Rear Suspension Adjustment - could it be any easier??

[racer1735]

With nothing to do this morning, I decided to adjust the sag in the rear suspension of my blue ST1300 (we know its fast, now lets keep it planted):04biker: . I knew I was fairly close from the way it rode before I put her away for the winter, but decided to get it dialed in a bit more.

Now, normally this is a time consuming process involving me loosening a lock ring at top of the shock with a hammer and a punch, then sitting on the bike while the wife reads the measurment (and me hoping she's reading it correctly). Then getting off the bike, loading or unloading the preload (same hammer and punch) and doing it again.

But the ST was sooooooo easy. For starters, I figured out that my wife and my son weighed nearly EXACTLY what I do with my gear. So after I took the initial measurement, they sat on the seat and pillion while I read the measurment. As I'd expected, it was within 1/2" of where I wanted it to be. About 3 cranks on the preload handle, bounce the rear end a bit, let it settle down, take the reading, and....perfect!! Didn't take 10 minutes.

Now I need something else to do...hmmmmm. C'mon March (that's when my insurance lets me get back on the road again)

[CaST]

I have had the same adjustment since I bought the bike last May. When my wife and I road on it, I noticed a serious whine in the rear end. No my wife isnt' that heavy but seemed to add just enough weight to cause the noise.

What is the process for increasing the preload that you mentioned? Did you have some tools for measurement?

BTW, what type of insurance to you have that is seasonal?

[racer1735]

You increase the spring preload by simply turning the knob on the left rear of the bike (behind your left knee. From what I can tell, about 1 1/2 turns equals 1/2 inch of preload height.

I have Progressive insurance, and living in the Midwest, I have a policy that provides for 3 months of 'layup' insurance (December through February) since its usually too cold/snowy to ride during that time. Basically a discounted coverage for 3 monts (no collision during that time). Don't think its offered in areas that don't experience 'winter'.

[CaST]

I thought there were two places that could be adjusted?

[racer1735]

You are correct. The knob adjusts spring preload. The screw (accessed via the whole in the swingarm on the right hand side) adjusts the damping rate. Sag is set via preload.

[IanW]

I press a button on the handlebar to adjust the rear pre-load or the front/rear rebound/compression damping.

[CaST]

I press a button on the handlebar to adjust the rear pre-load or the front/rear rebound/compression damping.

You are kidding right? :confused:

[IanW]

Fork oil replacement isn't scheduled on ST13's either. But it is easy to do or relatively inexpensive to have someone else do. Regardless of the make/model, some like to change it at 12K or 24K intervals, others let it go a lot longer. Just wondering what it might cost for ESA?[/Q

Sorry I do not know, but I dont think having ESA would make much difference to the time taken therefore the cost. I like playing with the ESA I think it is a nifty option, but again I take your point about what repairs/replacment may cost.

Owning a BMW I feel as if I am a guest in the ST household, I will not be bagging your motorcycle as I have seen BMW owners do before. I have owned a couple of Honda's they are great machines, my favourite was a 1972CB500 four I purchased new, it took me a while but on the first night I was so worried about it I took it inside the house.
Ian
P.S. In march I will have the opportunity to test ride a new ST, I will let you know my thoughts.
Ian

[nm6r]

I test rode a K1200S toward the end of last year. Mostly just to try out the new entry even if it wasn't the type of ride I would purchase. It had the ESA and I can say in the short time I had to play with it, it is cool. It worked really well and was nice to be able to adjust on the fly. For example, you can easily have your ride a little more cushy on the freeway and firm it up when you get to the twisties. I hope it works out well in the long run and we see it on other bikes in the future.

Ray
http://www.frontiernet.net/~st1300rider/smile04Bikerwheelie.gif

[CaST]

I have to say that for the price the ST1300 requires the most upgrades to get it where it ought to have been when I saw it at the dealer. :eek: My wife laughed at me the other day because of all the extra money I have thrown into my new boat, er I mean bike. I still wish there was a way to make the handlebars swept more toward the rider. I get uncomfortable on a long ride because I am reaching.

[Marshal_Mercer]

I have to say that for the price the ST1300 requires the most upgrades to get it where it ought to have been when I saw it at the dealer. :eek: My wife laughed at me the other day because of all the extra money I have thrown into my new boat, er I mean bike. I still wish there was a way to make the handlebars swept more toward the rider. I get uncomfortable on a long ride because I am reaching.
If you do not have a Heli Modified http://www.helibars.com/proddetail.php?prod=HC0303g or a Motorcycle Larry handlebar http://motorcyclelarry.com/st1300rp.aspx riser, you're in luck. 2" back, 1" up, or 2" back, 1.5" up, respectively.

Marshal