Pocket Moss Ep 1: Is a motorcycle Suspension Setup necessary or even useful?

Welcome to our new series Pocket Moss, because Dave can't be everywhere all the time. The episodes are suspension topic and principle specific to better empower riders to tune their own suspension correctly and accurately. Dave Moss is just a click away.

[@ManCannotRide]

Everything I know now about motorcycle suspension is because I found Dave Moss here and because he is such a nice person as he accommodated all my questions. 2+ years of educational conversation with Dave is never enough to even achieve the level of knowledge Dave has but those 2 years of exchanging information and feedback were the best 2 years of learning I have ever had in terms of motorcycle riding. I know I have more questions to come and I know Dave is just a "click" away.

[@Ricci___]

Same here, thanks Dave!

[@catalystreactionsbw]

I am grateful for you taking the time to share your experience and support my work with your learning from the video content.

[@papasmurf205]

Most helpful motorcycle videos on KZbin. The level of detail you go into about every minute detail is something I appreciate. You sir are THE expert on motorcycles.

[@catalystreactionsbw]

I sincerely appreciate your time and thoughtful words. Thanks for watching and leveraging the content that is provided.

[@papasmurf205]

@@catalystreactionsbw Of course! Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us, I'm setting up my gsxr 750 now as per your advice.

[@tylerelliott6080]

Love watching these videos. It's such a big difference when you have a good set of shocks that can be adjusted for your weight and riding style. I did get mad after having the bike for 10 years before putting on a good suspension. I will never ride on stock suspension again.

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Thanks for your support of my work and great to see that you stuck with the learning to upgrade what you had to make sure your bike was up to your personal standard of excellence!

[@deweysturgill6220]

For knows it all nay sayers and doubters, I ran 1500 miles of twisty road riding and one track day on my 2021 MT-09, and the oem s22 were worn completely out. After all the bragging from the online reviews I was having serious buyers remorse it handled so poorly and was so hard to ride in twisties. Like riding a two wheel pogo stick. Going by Dave's advice, I shit canned the stock fork cartridges and went up almost 60% on my springs. I Replaced the rear shock with a ktech, and set it up by Dave's recommendations. Night and day difference, I now have 3 hard track days, and almost 800 miles on the street and have safe tread left on this set of s22. The bike is an absolute hoot to ride on the tracks we frequent and I can do every session without fighting the bike. Felt much safer, didn't come off the track saying Prayers. So yeah it is necessary. The only thing holding it back now is my physical conditioning and age 😬 Thanks Dave for your knowledge and passion.

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Thank you for working and rolling your sleeves up to get the necessary work done. I appreciate being part of your journey and you sharing the net results. Cheers.

[@alanbeamer9513]

Dave helped me with hus Remote Tuning Service on both my track bikes....and what a difference. Easier to ride, bikes behave beautifully and tyre wear is even. Suspension setup is obligatory !! Thanks again Dave !!! P.S. I'm in Spain and Dave was in California when we did my setups. It DOES work remotely !!

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Thank for taking a few minutes to share your experience on Remote tuning. I sincerely appreciate it!

[@marcusgeorge1825]

Nice one Dave and Dave. Thank you. Wishing you both a safe and prosperous 2023. 👍😎🇦🇺

[@trippyrides5674]

Nice change of pace to see some DIY successes at the end.

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Looking to create more videos like this with initial review, changes and end result.

[@Amerigo73]

I can not express my gratitude in good words, Dave. You have changed my life on motorcycles and on the track. Thank you!

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Thank you for using the videos to learn from and i am very grateful to be a positive experience in your motorcycling life.

[@Gixxerdude1k]

I have used what I have learned from your channel to help others with their bikes. Money well spent for premium subscription. They come back with the same response of how much better the ride is.

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Thank you for your support of my work via your Subscription and paying it forward. I really do appreciate you doing that to assist me with my mission. A tip of the hat to you!

[@daizy8888]

Since you work with all kinds of weights and people and bikes, it would be useful to keep note of each riders weight, bike and year. That way when people of that exact weight and bike can have a starting point either in street or track. A database would be immensely helpful in creating value to the public

[@catalystreactionsbw]

That would be a useful document to have based on rider sag as a starting point.

[@Google_Does_Evil_Now]

Another good video. Maybe you can clip some of these into shorts, if that helps you grow. Good work Dave and team.

[@catalystreactionsbw]

There are more focused videos coming soon! Those will be shorter in length.

