 60% of the time? Let.s say i am 85 kgs with gear and the passenger 70 with gear + luggage. The springs should be calculated for 17 kgs?

[@motorcycleadventures]

It will be a good idea to upgrade the springs.

[@ceva4085]

@@motorcycleadventures for sure but do you know what would be the desired weight target for those new springs in the previous example?

[@touristas_gr]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@motorcycleadventures]

Thanks, man!

[@seekter-kafa]

so what preload should heavy guys have? from 1 to 5, one being softest??? i have 110-115kg without gear, my understanding is to always keep the knob on 4 or 5, and for bike thats ok, but now i have atv-quad with 2 front and one rear shocks and my gut tells me to put te rear on hard but keep front on soft(er)??? any advice anyone???

[@motorcycleadventures]

Change the springs

[@seekter-kafa]

@@motorcycleadventures that is not an option for now, nor was the question, i am sorry to say ;) i wouldnt even know where to start finding specs for my springs, unfortunately this is not yamaha (tenere)... kymco is good quality, but finding specs is not so straight forward, but even if it were, thats too expensive and too much work for recreational weekend rides... for now

[@zisungureanu]

Hello Pavlin . I have an Aprilia Caponord 1000 from 2002 and i don t know from were to buy a springs for my model and for my weight (110 kg). I must mention i travel all the time with my girlfriends (65kg) +the baggage (40 kg) ....in a mixt terrain . So which springs are right for me ? Maybe you guide me .Tnx

[@motorcycleadventures]

You definitely need an upgrade, but from where... ask in Aprilia forums.

[@lifeontwowheels1206]

i was going Upgrade my Suspension but mi geting a nwe bike that got beter Suspension so no need at the mo but good vid m8

[@motorcycleadventures]

Fair enough!

[@nunogoncalves8139]

Someone o knows have spoken

[@motorcycleadventures]

Good!

[@reneweisz9157]

I am not going to thank you later, how about I am going to Thank you now? :)

[@motorcycleadventures]

Glad to help!

[@johnDukemaster]

No problem for me, I bought a KTM! He he!

[@motorcycleadventures]

KTM got exactly the same problem!

[@nose2wind872]

Could you give kg and pounds?

[@motorcycleadventures]

On what?

[@nose2wind872]

@Motorcycle Adventures Whenever you comment on weight, it would be nice to give kg and lbs. Kg means nothing to some of us.

[@speece69]

Hi from Christchurch NZ. Have you noticed if the stiffer springs required thicker damping oil?

[@motorcycleadventures]

Any forks or adjustments will ask for different oil.