Suspension settings for 08 drz400sm?

[nerdneh]

Advice please: I have a 08 drz 400 sm with a 21" front wheel for trail riding etc. I wish to soften the suspension which is set firm for s/m. Is there a rule of thumb adjustment ratio between compression & rebound damping ? Say you soften comp.damp,n by 6 clicks , how many clicks would soften rebound damp,n. Rear suspension has a high & low speed damp,n force adjuster .Range is 26 clicks , factory set,n is 10 clicks open. Rebound damp,n has a range of 22 clicks , factory set,n is 14 clicks open. Any constructive suggestions will be gratefully received. Phew !!!

[Tony W]

Advice please: I have a 08 drz 400 sm with a 21" front wheel for trail riding etc. I wish to soften the suspension which is set firm for s/m. Is there a rule of thumb adjustment ratio between compression & rebound damping ? Say you soften comp.damp,n by 6 clicks , how many clicks would soften rebound damp,n. Rear suspension has a high & low speed damp,n force adjuster .Range is 26 clicks , factory set,n is 10 clicks open. Rebound damp,n has a range of 22 clicks , factory set,n is 14 clicks open. Any constructive suggestions will be gratefully received. Phew !!!

I don't think you can go too far wrong if you adjust the clickers by an equal ratio.
However sometimes adjusting one or other clicker by a large amount lets you actually
feel a difference. You can then readjust by a smaller amount.
I weigh 70 Kg. In the end I backed off every clicker to zero.
This still wasn't enough to get a smooth comfy ride on road and gravel.
I unwound two turns of preload on the rear spring. It was better.
Next I took my forks out and down to Craig Guy at Suzuki to soften up
the valving for the initial 4 or so inches of travel.
I can now hit a 6 inch kerb slowly and hardly feel it! (try that on yours)
The SM valving and springs are quite hard unfortunately.
To become perfect I think all the spring rates and the rear valving also would have to be softened.
But I'm reasonably happy with mine now.

[nerdneh]

Many thanks Tony for your suggestions,will try & see what transpires.

[NordieBoy]

Whack them back to 0 and see how it goes.
It should be too soft and springy but will give you a feel for how much to wind back on.