[@Google_Does_Evil_Now]

@@catalystreactionsbw I thought the length of this was good. Just to clarify, there are KZbin Short videos. I think it's to match Instagram and TikTok and Facebook short videos. When you click on your profile/account you should be able to see Videos and also Shorts. KZbin is promoting Shorts separately. If can help your channel grow if one of your Shorts goes viral. Hope this helps. Thanks for the interesting and helpful videos from you.

[@Atilla8huno]

Mr Moss should be knighted Sir and receive a Nobel prize 🤩

[@Aiken47]

The great thing with Dave’s education is that once you set your bike up using his guidance - you discover a whole new bike, particularly where you end and the bike begins.

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Thanks for the support and sharing your POV. I greatly appreciate it.

[@geneharrogate6911]

This is only going to be relevant to folks familiar with the BJJ scene, but I reckon Dave is basically the John Danaher of motorcycle suspension..

[@catalystreactionsbw]

That is a very high compliment, thank you!

[@oscarsanchezmendoza2274]

girl in yellow top at 9:47: her bike is set up that way for looks. lots of urban bikes are super low to the ground in front, they aren't focused on suspension at all.

[@junglie]

Thanks Dave for shareing some of your vast experience & knowledge to us here helping keeping is shiny side up , ATVB to you & yours for the new year.

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Thank you for wanting to learn more and benefit from the videos!

[@robbateman7987]

@ 14:05 - Rocket Surgery? Anyhoo, keep up the good work Dave. All the best for 2023 from the UK

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Dave Williams, editor, replying here. My attempt at a joke, combining rocket science and brain surgery.

[@robbateman7987]

@@catalystreactionsbw I see it now, Don't give up the day job

[@DavidJones-mq6vc]

Never, never, never go out on the track without seeing Dave first!

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Thanks for the support Dave!

[@DavidJones-mq6vc]

@@catalystreactionsbw you deserve every bit of it and more! Seriously, I doubt I would have got past one or two track days without you

[@Mech.E]

My suspension was set up way too stiff and it took me a while to get the adjustment ring loose. The front would shake if there was a slight bump in the corner. Now its smoother and it holds the line better.

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Great work! Small adjustments can make huge differences!

[@Fubar684]

There’s a plaque on the wall at Thunderhill Raceway with Dave’s name on it. And for good reason.

[@paulrd237]

Thanks Bro, everyone whom your video has (schooled, ha :) ) helped, and we really appreciate your 110% attitude. with warm regards, PRD. Ps, I bought a 675 and slowly figuring out the best set up, you make it easy for us. :)

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Thank you very much Paul. Really appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts and thank you for your support!

[@paulrd237]

@@catalystreactionsbw My thoughts are not as informative as yours Dave, many many thanks for your in depth analysis, sharing of experience and warmth of tone. Cheers Paul R D.

[@Nasrou89]

thanks a lot for sharing this knowledge. it's much appreciated

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Thank you for watching and using the content to learn from!

[@YvesVerstraeten]

Love your video's!! Please make a pocket moss app :) After I put in new oil in my forks thanks 2 you and I will use your video, I would love a setup check remote. Greatings from Belgium

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Thank you! Greetings back at you! No problem with a Remote Tuning set up video 1-1 after Feb 9th. Booked until then :) Email can be answered sooner - [e-mail]

[@sparkyc2951]

Thank you, Mr. Moss!

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Welcome!

[@alanbrown5593]

Happy new year Dave and Dave.

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Thank you and the same to you!

[@robmuhfacka5986]

Dave! I have a question I've been looking everywhere but can't find any info anywhere 😬 how would I approach my set up if my weight is really light? I'm like 120, a bean pole. I've got a 2011 zx10r and when I sit on it it compresses a little bit but I'm sure it's been setup for it's previous rider whom I'm quite positive was bigger than I am. I keep finding info for heavier people but none for the skinnier lot 😅 could you do a video on this or at least explain what is needed for a smaller person to have the same suspension feeling as a larger counterpart? I'm sure it's just as involved in tuning as it is to set it up for a heavier 200+ rider

[@jasonkennedy1670]

fundamentals are key 👍

[@johnnygorena5318]

Dave I just bought a 2024 BMW M1000R my right front brake lever is too high with or without gloves on I am accelerating to reach for the brakes- how can I lower the lever so I can reach without AC eliminating?

