SPRING PRELOAD & SAG - Adventure Motorcycle Suspension Part 1

Spring preload is critical. Suspension guru Ted Porter joins Bret to discuss the importance of properly adjusting your adventure motorcycle's springs. This is valuable info and can potentially improve your riding experience. Please familiarize yourself and pay attention.
Ted Porter @ BeemerShop - www.beemershop.com/
Lots more to learn @ MOTOTREK.net/
MOTOTREK is made by Timothy Tyler @ timtyler.com/
MOTOTREK's music is by Matt Jorgensen @ mattjorgensen.com/
#ADV #AdventureMotorcycle #MotorcycleTouring #bmwmotorrad
#beemershop #tractiveSuspension
#AdventureMotorcycling #AdventureBike #WorldTravel
#AdventureRider #MotorcycleTraining #HowToRide

[@MOTOTREK]

Touratech has a good How-To for setting sag at blog.touratech-usa.com/2013/08/06/how-to-setting-suspension-sag/

[@VipinMishraProject]

“The job of a suspension is to keep the tyre in contact with the ground beneath as much as possible”. The moment I hear such a simple yet accurate answer, I know the man knows his subject very very well. Nice video Bret and Tim. :-)

[@MOTOTREK]

Thanks!

[@DanDan-he2vw]

Nothing better than listening and learning from an expert, specially on a very complex subject

[@AdamChandler86]

I spent hours with Ted on the phone and over email when I bought my suspension. I don't know what his profit margins are as a reseller but he has a customer for life. I'm so happy with my suspension and now factor in that price into every new bike I buy because proper suspension is more important than any other upgrade.

[@AdamChandler86]

I should add though, 16 minutes was not enough time but you guys did a great job of highlighting it. There's a podcast on Adventure Rider radio with Ted that goes a bit deeper and is worth a listen.

[@MOTOTREK]

We've got a Part 2 that will be done in a week or so, Adam. Stay tuned!

[@cjmadura]

These are great videos, supremely informative. I'm looking forward to a set of Extreme shocks for my GSA in Sept 2019 - right when my suspension warranty expires! Bret, keep up the great work with both your videos and PSSOR training. I picked up a lot of skill two years ago with your team.

[@blakeaxtell8501]

He wrote me back via email promptly and thoughtfully. I bought rear shock upgrade for my 800GSA and new progressive springs for the forks from BeemerShop in February 2020.

[@justsomedude445]

@@AdamChandler86 AMEN !! i usually bought KTM;s before so they came with good quality components that could be resprung and revalved for my weight and usage but this 901 Husqvarna came with disappointing components , Teds Beemer shop and Tractive Extreme to the rescue , i will look for that pod cast thank you

[@DistinctOgre]

One of the best videos I've seen explaining suspension. Good work.

[@MOTOTREK]

Cool! Thx!

[@Crazy-Chicken-Media]

I KNOW THIS GUY!

[@jeffmoore2351]

Its OK to have electronic stuff when your techs are only 60miles or 100klm from you. I'm in the opposite camp. Take your ABS and sport settings fuel adjustment mapping and give me a reliable sturdy easy to understand fix on the side of the road type bike. Also if you kept your weights personal and machine down its amazing how much better they handle. In Australia my road trips can go 800 KLM in a day 550 on dirt. So essential to pre load for trips. Trial and adjust just means your spending more time tuning to your real needs. Just saying Aussie Jeff Moore

[@MooHooHaw]

Ted spent a lot of time with me to ensure we got it right. I am lucky enough to be close by and he set me up with amazing suspension on my 07 GSA. I can't recommend Ted enough and will use him as long as he's still working. He's an awesome guy with a wealth of knowledge and the desire to share every bit of it. Frankly, i don't know how he gets any work done the way he spends as much time with his customers; even when on vacation! Thanks for the video.

