PD Simplified : Motorcycle Suspension Explained | Part 4 | Preload Adjustment

[@powerdriftofficial]

Hey #PDArmy, did this help you understand what preload adjustment is? Let us know below! If you have any doubts, ask us in the comments. Like the video of you want us to make more, and Share this with a friend, or two, who need to know about this.

[@notimefordreamz]

please talk also about Scooters, i have a activa 125 bs6 , i wanna customise it, build it as my own to resemble it, and make its performance boost, no body talks about scooters, please do so

[@nizx111]

I suggest the topic...handlebar sweep angles n width and their effect on the riding dynamics.

[@dilludiwan6364]

U7

[@mamud-majmu]

Lll

[@pankajdaspankajdas9730]

?

[@MrJas6477]

This gentleman is really good. Have ridden for years but his explanation of pre-loading makes a ton of sense.

[@dineshshelar3188]

The elder brother we dint know we needed. Thank you sir

[@Krom1hell]

Trust thiss guy....I (98 kg with gear) bought a bike from a 50-60 kg geared dude..... Besides the suspension I had to mess with the chain too, that's what a difference 20-40 kg makes. Tks Shumy for the nice videos.....

[@attachment4449]

Did you have to losen or tighten the chain

[@Krom1hell]

@@attachment4449 I had to loosen it, because it was too tense and it would have worn out faster, specially if I would have went on trips with my girlfriend as a passager....

[@Denali_Rebel]

I’ve never heard of setting chain tension based on weight. What made you give that a shot?

[@mohammedmearajansari]

I have always understood if there was something wrong with my bike. But would never be able to explain it well to my mechanic. It was always be along the lines of something is wrong please check. But I would never be able to understand what was corrected and how do I verify it. But with this, and I would like to say that Shumi sensei explains it in such easy language and ways that it means am able to now communicate better with my mechanic and in some cases even verify the work he has done. Hoping to use this knowledge and one days start working on my bike by myself. Thank you Shumi sensei and the whole PD team.

[@shu_mar]

Cheers! Glad it helps!

[@nizx111]

The most neglected part is Preload adjustment. Plays a very subtle role but can effect the riding dynamics greatly. Very important topic. Keep us enlightened

[@williambillings6972]

I've been 'messing' with the preload on the rear shock of a 2024 Ninja 500r, to find what feels right for me. The bike came set on 'Standard' (3), but I'm not a standard size man. After riding on 4, and 5, I've decided 4 provides the best feel, and control. Thanks for the explanation about how preload affects the shock's spring!

[@Micah_2315]

I was looking for vids to help understand preload.. Am 110kg and you just explained what I can try in 10mins!! Lost with some other vids.. Gr8 job man!!!!!

[@richardvarnold6245]

You broke it down to the simplest form, thank you!

[@MrSiddharth25]

The simplicity in which you make us understand man, Shumi, the sensei, you rock as always ❤️. Thank you for this series. This is gonna help us and the future motorheads. Keep making such amazing content.

[@fzlsalim]

Adjusting preload absolutely changed my motorcycling experience for the better.

[@shivasameer5325]

Anybody watching this super useful vlog in 2024?

[@toby621]

Finally someone who explains it properly now I understand how the shock works

[@kmperhrvlogs]

I’ve fiddled with my BS6 RTR 200’s suspension and now I can say, every bike should have adjustable suspension at both ends . The bike does feel different to when it was in it’s stock suspension setting .

[@adityanrvarier7406]

Maan that Showa suspension😍

[@anirbande7893]

Honestly I just watch PD for Shumi sir.

[@shu_mar]

Thank you!

[@a124as]

Thank you for explaining this. Everyone else just adjusts it with no explanation

[@pushprajprajapati9488]

Eagerly waiting for this video, so informative... ❤❤👍🏻

[@powerdriftofficial]

Glad you liked it

[@CenturionSilver]

Said, " I need to find an Indian dude to show me how to setup my suspension ". FOUND Indian Guru who made it make actual sense. I just added a rack & bags to my KLX300 and my last ride was a bit frightening. If I adjusted ever so slightly while underway the front end would start what felt like the beginning stages of a death wobble. Prior to that with me, a tail bag and tank bag the bike was fine. Tires inflated properly and the bike only has 350 miles on it.