[@johnnygorena5318]

Dave I just bought a 2024 BMW M1000R my right front brake lever is too high with or without gloves on I am accelerating to reach for the brakes- how can I lower the lever so I can reach without AC eliminating? 11:28

[@danbang]

Hi dave! I find you videos very informative. I own a 2020 zx10r Any suggestion on the suspension set up? My front seems soft when entering the corner. I’m 6ft1in 100kgs.

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Thank you! If the front feels soft, does fork travel used confirm that? If it dopes, add 3 turns of preload clockwise and .5 of a turn of compression the same direction. Ride again and see what travel is used comparatively. If bottomed out again, repeat the test with the same change.

[@spokebloke1]

Amazing that dealers don't bother fitting each bike they sell to the rider. Obviously, this would be safer for the rider and makes the whole riding experience better, but it would also benefit the dealer in terms of trust built with the buyer.

[@catalystreactionsbw]

That is true, but you would need a specialist to do this and dealers do not want that extra $$ salary load. Also, this is devaluing the product as the showroom floor settings are how the bike must be sold so changing it does not reflect well on the dealer.

[@David..]

What’s Dave’s take on YSS shocks? Looking at swapping out the factory unit on my 06 SV650s and it seems far more reasonably priced than Penske, Ohlins, etc. only really using the bike on the street and occasionally on a track day.

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Just worked o a few in Australia at Levi Day events. Very impressed with the end results!

[@shaun3208]

Hi Dave if I soften pre load to achieve static sag, doesn’t that than affect my rider sag?

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Possibly:- depends on the strength of the spring and shock settings. You can check as is, then change the preload to get static sag at a minimum of 8mm and recheck rider sag to see if it has increased.

[@carlyelliott6975]

Does Dave moss have an app available in Australia?

[@catalystreactionsbw]

No App. Spent a lot of money many years ago on the App and had zero users. All that information was moved to the DMT website where there are now 2,000+ content items. You can join at www.davemosstuning.com

[@carlyelliott6975]

@CatalystReactionSBW thanks, already joined..😀

[@levylovits]

How do you know if you should change the rear spring? I just purchased a 95 cbr 600. The bike is old and needs work but runs pretty good. I notice the bike has no static sag and it's pinned up. Its too stiff and i have to horse jocky it through bumps. The rear preload is at 3 and i believe from factory it should be at 2. The person before didnt have it too long but he was taller than me. So wieght maybe about the same. Im over weight at 220 and with full daily gear about 245. I feel like there is not point in getting the sag numbers currently because there is not static sag. If i set the preload correctly maybe one or 2 notches down to get static sag but if i then notice that over all sag is too much. Would it be better to have no static sag but be in the correct range of total sag, or would it be better to have static sag and have more suspension travel than needed (until the correct shock is purchased). I think i just answered myself. Im need to buy the correct c spanner wrench. The one that i have thats for cars didnt work. It's too tight to get in and i couldnt get enough leverage.

[@catalystreactionsbw]

1. Check static sag and set to 12-15mm via the preload adjuster. n2. Put a tiny amount of grease on the shock shaft and see how much travel you use. Ideal is 1-2mm above the rubber bumper (see shock travel video). 3. If you lose all static sag to get shock travel optimal, the spring is too soft and needs to be upgraded.

[@levylovits]

@@catalystreactionsbw its hard to see the shock travel looks like its covered up. I set the preload to 1 to have sag. 2 was still pinned up. I need someone to help me but ill recheck this soon. Ive made slight adjustments to rebound comp in the rear one at a time every morning. Its softer but too soft i belive. Funnt thing is i made everything soft but balance. Now im starting to go stiffer on the suspension. I want to know whats the difference on set up for high road speeds 100mph+. I may not have the right bike obviously but im still pushing to max out the tac. It seems to go fast the suspension needs to be very stiff to be planted but slower speeds the bike will be too stiff and nerv racking. The bike has preload comp and rebound in the rear. Not fast and slow compression.

[@catalystreactionsbw]

@@levylovits Noted on the plastic cover. That is tedious. If we have no vision of stroke used, we have to go by feel.

[@chrischampion1120]

Where can I buy the pocket Moss?!

[@catalystreactionsbw]

If you are asking for a 1-1 consult, you can email me [e-mail]

[@FeyFox]

Hey it seems like there is a problem with your website. I tried to login to my account an resubscribe to the premium service. but everytime I click login I get redirected to the pricing chart...