[@bigjon4806]

One of the most overlooked parts of upgrading a bike! Great video

[@GoonDick]

Brett, your damn video cost me a lot of money. But man, my bike is DIALED!! Thank you for the awesome suspension videos!

[@norsefalconer]

Great information as always. Awesome that Ted took some time out to freely share some of his wisdom.

[@mikeblackford994]

Nobody clears it up like you, Bret. Another fine video.

[@MOTOTREK]

Thanks, Mike!

[@markkulyas2418]

Finally, A KZbinr that knows how to get right to the point, and knows all the right questions to ask, and doesn't waste our time with endless dribble.

[@josephsebesta6790]

Thank you Bret, great video, keepem coming. We benefit from the information and knowledge your sharing.

[@tedcrum]

Nice Job. There aren't that many people who really understand suspension, Ted Porter is one of them. The camera loves him too.

[@MotoCampAdventure]

Absolutely love your channel for videos like this, Bret! Very cool to see you came down to Ted Porter in particular, as the guy is a bit of a legend in the SF Bay Area. Can't wait for part 2!

[@thetessellater9163]

"How do they not want more knobs and dials !" You're such a tech nerd, Bret.

[@jessefretwell]

What an awesome video. Glad I've subscribed and glad Ted is coming back. Very informative and easy to understand.

[@RickyJr46]

An excellent series, super worthwhile. Thank you.

[@jonstirling9169]

Thank you for postal these exceptional instructional videos. I did some of my first off-road riding today and I felt confident enough by watching your videos multiple times. You never feel more alive than your first crazy water crossing! I’m ready to fly up to WA and beg to be in one of your courses.

[@sumporfuk]

Great info from the suspension guru himself. Ted took the time to explain everything that I needed to know about the Touratech Extreme shocks & springs for my GSA. It’s funny how the thought of my suspension mysteriously vanished after the new shock installation

[@dawidos117]

Your tutorial videos are great. Easy to understand :) Keep up good work :)

[@jmbean68]

Your vids are always very informative . Well done as always.

[@tommeyer6033]

Thank you and thanks to Tim.... very informative. More vids like this, please!1

[@hbcnovak]

Another excellent video! More knowledge is always better.

[@Davfon23]

awesome video. thanks greatly Bret

[@hardworkingamerican8847]

This video has answered my question I've been trying to get answered for at least a year now . Amazing , I only live 45 minutes from where Ted works . Well hopefully he is still there .

[@rc2634]

absolutely awesome technical video!

[@jncdi1535]

Thank you for this video. I have been searching for an understandable explanation of how these suspensions work and this is it. Really looking forward to the next one in this series.

[@MOTOTREK]

You're welcome!

[@spiceweasel945]

Fantastic, that really helped me discover a whole lot of new stuff I don’t understand. Key take away: you have to adjust it - can’t tell you how - just do it good.

[@kieronbotting5265]

Incredible video. Bravo. 👏

[@bhushantendulkar2484]

Superb technical video about suspension

[@mrgregpappas]

Good video. Thanks for sharing.

[@avianmotors]

You helped at least one person. I was Just putting a big duffel bag on the back rack of my DRZ400S. Now I see why a pannier would help my suspension by putting the set the weight lower and forward. Thanks!

[@ZlatkoDjukicStrom]

Best suspension settings video ever!!!

[@RedRupert64]

Thanks. I think I know roughly what's what, but it certainly helps to have it explained again and again.

[@beachside180]

Great video thanks Bret.

[@MOTOTREK]

Thanks, Graeme!

[@psmithrpm]

Another great job Bret! Well done.

[@MOTOTREK]

Thanks, Paul!

[@sdcorrey]

Great video! Ted is an awesome guy and one of the best in the industry!

[@MOTOTREK]

Yes!

[@AdventureRockNRoller]

Fantastic!! Thanks

[@dandersonjr]

Great video at explaining suspension settings. This is one of the main reasons I went with the R model instead of the S model on the KTM SA. At 275 lbs I didn't think the the pre set adjustments were made with me in mind on their semi-active suspension. I'd rather do it myself.