[@binhvong5297]

Seen all 4 videos, best videos I seen for easy to understand yet detail explanation on suspension. Thank you! Cheers.

[@mrkamatharjun]

We love Shumi...

[@powerdriftofficial]

We love him too, and we love the PDArmy as well! :D

[@sanketwaje5511]

Thanks for the explanation man , really helpful for new rider like me

[@shridharpp]

Installed YSS front suspension kit on INT650. Poured in 15W Liqui Moly fork oil. With my weight of 90kg.. Setting of 2.45 turns suits the best.. With rear set to 2 level up from softest setting.

[@69bobby88]

Same here. I also upgraded to YSS shock at rear. Took me a while to get the correct settings but finally got it right for my weight 110kgs. Still not very happy with front YSS settings. Might go for 20w oil. Let's see. Otherwise, stiffer spring might be in my future.

[@shu_mar]

Nicely done!

[@keshavpandey6417]

Thank you so much shumi 😍😍😍

[@prorider4992]

Great as always

[@ronrosenkaimer1096]

I finally understand the suspension. Now for the adjustment of the front forks on my 101 Scout.

[@plt4415]

This guy is "mobile encyclopedia"!

[@NVYOUTUBE01]

Talk about making a simple concept complex. Let’s simplify. ‘Suspension’ are/can be designed and manufactured to ones needs as per the required spring rate measured in lbs per inch or kg per mm. Example, constant rate spring suspension (distance between the coil of the spring is same through-out so compression is always the same), another would be a progressive or a rising rate springs suspension (distance between the coils will reduce as you go higher so the stiffness is gradual). ‘Spring Pre-load’ is how much the spring is compressed from its free length to initiate suspension motion. It alters the range of the spring from its free length. Now here, the bike will get stiffer if one is using progressive or a rising rate springs suspension as the initial soft compression if negated by the Spring Pre-load so only the stiffer spring portion is left for play; however, this Spring Pre-load will always be the same for a constant rate spring suspension. ‘Free Sag’ is the existing weight/ compression (of a bike/vehicle) on its suspension (e.g., body, engine etc; however not the wheels, tires , calipers etc sine they do not rest on the suspension and therefore they do not contribute to the compression ). This very weight/ compression which compresses the suspension is called a ‘Free Sag’. ‘Rider Sag’ is the compression when the fork and suspension settles after the weight of the rider + the free sag. A good Rider Sag is subjective; however, 1/4 total suspension travel is a safe bet. Free Sag as a safe bet should be 1/3 of Rider Sag; however again this math is subject the kind suspensions used (i.e. constant or progressive suspensions). ‘Usage Sag’ is the suspension available (compression left after Rider Sag & Free Sag). ‘Damping’ the speed at which the springs compress or extends, usually regulated by oil as oil creates a resistance force which controls suspension motion. ‘Compression Damping’ the force as the suspension of compression. ‘Rebound Damping or Tension’ the force as the suspension extends after being compressed. Long story short, know your suspension type before tinkering with it. Use the specification given by the manufacturer.

[@sanjeevbravo121]

As a rr 310 bto owner i definitely needed this

[@ManojSharma-xk7ew]

M hi hi hi other,h,

[@ashikamit6179]

Thank you for making this series! This helped me to understand suspension.

[@rakshithrreddy]

If you guys do podcast it would be great ❤️

[@Ryug-n7]

👏👏👏god level explaination

[@lalitkhopade6747]

Thank you very very much Shumi sir for this suspension series 🙏

[@swapnilkedar3442]

This suspension series helped me a lot. Thanks PD army n Shumi baba.. ✌️✌️

[@karthik_k.j]

Suggestions to soften the suspension on VW Vento Diesel for a cosseted and cushy ride? Strut replacement OR Coil Spring replacement?

[@XHYCoffee]

Finally video that talks common sense..