[@catalystreactionsbw]

I can fix that. Please email me [e-mail] with your email and username, plus transaction number for me to track. As soon as i get it I will get on it.

[@FeyFox]

@@catalystreactionsbw thx for the fast reply I did just send you a mail :)

[@Abdal-RahmanI]

Shame my bike only has rear adjustment, perhaps when I buy a better, more adjustable one!

[@junglie]

you can still change the fork springs & oil weight made a big difference in my sv650 preload can be adjusted by cutting the spring spacers or putting longer ones on for more preload.

[@ghost-wm1hw]

Mine is the same. But I changed the fork oil to 20w and set static sag. So so much better to ride at my weight. Thanks Dave !!!! What a star

[@Abdal-RahmanI]

@@junglie thanks for the ideas, I'll research and open the forks when feeling brave

[@ghost-wm1hw]

@@Abdal-RahmanI . All I did was use my oil sucker to get it out Pumped shocks a few times Sucked abit more All into a measure cup Put same amount in as out. Really so much better. I ride 1000 miles a month, It stopped the front diving quickly. Took 5 mins a side. A very simple upg

[@junglie]

@@Abdal-RahmanI a good budget option is ZZR600 fork springs & spacers from a breakers, if your not too heavy they are an improvement over stock springs , that's what i've got in my old mk 1 SV.

[@nigelnoble2290]

Hey Dave Good afternoon My buddy have a 600 2009 Yamaha that he goes to truck and compete with other raiders but he is not getting faster how can me us

[@catalystreactionsbw]

I can help via Remote Tuning with chassis and suspension set up, tyre wear reviews and video analysis of laps.

[@jaynemarie2157]

I thought you were in the United Kingdom but your not 😭 I could do with some advice. I've had to lower my bike 3-4 inches it's forks have been lowered 1 and a half inches and need to know the best set up really it's a cbr600rr 2017. I'm 5ft 2 and 3/4 in height. I follow your videos regularly I am gutted I cannot contact you in the UK.

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Thanks for your question. When you lower a bike, you should lower both ends so the motorcycle is "flat" with geometry. The other part that you should check is how much fork and shock travel you are using. I have videos on those topics. This is a the critical factor. Lowering normally makes the forks and shock travel more. Let's start there.

[@jaynemarie2157]

@@catalystreactionsbw Thank you for answering me. I understand the geometry but my concern was what if as I'm am told if I lowered 3-4 inches but couldn't lower the front no more than 1- 2 inches then what do you recommend?

[@catalystreactionsbw]

@@jaynemarie2157 The danger with the front is the front wheel hitting hard parts like the exhaust or radiator. Place the bike on a rear stand and pin stand for the lower triple tree. If you unscrew the fork caps and then push the wheel up, you will see how much room you have and that will guide you as to how much lower you will be able to lower the front.

[@jaynemarie2157]

@@catalystreactionsbw thank you for your advice

[@jessefpv9217]

I’ve looked for over a year for Dave’s full videos. There all the same short length… says go here. And it just same video. Never knew they wanted you to pay to watch the whole video..

[@catalystreactionsbw]

There's a playlist of full free videos, so click that and enjoy 20-40 minute videos

[@silversoozookee2839]

How can I "bump" into you? 😏 Hear your advice Maybe shadow you if your in my neck of the woods 😁

[@catalystreactionsbw]

I post my schedule late January to my website. I hold classes as well as tuning events and in 2023 will have some live events for DMT website subscribers.

[@DerKaktusAvant]

You don’t sound very American haha. And I guess people will say you sound British, but as a Brit myself I don’t think so…

[@catalystreactionsbw]

I was born in Manchester and left as a very young man, so there is not much left of my English accent until I go home.

[@DerKaktusAvant]

@@catalystreactionsbw fair enough! When you next come back come tune my 1999 gsxr!

[@roosthrower]

The no1 must do dave, hope u are watching Anehiem 1supercross tomorrow they definetely need it

[@catalystreactionsbw]

I wish I had time for the television! Booked every day in South Australia for my teaching tour.

[@johnnygorena5318]

Dave I just bought a 2024 BMW M1000R my right front brake lever is too high with or without gloves on I am accelerating to reach for the brakes- how can I lower the lever so I can reach without AC eliminating?

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Loosen the clamp for the brake and angle it down, then make sure the brake lever reach is set correctly to the last knuckle of the second finger. Angle and gap are both important.