Preload is just 1/3 of the equation. Normally you'd want to customize spring rate to your weight first, then adjust damping to that spring. After you've got that figured out, then you can set the sag via preload adjustment.
Although for heavier riders like myself, turning up preload takes up some of the slack in the spring providing a more "responsive" feel, it's just that you're using more of the spring right from the get-go.
35mm or rider rear sag will put you in the ball park. You should have around 5-10mm of free sag. Less that that your spring rate is too soft, more your spring rate too stiff. Once that done, 50% of your setup is done. If you have some damping adjustment then tune that. The goal of getting it right is to have stiff enough to give you good support but soft enough so you have compliance over the bumps.
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Was reading on the aprilia page about sag and all that...with my suspension..I can only adjust the preload..correct?
Hey Mate, I think we were talking about the same website. For some reason I tough it was from racetech. I think for the level of riding most will do for the street and some track day, this is a very solid article. Print it and keep this in file... I did.
Motorcycle Suspension Guide
Andy, just because it came from a FZ1 does not make it a better shock, You know the FZ8 is a FZ1 with a smaller engine?I have recently bought a rear shock from someone on the other forum. I paid $60 for it. It is from an FZ1 as I read that it will fit. Not installed it yet but I read that is much better than the one on from yamaha now.
I am a heavy person so i think this will be a more comfortable ride for me.
woody, I have a 2013, it has a good shock, I think it needs a new spring, but the shock is good, I would respring it if I were going to use it on the track but I use it on the street with limit canyon carving trips
I actually just picked up a bike I am going use for track days around here, I just got me a 2003 sportster, I have been reworking the frame the last 2 weeks and now am looking to see what kind of swing arm on it to use,(want ot use an 180 rear tire) I got a set of Storz forks and PM brakes for the front. I am using a Buell engine and plan on running it around the track on practice days having a blast. It will in no way be the fastest bike out there, but it will be the kewlest.
I hope to be able seriously mess around with the other guys in the curves, could care less about who has the acceleration.
You see, with age comes a bit of a different outlook at things. Imagine if you can coming to a track day on your YZ6 and there is this 56 year old guy crawling all over your azs end on his sportster. I am going have a blast.
Andy, just because it came from a FZ1 does not make it a better shock, You know the FZ8 is a FZ1 with a smaller engine?
If you are heavy, then you want a heavier spring. I would check with aftermarket shock tuners and tell them what you want. They can steer you in the direction you want to go instead of buying a shock that someone is selling because he just bought the latest and greatest AZ3r/Pouser/yellow upgrade for his bike.
It's ALL About spring rates, if your not gonna start quoting spring rates per kilogram, stop arguing, at this point it's all hypothetical.
Go to racetech.com and start researching spring rates for a riders weight.