[@scha0306]

Great info. And music.

[@toolbox-gua]

Loved it.

[@Elskins]

Great video, can't wait for part 2. I have 2018 GS rallye, which is my first GS and my first BMW bike. After riding KTMs for last decade, the suspension on GS just doesn't feel right. It's made with on-road comfort in mind, and is too soft for hard off-roading. Touratech(Made by Tractive) shocks are a perfect solution. At least for me. Thank you, Bret, always pleasure to watch your videos.

[@TheSweetasanut]

Excellent as always

[@MOTOTREK]

Thanks, Martin!

[@pas0003]

Great video! Thanks heaps!

[@adrianfromlondon9243]

super content Brett, regards from London

[@richardnacim5417]

Thank you for bringing Ted on, I ordered suspension from him yesterday based on your interview , his expertise and great customer service. You should get a commission. Thank you again for bringing great information.

[@MOTOTREK]

You're welcome, Richard!

[@rickwatson1000]

Thank you, very informative.

[@MOTOTREK]

You're welcome, Rick.

[@madstoppie]

Ted's the man!!!!

[@emker7772]

Thank you for this video. I only ride and know nothing about the motorcycle. I leave it to the professionals to do the setup for me. Good to know.

[@ChrisLambert-Yngvegodi]

Clever guy, good post.

[@squireltag1000]

Great video!

[@zzxx33mh]

Informative vid..details,couldn't follow😆..adventure ride is hard to have it all..no way..goid jop Bret,waiting for p2.

[@LookattheBiggerPic]

This presentation was a brilliant Idea - not a lot of authoritative information on ADV class suspension without burning someone's time such as Ted's so this is really good. Suspension is a tough one because there are so many factors such as weight, leverage, riding style - standing while off-road or sitting, kit weight, occasional passenger weight and so on. As a former suspension designer, I know this first hand. I would nearly always go out with a top rider with a selection of shocks and watch him ride - I would also ride the same bike with each shock after the rider to see if we agreed roughly on experience. I would do this sometime several times with my Pro riders to get the best result. Having said this, shocks these days such as the Wilbers on my R1200GSA have the valve stack in two cavities right on the reservoir, a low and high speed adjustment with the old standard shaft collar for rebound adjustment. These make precise dialing of dampening pretty easy compared to the old days of pulling a WP shock completely apart to change the valve stack for both compression and rebound. With my former GS I kept the rebound pretty high to get a slightly above norm static and seated sag in part because I like the more precise handling that provided even at speed. On my new GSA, the Wilbers are close and the spring perfect for me but the front is a bit high on the preload and thus the handling is good because it is a GSA but not quite as nimble feeling as my former GS was... Hard to get to preload adjustment up front as well... Much thanks for yet another brilliant presentation - more please!

[@MOTOTREK]

Thanks for the thorough comment and insight! I bet you'll like the Part 2 we just uploaded too :)

[@greatfallskam]

Great suspension series. Underscores how little we know about shocks. Moreover, how critical proper upgrade is to how bike rides and performs.

[@SelfPropelledDevo]

Ted knows his stuff. I have two bikes with suspension from him.

[@rdrg7362]

Great video! Could you please make a follow-up video about suspension maintenance? Many thanks.

[@anthonycenteno2200]

I've driven all over central and South America two up, at 1000 lbs total on my ktm1190 and had no problems. I used the hydraulic pre load and adjusted to the manual.

[@ronanrogers4127]

I talked to several engineers in Germany about setting up my GS suspension, and they didn’t talk about hard or soft, they talked about fast or slow. They use very accurate time measurements to set up suspension. Slow is more comfortable, Fast is more hard/sport. It made a lot more sense. I ended up getting Wilbers built to suit my height and weight with riding gear. It was a great setup, and very adjustable. I miss that system. I now have a 1290SA with semi active suspension, which does a great job 70% of the time, a good job 90% of the time, and struggles 10% of the time.