[@dr.vaibhavshinde9743]

Is it mandatory to have same settings on both shock ups? What if we try one soft and one hard? If one click is plus or minus- it will affect stability?

[@shu_mar]

Front to rear the settings don’t have to match. Side to side (if you have twin rear shocks) they MUST be the same

[@martin748916]

Very clear explanation thanks!

[@DJNavneet]

I have a R15v3 and I am a Light weight rider, I am annoyed getting each and every small bumps and potholes but R15v3 doesn't have any adjustment setting at rear and front. Any solution for my issue other than changing bike or gaining weight 😂🥲. Please tell me I want solution🥲. Any suggestion will be appreciated.

[@powerdriftofficial]

Unfortunately, R15's suspension is rather stiff, since it's a track-focused motorcycle. You can always invest in aftermarket adjustable suspension.

[@DJNavneet]

@@powerdriftofficial any suggestions for after market which might fit and is good in your list?

[@shu_mar]

See if YSS makes stuff for the R15. But run less preload if you can. Or else you’ll have to change springs. But you bought a sporty bike. It won’t be a sofa.

[@DHANTEAM]

Good Learning from you SHUMI

[@arush65]

Awaited this one

[@powerdriftofficial]

Hope you Liked and Shared it!

[@arush65]

@@powerdriftofficial oh yes I did

[@Mentatstrategy]

Suspension! Got it! Thank you!!!

[@manojkhasnda]

Does saddle cushioning affect how a motorcycle feels on the road? OR it entirely depends on suspension setup.

[@powerdriftofficial]

Saddle cushioning will only make you feel comfortable. A softer cushion might even rob you of the motorcycle's feedback.

[@shu_mar]

99% suspension. Saddle comfort only makes you able to ride longer in a stint or not

[@emmanuvel.j5237]

@@shu_mar my motorcycle manual says that my bike has 7 step adjustable monoshock in the rear and if the preload is in 1st setting it says soft setting and 7 says stiff setting but I'm not able to understand which is the best one for carrying a pillion. Could u pls calrify?

[@MultiSoupdragon]

Thanks for this, very informative and easy to understand 👍👍👍

[@adityakambli6495]

thank you shumi !

[@ebenezergeezer]

Fantastic video. Thank you. It has helped me understand that I should make some changes on my bike to improve the riding with my wife on the bike with me.

[@glensequeira9855]

I m so happy I m able to learn all the mechanical of a vehicle from you Sir . Waiting for more such contents sir. God bless

[@shikhiragarwal6574]

Please make a video on tall and shirt gearing, and how changing the sprocket will effect it....

[@brandonk5932]

Thank you for the quick and easy explanation

[@SuchanBajracharya]

Thank you very much for all these mini series about suspension. Now it make all the sense!

[@jstnaguglu3380]

Thank you, sir. Very good explanation.

[@penihaschettiar4526]

Please make video on chain settings and why does it lossen up???

[@silentroyale7160]

I have 2022 RTR 200 and I am 55kgs what adjustment I should do both front back?

[@nikhilsaini1045]

All hail shumi.. Thank you for the videos... Looking forward for much such great content from you. 1 request ...try to bringing the other guy from zig wheels who did that hayabusa video with you and make a simplified or podcast video with him where you both discuss your experiences on some complicated bike topic

[@shu_mar]

Can do! Great idea!

[@kevinb_moto]

Hi shumi.... So I ride a 2018 Dominar and have upgraded to the zedling suspension.. and I have seen the difference..

[@shu_mar]

Excellent!

[@gerardpo6724]

Waiting for the Yezdi review..

[@powerdriftofficial]

Soon!

[@Arjun-xp1pz]

Last time when I took my 390Adv for the service and asked them to adjust suspension to a softer setting. The service guy said "Our suspension adjusting machine is out of order" I was confused and asked him, "what you mean??". He just escaped without further clarification.

[@bhagat2774]

Lmaaooo lmaaooo lmao 😩😩 💀

[@jainkartikeya]

Does setting your front preload right also help you avoid Tank Slappers?

