Measuring sag

[geoffm]

A couple of questions - for those of use without friends what tips has anyone got for measuring sag while sitting on the bike, if you don't have someone to drive a tape measure? I have been thinking of making a gadget using a cheap digital vernier and fittings at top and bottom to pick up the subframe and axle.

allied to that - how they hell are you supposed to get a C spanner on the shock of an SV1000? Knocking the rings around with a punch can damage the indents. I lacked the motivation to make a special one with an offset handle, but I might end up doing that.
Geoff

[Kiwi Graham:Me]

A piece of string will be your friend for the rear and a dry marker for the front.
Tie the string around the swinging arm, sit on the bike and mark the string, get of then measure.
'Paint' a stripe down the fork tube with the dry marker sit on it, get off then measure to the mark that hasn't been wiped

[paturoa]

I've got no friends either - just cal me Neville.

For front static? sag I used a zip tie around the fork. I put a jack under the exhaust and then put the zip tie onthe fork. I then stood the bike upright and then put it back on the stand and jacked up again. I could measured the gap on the fork between the seal cover and the zip tie.

For the weighted? sag I then sat my lard arse on the bike and did the same with the jack again and measured the extra / difference.

For the rear I duct taped a sharpie to the pillion peg and then wheeled the bike next to the wall. I then went around to the back of the bike, and held / lifted it so it was veritcal, and lent it another few mm so the sharpie left a mark. I then let it sag and did the mark thing again. There was also enough room to put my leg over and do the same for me sitting on it.

[T.W.R]

Older article but covers the basics in plain English

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...7&postcount=30

[Pussy]

how they hell are you supposed to get a C spanner on the shock of an SV1000? Knocking the rings around with a punch can damage the indents. I lacked the motivation to make a special one with an offset handle, but I might end up doing that.
Geoff

I've got a piece of 25mm x 12mm alloy bar I use for the rings. Doesn't damage them, and allows use of decent sized hammer

[AllanB]

First take a measurement while she is wearing a bra from floor to nipples.

Note these measurements down (2 measurements one for each breast, ensure you record left and rights).

Remove the bra.

Take the measurements again - nipple to floor, both breasts.

Subtract the smaller number from the larger number for each breast.

The resulting figure is the sag.

A small degree of difference between left and right is acceptable. A large difference can indicate chassis problems or excessive usage of one side by a previous owner.

Let me know if you need a friend to help you

I understand (but cannot verify this) that the same sag check can be applied to a mans scrotum.

[Motu]

Must be a head down arse up sports bike or something.I put my elbow against the wall with as little weight as possible on it,hook my tape under the axle,mark the top place with my thumb and lock the tape.....then get off without crashing on the floor.

[gwigs]

First take a measurement while she is wearing a bra from floor to nipples.

Note these measurements down (2 measurements one for each breast, ensure you record left and rights).

Remove the bra.

Take the measurements again - nipple to floor, both breasts.

Subtract the smaller number from the larger number for each breast.

The resulting figure is the sag.

A small degree of difference between left and right is acceptable. A large difference can indicate chassis problems or excessive usage of one side by a previous owner.

Let me know if you need a friend to help you

I understand (but cannot verify this) that the same sag check can be applied to a mans scrotum.

I understand now

[howdamnhard]

Thanks T.W.R that article was very informative. Have you got a copy of the next article regarding the torque/ power relationship?

[T.W.R]

Thanks T.W.R that article was very informative. Have you got a copy of the next article regarding the torque/ power relationship?

Somewhere I'll have it stashed, will have to start digging around

[howdamnhard]

Somewhere I'll have it stashed, will have to start digging around

Thanks , no rush.

[Robert Taylor]

I totally disagree that you can accurately measure without having 3 people, rider, bike steady person and measuring person. Unless the suspension has enormous anounts of friction.

[paturoa]

I totally disagree that you can accurately measure without having 3 people, rider, bike steady person and measuring person. Unless the suspension has enormous anounts of friction.

Yep - but we have no friends

[DEATH_INC.]

I totally disagree that you can accurately measure without having 3 people, rider, bike steady person and measuring person. Unless the suspension has enormous anounts of friction.

Agreed, but at least close is better than waaayyyy off