[@MOTOTREK]

Thanks for the great info, Ronan.

[@DA-pb5yl]

Great video, very informative! I love your channel. Will you be doing a suspension set up video? I bought a fully adjustable shock and forks and I will have a mechanic set it up the first time, but I want to learn how to adjust it myself, I get sag, but high speed and low speed rebound is a bit more challenging to set up for me, a detailed video in suspension adjustment aimed at adventure riding, would be awesome, thanks!

[@bslusser1471]

Great timing I just bought an 18 v strom 650. Also thinking about lowering it for better seat height. Can you do more of these videos?

[@one-of-us9939]

Thanks bro

[@jeffmoore2351]

Your suspension man knows his stuff. Aussie Jeff Moore

[@stevemillerecon]

Great video.

[@MOTOTREK]

Thank you, Stephen!

[@stevemillerecon]

All the videos are informative, but this broke down a topic that's hard for most of us to really understand.

[@CaptainCrankyMotovlogger]

Excellent stuff. I'm 'almost' convinced now that I might understand suspension before I understand women... (That's a shot at myself, not at women) ;-)

[@TheNandis67]

Hi Bred. Great Video. It would be great if you. one day, show us how you regulate it on your bike, on and off road. Thanks.

[@MOTOTREK]

Good idea, Fernando!

[@jal1797]

nice but you have to inform that on the new esa system the unit self calculate the sag every time you turn on the bike.So now there is no restriction among two or three selections but your bike self adapt its suspension acording to the weight of the passengers so that the sag remain forever the same!Good work.I just subscribed to your channel!

[@MOTOTREK]

Thanks, John!

[@p.santos6644]

Nice video, lots of good information. Are those fully adjustable shocks expensive ?

[@alexanderf3690]

Great job, Bret! But world is not ending with ESA and single shock susp design... There are also several electronic suspensions, like ADD by Aprilia or DES by Ducati. Of course, springs for monoshock could be changed for rear as standard non-electronic suspension. But what about the front fork? Are still viscosity changes available? Does springs change will let the system work correctly? These are questions to be developed with answers from mr. Porter regarding electronic suspension... That information you gave is quite basic. Anyway, you doing a great job, thanks so much! Pleasure to be subscriber! Best regards from Russia.

[@BretTkacs]

Stay tuned... more coming

[@erickstiner1668]

Ohhhhhh….Honey I need the check book !!!!

[@abderrahmanehabbaaina141]

Good video and nice explained. What is most likely to set for send riding, softer or harder suspension?

[@mikelowry1053]

Thanks Brett and Ted. Great advice on a subject I definitely struggle with. I've git a 2017 R1200 GSA with ESA and I find when I'm just riding one up that the normal setting is fine. The only issue I tend to get is a lack of negative rebound on the rare wheel going uphill on a rutted track. Keen to understand the problems with the stock suspension on long adventures. Is the stock setup just rubbish? What's a better alternative?

[@damytzeus]

ted porter rules

[@yunusde]

First of all, thanks for the video it is answers many of my questions about suspensions, but I have two more. 1. front fork sag numbers are the same with rear shock ( %10 static sag, %30 rider sag) 2. preload should be adjusted by the weight, but should compression, rebound, high and low settings should be adjusted according to load too?