[@shu_mar]

Slightly. But tank slappers are very very hard to get into. Stop stressing about it.

[@jainkartikeya]

@@shu_mar Thank You for your response. 😊

[@thomsonsunil7394]

C wrench sales is gonna blow ⚡

[@flythenride]

EXCELLENT video. Thank you!

[@AbhishekSingh-nq4rh]

Thank you shumi sir

[@goldfish8196]

Spectacular video.

[@keshavpandey6417]

Hi, Will you be able to help , as to how can I improve the front suspension of honda highness? It feels stiffer then rear and i want to have a plush ride

[@powerdriftofficial]

Unfortunately, the H'ness doesn't have an adjustable front suspension. However, that can be rectified by changing the grade of the fork oil but for that you'll need a mechanic who knows what he's doing.

[@keshavpandey6417]

@@powerdriftofficial thanks 😊

[@avisekhsinha1267]

THAKNS FOR MENTIONING A POOR MANS RACE BIKE RTR200

[@lamsamrampa2010]

Very informative please make a video on the angle of suspension of rear shocks of motorcycle.

[@siddheshsutar7573]

Hey, R15 also has the preload rear suspension, but it's not at all accessible to adjust. Not even a single video is available. Can PD help with this?

[@benjaminoppong-twumasi9662]

Good product and appears well made. Easy to use.

[@yashgauns]

Hey power drift Please make a video about how we should get on bigger bikes. Im still riding a 125 cc can my nxt bike be a 600cc or should i go for a 300cc First?

[@shu_mar]

It’s already there! 😁

[@yashgauns]

@@shu_mar ok thanyou shumi sir you teach us a lot of things.

[@X11CHASE]

Subscribed for this guy

[@richardgomes4728]

Dear Shumi, Thank you so much for your videos which are actually simplified in the best manner possible...Just a request ,could you please make a video for Spark plugs ( how the after markets like NGK are better than the stock ones or do we prefer to ride on a stock one ) . Secondly on different types of aftermarket exhaust. Thank you so much.

[@rajasankar390]

I'm low on weight should i have to increase the preload for smoother ride?

[@shu_mar]

Reduce preload and see

[@Suparsha]

Anything for clutch adjustment in Simplified. Thanks in advance.

[@prabhurajmangang2549]

Please make a video on "REV MATCHING". Not on "how to rev match". But on "is rev matching really a necessity to go faster". Hope this is a useful content to many motorcycle enthusiasts.

[@shu_mar]

Done already. Should be online soon!

[@prabhurajmangang2549]

@@shu_mar thanx sir

[@arjpillai]

@@shu_mar 80,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

[@nonyabusiness4151]

Thank you, This was a glorious series. 2021 390cc KTM Duke(1st) will be riding its last ride in the stock setting tomorrow. I will be softening the rear pre-load by one click and will probably ask myself why I didn't do this sooner..? I even forgot I could!

[@abhishekraov1512]

Sir can you able to explain about the Tyres and why is so important while driving a bike or a car

[@ridingtales4866]

Do one on sprokets shumi

[@vivekacharya3110]

Really helpful video. Thanks for it. Can we have video on how to break correct while cornering?

[@KuldeepSingh-gt6bx]

So so knowledgeable facts to know. I loved it

[@Lostoldman]

Hi, should my rear Hagon Shocks on my motorcycle ever hit the rubber bump stop after a ride? After a ride they have slid all the way up to the top.?

[@72sports]

Sir your explanation was so good. Dir Iwant learn why linked suspension was outdated, I want very smooth suspension. I have unicorn 150 and I want to fit Rajdooth's front suspension to itwe have very experienced mechanics here to do that job. Please give suggestion. Can I get smooth suspension or not by doing this.

[@clivegreen7142]

Awesome informative video. Thank you Sir

[@pritesh.s]

When Google or Wikipedia have a question about motorcycles they dont have answers to, they call Shumi.

[@PARZIVAL7k]

Can you tell which is the best for Indian touring bike such as interceptor 650, Dominar.

