Suspension setup

[NDECNT]

My apologies if this has been covered before,
I have just purchased a 2003 RM 125. Im wanting to check the suspension is setup as best as possible to suit me. Might be wrong but the bike looks lower then other ones:blink: maybe not

Anyway I weigh around 90kg, I know this is heavier then what the stock springs are rated to but I have been told replacing these is very dear. So just want to set it up as good as I can and use it to learn.
ANy info very much appreciated.

[Reckless]

There is no set up that makes wrong springs ok! You might as well fiddle till you like it best!

But here is a simple basic instruction on how to set up sag (attached). Once setting rider sag to approx 100mm if your static sag is roughly 25mm -35mm your spring as not far off.

What will happen with a soft spring on a 125 which wound right up to get the correct rider sag for a 100kg rider, will be a short sharp travel giving a harsh ride. IMHO your better off letting the bike sag a bit more and have a better ride?? But new new springs will make a world of difference! See Danger off here!!

Here is his better method http://www.proride.co.nz/24001.html

Just my 2c??

[NDECNT]

Awesome thanks for that. I may even take it to someone to setup if its not to dear, im probably a little big for the bike. Just brought it to learn but if a new spring not TOOO dear and can get it all setup properly i think itd be a bit better.

[Jinxycat]

i quite like to look at the clean/dirty part of the fork/shock before i wash my bike as it gives a good indication as to the travel used on a ride, crude i know but a good rule of thumb as to the travel used:niceone:

ps. reckless: sorry i lost your hose clip trying to fix your pump:bye:

[Reckless]

ps. reckless: sorry i lost your hose clip trying to fix your pump:bye:

Thats ok mate! Actualy I think I got it out of the neighbours hard rubbish throw out a couple of years ago, so its done quite well!! LOL!!!

[Reckless]

Awesome thanks for that. I may even take it to someone to setup if its not to dear, im probably a little big for the bike. Just brought it to learn but if a new spring not TOOO dear and can get it all setup properly i think itd be a bit better.

Hey no sweat we all gotta start somewhere just have fun, its a 125 you can thrash it!! LOL!!!

[NDECNT]

Im slowly learning to thrash it haha, you mentioned to "see Danger off here". Who is that?

[Reckless]

Im slowly learning to thrash it haha, you mentioned to "see Danger off here". Who is that?

Greg, Proride Suspension, The web site link I pointed you at here http://www.proride.co.nz/601.html

He is Danger on here http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/member.php/2794-Danger. But I think he is on holiday for another week or so??

[CRF119]

i quite like to look at the clean/dirty part of the fork/shock before i wash my bike as it gives a good indication as to the travel used on a ride, crude i know but a good rule of thumb as to the travel used

Dosent really work as it just comes down to what the last part of the track you were riding was like. Really you should be using almost the whole stroke............

[Jinxycat]

Dosent really work as it just comes down to what the last part of the track you were riding was like. Really you should be using almost the whole stroke............

and the dirt line will show if the whole stroke is bieng used, and as i said ITS CRUDE AND ONLY A RULE OF THUMB.

[NDECNT]

Maybe ill just take my bike to Pro ride when hes availble and get the lot setup. Been reading up in my service manual and on the net, totally confused now haha.

[Reckless]

and on the net, totally confused now haha.

To put it really simply and crudely ignoring stiction etc!

Take your primary measurement, bike off the ground, with the suspension hung (as in the pics). This is the measurement everything else is deducted off.
You set your rider sag (with you on it) to say 105mm.
If your static sag ( the bike on its own) isn't within a certain range (usually 25-35mm ish) you have the wrong rear spring.

The front is a bit more technical, requires Danger to do some calc's and see whats in the forks already, they may be ok for you? So might the rear?

PS In the PDf attached: loaded and unloaded sag are just other words for rider sag and static sag, ie loaded = rider sag, unloaded = static sag.

[NDECNT]

Ah ok that I understand haha thanks, Ive just noticed if i lift up on the handle bars the front forks extend about another 1 or 2 inches before the front wheel goes up with it. If i sit it back it sags back down under its own weight. Im guessing this is just a setting? THe rear I think I can do myself.