Haven't been on the forum in a while, but this one is worth posting. My ST is my daily commuter and believe it or not it actually sees track time. Yes really, and I don't give it any slack because it's an ST. In fact, I don't even take the saddle bags off. Many a BMW and Ducati have fallen victim to what the ST is capable of, including full sport bikes, but to be fair, I am an instructor. That being said, at 20k on the odometer, my suspension was done. It was actually pretty baked at just over 10k, but I was able to nurse it to 20. With the help of some deeply knowledgeable suspension gurus that also setup my CBR1000RR and RC51 for track time, and about two weeks of research, they came up with a package setup that is mind blowing. I'm not trying to sell anything, just sharing good info.
First off the Progressive suspension shock for the ST is a fantastic unit for the job. It's not as adjustable as some more pricey units, but the preload adjuster is magnificent, and can be adjusted loaded, on the fly. it also has very definitive "clicks" for every half turn. We upped the spring rates as everybody does, and mine is actually setup to be a very minimal preload with just me (225 lbs), because I also ride two up for (sport) touring with my wife + loaded bags+ a dry bag. We upped the front spring rates as well, and increased the oil level in the forks by 20mm over stock, but no changes to the dampening profile.
Here is what I can tell you about this setup.
1) The bike is just as plush as it was, without being squishy, like it was.
2) The stability in a straight line as well as in the corners is phenomenal.
3) The load carrying performance is exponentially improved, and there is no loss in handling performance.
4) The bikes posture is noticeably different, the rear being higher than stock, even with preload maxed. This makes for faster turn in, and it definitely turns in faster.
5) High lean angles still permit substantial power inputs without sliding the rear, or pushing the front, which it did previously.
6) This configuration shows how good the chassis really is.
If you are only interested in the touring capabilities of the ST this setup probably isn't for you, but if you enjoy the sport capabilities of it, this setup will certainly get your attention.
In just over a month I am going to have it back at the track with this setup, and I am very anxious to see how it performs. With wasted suspension just before the mods were made, I was able to consistently turn 1:39 to 1:40 at Streets of Willow, which for a bike of this mass, I was very pleased with.
First off the Progressive suspension shock for the ST is a fantastic unit for the job. It's not as adjustable as some more pricey units, but the preload adjuster is magnificent, and can be adjusted loaded, on the fly. it also has very definitive "clicks" for every half turn. We upped the spring rates as everybody does, and mine is actually setup to be a very minimal preload with just me (225 lbs), because I also ride two up for (sport) touring with my wife + loaded bags+ a dry bag. We upped the front spring rates as well, and increased the oil level in the forks by 20mm over stock, but no changes to the dampening profile.
Here is what I can tell you about this setup.
1) The bike is just as plush as it was, without being squishy, like it was.
2) The stability in a straight line as well as in the corners is phenomenal.
3) The load carrying performance is exponentially improved, and there is no loss in handling performance.
4) The bikes posture is noticeably different, the rear being higher than stock, even with preload maxed. This makes for faster turn in, and it definitely turns in faster.
5) High lean angles still permit substantial power inputs without sliding the rear, or pushing the front, which it did previously.
6) This configuration shows how good the chassis really is.
If you are only interested in the touring capabilities of the ST this setup probably isn't for you, but if you enjoy the sport capabilities of it, this setup will certainly get your attention.
In just over a month I am going to have it back at the track with this setup, and I am very anxious to see how it performs. With wasted suspension just before the mods were made, I was able to consistently turn 1:39 to 1:40 at Streets of Willow, which for a bike of this mass, I was very pleased with.
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