[@shu_mar]

Duke 390

[@zainulabideenkhateeb8143]

would love a video about aquaplaning and how different tire thread patter help eliminate that, and should the thread patter affect our decision to buy a set of tires

[@africatwinman]

Good teacher great job mate

[@TerryCohen-n4s]

Great video. Question; I weigh 175 lbs. my 2024 Honda rebel 500 was factory set at preload #2 but the ride is stiff. Will setting it at # 1 be a bottom out problem on normal highway riding ?

[@SydMaven]

As the man said, take it out and try it. It's the only way.

[@chintudas7232]

Is it good to adjust the suspension to get the lower saddle height in the motorcycle?

[@madhusurya6052]

Great explanation on susupension settings that can make everyone's feel of their bike better😎. Can you pls make a simplified on how to use headlamps as most keep their headlamps in high beam and this affects the riders from opposite side very difficult to see the road.

[@amitkrupal1234]

Even I thought of asking it but, even if they did few will follow it not all.

[@madhusurya6052]

@@amitkrupal1234 Yes bro we can't change everyone but atleast few follow this it might be a good step ahead!!

[@amitkrupal1234]

@@madhusurya6052 Yes

[@babjinaidudevavarapu4397]

Excellent 😍🔥

[@rajasankar390]

can you provide the name or link for the suspension you're using on your Duke 390?

[@shu_mar]

YSS preload kit from indimotard.com

[@prasulpradeep]

Great indebted stuff. Can we have one video on chain slack. Any information on how to set the best chain slack by ourselves

[@newinvestor4717]

Many thanks, great video

[@sinner_ra]

Excellent video as always Shumi! I want some clarification on the Meteor/New Classic rear suspension. It’s quite stiff and according to the RE manual the stock setting of the rear preload is at the lowest/softest position (position 1) is meant for 90 kgs and it goes all the way up to 180 kgs at highest/stiffest position (position 6). Now I weigh a shade over 70 kgs and I find the rear suspension quite stiff. I believe that increasing the pre load won’t benefit me , given that even the softest setting is rated for 90 kgs. What do you suggest?

[@GuitarGuy650]

Adjust it? Duh

[@vidyasagarpatil2557]

I purchased the classic reborn last month & i feeling back due to its worst suspension. You can’t do much to pre load & feel better. I tried all possible setting & find the journey is tiring on classic 350. Previous bs4 version classic 350 had nitrox suspensions & they were super comfort. These indian companies have become greedy & installed pathetic low quality in bs6 versions. Newly released classic 350 is waste of money when its comes to comfortablity. I feel regret every day. Just riding 45 minutes, u cant sit on the bike.

[@mrigankdhaniwala1566]

Great series. Can we have one on offroad and adventure biking?

[@divyanshnanda4758]

Can you speak about if repairing a puncture can affect a motorcycles tyre in terms of handling or grip strength

[@agnijitdeb1558]

I have a question. Does the spring in bikes needs to be changed? Does it loose tension with time?

[@Abhi-now]

No, it should only be changed when either bent from crash, rusted or during modification

[@agnijitdeb1558]

@@Abhi-now Ok.Thanks!

[@thisisganesh]

Please make a video on how we can soften / stiffen non adjustable suspension units (i know there are limitations but any help would be appreciated) i own a gixxer 250 non adjustable front forks and preload adjustable on rear for my weight 75kg and pillion weight 50kg combined we feel suspension is little stiff any fix for such bikes?

[@shu_mar]

Change springs if preload doesn’t achieve the result you want

[@kushagrasingh13]

Can you please make a video discussing different colors of bikes from maintenance perspective, like difference in glossy & matt colors

[@danielherbert7903]

This answered a question I’ve had for ages about preload! Thank you. I have a Jawa Perak (2 months old) and am wondering if the suspension should be changed, then to what should I change it to? I mean, you plonked a Yamaha suspension into your KTM, but should I change mine? If so, to what? For context, I commute about 5-10 km every day and then take a trip off about 500-700 km once a month, on mostly decent highways.

[@sameerp8601]

RTR Lover❤

[@amitanaudiophile]

Absolutely true.., my favourite subject