[@andrekikkert2787]

With ESA you can adjust the dampening on the go.. try that without ESA....... Riding sporty on the tarmac, and then when you roll into a old village with kobble stones, go from hard to soft with two pushes on a button, and you have a good ride all the way. Without ESA, I don't think you will stop every time you hit a villages to change dampening... And this part I love the most about ESA It would be nice if BMW (simple software upgrade) let you set your own demping "level" instead of pre fixed settings, but that will take a couple of years before they think its time to start selling it. The pre-load adjuster can not be done on the go, so there you don't gain anything with ESA. It would have bean nice if they had made a fine manual preload adjuster on it for initial setup. But Like you show in the video, if the original ones need to be replaced, the Touratech looooook realy nice (wish they loose the yellow tho) Thanks for the adjucation. André

[@freiheut]

🙏

[@GDEWAR]

I would really like a review of the triumph tiger 1200 xc suspension. Im a new rider and loved this episode but it concerns me now with my bike. The adjustable nature on my bike is not only three modes it has a virtual dial that allows for more granular adjustment I feel but I would like you to give your two cents as it were.

[@69adrummer]

175 solo....450 2-up....hmm.......sounds like the "skinny logger-Oregon farm girl" couples....haha

[@danmanthe9335]

More cushion for your pushin'

[@69adrummer]

Dan Manthe you bet! haha

[@dandersonjr]

I was also doing the math. lol

[@ronanrogers4127]

69adrummer ...or maybe he rides with Bubba.

[@Porsche996driver]

Skinny logger lol

[@albertosbrolla8424]

👍

[@RobRidesCarolina]

I ride a KLR and have wondered what the perfect Suspension would feel like. I upgraded the Front Fork Springs to Progressive, and Dropped a Stiffer Rear Spring(9.3kg/mm) in from Top Gun. Average riding Load is about 340lbs. Only have 4k on the bike now, and it's a 2015. So I have plenty of time to decide if I ever want to go Fully Adjustable. I'm wondering if I could be too stiff in the rear, for off-road riding, and should maybe step down to a 8.0kg spring.. I'm contemplating it. Great informative video.

[@MOTOTREK]

What's your sag in the front and back, Rob?

[@robertogrady1321]

I have to admit that I never adjust my shocks in 25 years of riding 😬. I'll have to play around with them to see what difference it makes.

[@Billy28376]

I'm 400 lbs and 6'5". I ride dirt and street. I just max the preload.

[@chrisusmcvet3435]

On my Multistrada 1200 I really like a stiff ride. I’m 220, with TraX hard cases which are not always fully loaded, but on the bike all the time and I keep the preset set to close to the stiffest setting.

[@davidestroppa3759]

Hi Bret. I want to upgrade my K890 adv S. Does it make sense or it is better to switch to R?

[@Gergus_]

Se que es un video del año 2018 pero cual seria el ajuste HS y LS para utilizarlo por carretera y autovía? gracias por tu video

[@jamesb1412]

Thanks for the vid. Its interesting that your bike isnt the adventure model. Do you have the adventure/longer suspension?

[@MOTOTREK]

Bret's GS has aftermarket suspension from Touratech.

[@scoremxcom]

if rear shock has to have preload does not the front fork have to have preload or sag?

[@byrdt6528]

Are the fully adjustable shocks able to be remotely adjusted by a switch, or do you need to manually adjust them? I’d love to see a video of an actual adjustment, so see the process to dial it in right. Great video as usual Bret!!

[@BretTkacs]

This suspension series with Ted doesnt get there but I'd like to do a baselining series

[@danmanthe9335]

I'd appreciate a "how to" series as I am starting to dive into the suspension on my KLR.

[@mannyk9342]

Hi Bret, can you make comment on the performance of the Touratech Extreme shocks? Thanks

[@BretTkacs]

This is my second bike with them and I haven't broke them yet. Thats not to say there aren't other great choices but these do earn the title extreme (including price)

[@edwardharvey1954]

first, great video! Second, easy question, I have a ktm 1290 SAR, I'm six foot tall, and have to lean to one side just to be on a tip toe. Whats your advice to lowering the bike without hampering the effects of my suspension to much? I know there's always a trade off somewhere. Thanks

[@MOTOTREK]

Have you seen our "Lowering" video, Edward?

