suspension settings please

[hawkeye9503]

hi peeps
the general handling of my falco is best described as woolly
it feels floaty on the twistys
with a tendancy to want to understeer
my present settings are
forks 3 notches through yokes
front compression and rebound factory settings
rear compression and rebound factory settings
i weigh approx 100kg
and have pirelli diablo tyres approx 50% worn
i ride general mixed stuff not too fast

[D-Rider]

I haven't any settings for you but:

• 1) Are your tyres inflated to the manufacturers recommended settings (pretty sure diablos are 2.5 bar front, 2.9 bar rear ... or 36psi/42psi - pirelli website will confirm)
  
  2) Do you still have the original blue spring sachs shock fitted? (if you do, you may be able to improve things but you will be rather limited in how much improvement can be made)

[HisNibbs]

A cure for the "understeer" is more rings showing through the top yoke. I found the steering vauge at first but I now run 5 - 6 rings through the yokes and have my Ohlins rear shock ride height just about on max. Much beter feeling through the bars and my confidence has improved as a result.

[hawkeye9503]

yes it has original sachs shock
tyre pressures ok
i have mille sachs shock to fit. is it worth it ???

[Aladinsaneuk]

simple answer - yes

[D-Rider]

yes it has original sachs shock
tyre pressures ok
i have mille sachs shock to fit. is it worth it ???

simple answer - yes

He's right you know

Is this the earlier white spring Sachs (same linkages as Falco) or later yellow spring sachs (needs linkages from the mille)?

[hawkeye9503]

its the white spring man

[D-Rider]

OK - that may well just drop straight in ..... however the clearance between the rear subframe and the shock's reservoir schraeder valve may be a bit tight .... or a bit more than tight (ie coming in to contact).
If so, you'll need to get that sorted. Some people have very carefully cut a couple of mm off their schraeder valve (a search on here will tell you how they've done it). Others have had their shocks serviced and a lower profile schraeder valve fitted (might even have been a flush mount one).

Not sure where you are based but I know John at Revs Racing will do a good job of servicing the shock (not everyone will service the old white springers these days).
http://www.revsracing.co.uk/

[Falco9]

hi peeps
the general handling of my falco is best described as woolly
it feels floaty on the twistys
with a tendancy to want to understeer
my present settings are
forks 3 notches through yokes
front compression and rebound factory settings
rear compression and rebound factory settings
i weigh approx 100kg
and have pirelli diablo tyres approx 50% worn
i ride general mixed stuff not too fast

Have you set your static sag? none of the above is really relevant unless you have your base setting.

If you haven't then I would suggest you do, it really does make a big difference to the bikes handling. Once done you can adjust from there, starting with the std settings you mention above

This may help:-

Measuring:
Preload on the spring/springs is very important,
because it affects the height of the motorcycle
and the fork angle. Consequently, handling characteristics
can be changed, even negatively.
Proceed as follows (it will be much easier if done
by two persons):
A Place the motorcycle on a stand.
B Lift up the rear end to a fully extended
position.
C Measure the distance, eg, from the
lower edge of the rear mud guard or
from a point marked by a piece of
tape, immediately above the rear wheel
axle, to the wheel axle. (R1)
D Make a similar measurement on the front
axle, e.g., from the bottom of the upper
fork crown to the front wheel axle.
The fork must also be fully extended. (F1)
E Allow the motorcycle (without rider) to
apply load on the springs and repeat
the measuring procedure. (R2, F2)
F Then take the same measurements
with the rider and equipment on the
motorcycle. It is important that the
rider has a correct riding posture,
so that the weight is balanced on the
front and rear wheel in the same way
as when riding. (R3, F3)
The measurements may not differ from the
following sizes:
Without rider:
Rear: 5-10 mm (R1-R2)
Front: 25-30 mm (F1-F2)
With rider:
Rear: 30-40 mm (R1-R3)
Front: 35-48 mm (F1-F3

F9

[mangocrazy]

The measurements may not differ from the
following sizes:
Without rider:
Rear: 5-10 mm (R1-R2)

Are you sure about that Rich? I've always been told that for racing the 'without rider' sag is 5-10mm, but for road use 15-20mm is the correct measurement. That would logically fit in better with the other numbers, as well...

[Falco9]

Hi Howard,
I've double checked and my Ohlins manual does say 5-10mm rear static measurement without rider, I agree that it does seem a small amount, but the manual is for the road shock and doesn't discuss the racing static sag settings as being any different.

I've always used these settings and its worked for me.

I'd be happy to send the manual (pdf) to anyone that wants it as it explains seting up the suspension in a clear and easily understood manner

F9

[hawkeye9503]

thanks for the tips boys
i will carry out the suggested tips and let you know how i get on