[@lynxshd]

Quick question. I an a tall heavy guy send have Ben around BMW's door a long time. I am thinking of getting a new or used bmw and have thought about buying an ex training bike from the California bmw adventure school. What are your thought on buying ones of those or a. New one?

[@BretTkacs]

Its all personal choice but training bikes often have very hard lives

[@djwilson48625]

A question for anybody who can answer it, my KLR 650 has .44 springs in it, and they are pretty worn out. According to online calculators I require a . 70... I guess my biggest question is this, if the front suspension is just hammered, and you're trying to ride through soft sand, will it tend to throw the bike all over the place? Every bike I've ever owned has had pretty worn out shit on it, so I'm just wondering should I expect a dramatic increase in control and stability?

[@villysmith1294]

Could you please explain the physics of the process? How could it be static sag %10 and %30 sag while sitting? Let's say motorcycle weight 500 lbs, driver plus luggage approximately twice less. How come staic sag under 500lbs is %10 and under 500+250=750lbs is 3 times more? In my understanding, with same spring/suspension rate it should be much less. In our case %15. With progressive suspension even lesser. In case static sag is %20, and while sitting %30, all numbers will looks fine.

[@MOTOTREK]

Have a look at our Sag video, Villy.

[@villysmith1294]

​@@MOTOTREK , Thank you. Did you mean this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6PHq3WOrcZqm5I. Unfortunately I didn't find answer to my question there, but don't be bothered. It may be just too complicated for my understanding.

[@javiervillarcespedes9331]

Sería bueno poner unas conclusiones en los comentarios del vídeo, un resumen, el traductor a español de youtube, no es muy bueno, y es difícil de entender. Saludos. Pero son muy buenos vídeos. Muchas Gracias.

[@Jamby7]

Does it matter where your compression and rebound are set when you are setting sag? If so, where should compression and rebound be set to?

[@brandon_c122]

I've heard "factory settings/recommendations" are where u start, and go from there... but I am NO pro !?

[@brandonfontaine285]

How do you measure and adjust your sag if you have nobody to help measure?

[@justsomedude445]

i just got my bike back from having the Tractive Extreme suspension from Teds Beemer shop installed , i dont have a center stand and hard to find a helper whats the trick to getting the sag set up close by myself ?

[@MOTOTREK]

Ted is awesome and so is the Tractive Extreme. Great choices. Here's a video about setting sag, Dude. kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6PHq3WOrcZqm5I

[@justsomedude445]

@@MOTOTREK thank you

[@erayatalag2207]

How can we measure the full sag to adjust for static%10 sag and %30 sag while sitting. Is it shown on the manual of the bike or how can we measure the whole sag distance?

[@MOTOTREK]

Stand by. Video coming soon!

[@erayatalag2207]

@@MOTOTREK Hi again, thank you for the answer. Happy that we are getting a new video soon. I learn a lot from your sincere, to the point explanations. If possible in that upcoming video can you explain also adjustments for compression and rebound adjustments. Actually, i'm Africa Twin (crf1000) rider and there is no video for 3 years about the adjustments especially for this bike. It has a soft stock suspension and for tarmac road conditions riders are unhappy with the front diving attitude and for the general adjustments.

[@knorke2340]

probably a dumb question to you, but how can i measure the 30 % of sag? ground clearance, or distance of spring travel?

[@MOTOTREK]

Great question. Here's the answer in detail kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6PHq3WOrcZqm5I

[@bookbui]

30% sag for travel then i can use this for front and rear ??

[@MOTOTREK]

Yes.

[@bookbui]

@@MOTOTREK thank you i will find a right spring for me thank

[@fernandourrutia2566]

[@gabriellaporro6183]

Have you tried the AIRTENDER by UMBRIA KINETIKS - ITALY- Hydro-Pneumatic Suspension ?? It seems it is the Universal Solution for all types of bikes. Officially adopted by HONDA . Thanks.