Suspension set up

So yeah I guess I should have mentioned: my settings above and the rough procedure I outlined do not take comfort into account. My concerns are predictable and responsive handling. The suggestions in the manual were adequate. But since this is the first time I've had a bike with so much adjustability I wanted to try coming up with something more optimal. There is necessarily a compromise between comfort and handling - a suspension tuned for speeding down twisty, bumpy back roads will not be comfortable for hours on a slab highway.

Tire pressure is really a different subject. The compromise there is typically between traction, responsive steering, and heat. Lower pressure somewhat mimics softer damping which may feel more comfortable, but less predictably than softening damping directly at the suspension. Usually the goal of lower pressure is increased traction at the cost of increased heat and slower steering response. While the goal of increased pressure is increased steering response and longevity at the cost of lower traction.

Everything is a compromise. Factory suggestions are a compromise that the engineers thought would cover more people than not. If you find yourself in the "not" category, then you have to find the balance that works best for you.

golly said:

Same here, much happier now with the settings from Col & Zig

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Yesterday I changed the setup similarly.
Front Comp 2
Front Reb 2,5
Rear Comp 3,5
Rear Reb 3,5
Rear Preload 8 (or 9)
It is still stiff, but much better than stock settings.

The more you back off the damping the softer the ride will feel. Damping rates determine the speed the spring compresses or expands, the closer you get to a pogo stick the softer the ride feels.

My ride has been transformed.......From harsh rear end to the opposite end of the spectrum....Pretty **** excellent.
I saw Col & Zig's youtube video ages ago and have been intending to use their settings, but i've been a bit lazy about it, but last night I got around to doing it and today i've just done 180 miles on roads that i've ridden her on recently, and, well.....Plush as you like!.....It's like a different bike.
Big thank you to Col & Zig

ArekDeBoss said:

I am after sugestions for suspension set up for 2021 GT
I'm a quite a heavy fella - 120kg and found suspension quite hard on my back.
So what are you suggestions?
Thanks

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I only weight 72 kilograms . Carrying around 12 kilos in a tail bag .
I back the rear suspension out 9 turns from stop . The other two adjustments for the rear i turned to fully soft and then gave them a half turn to hard . The ride is still very firm but , it is more comfortable . You need to adjust the front to soft , but maintain the safe area at 25 mm . So have it as soft as i can but have the travel stop 25 mm from the bottom of the stroke . I my considering inquiring if i can swap out just the rear spring on shock for a replacement that suits my weight but keep the existing shock. My settings are now at least reasonably comfortable .
As i promised my wife, i not going rebuild this bike. I can live with it as is

I finally did this and not sure why it took me so dang long. Following the guidelines from
Col and Zig's Guide
and I have to say it is a definite improvement. It's a great starting point to use prior to dialing your bike in to suit you- next step, although based on how long it took me to get here that too could be several years. Good stuff- thanks!

Hello, you have to be realistic...
The original suspensions of the Rocket are of good quality for a guy who rides quietly without really asking questions !!!

For the others, those who want to send big gas or those whose weight exceeds 100 kg, they are quickly exceeded. I have another bike mounted with Öhlins and I can tell you that the slightest change in setting is noticeable which is far from being the case on the Rocket.
So, for those who are fanatics of well-tuned motorcycles, there is only one solution: put Andreani cartridges in the forks and an EMC at the rear... You will finally have suspensions adapted to your weight, to your feelings and adjustable in all directions!

NB: I don't get any discounts from these manufacturers (unfortunately...), they are simply the only ones I have found that offer these products...

Realistically..... after riding two days on twisty NC and VA back roads, including The Snake and Back of the Dragon, the settings are an improvement and worth doing for those of us who can't currently afford upgrades, but I have no doubt the upgrades you mentioned do make a big difference.

At 45K I've been looking at rear suspension options- there are more than one, btw, but I'll keep in mind your suggestions. @Nashvegas installed Wilbers 643 COMPETITION QS rear shocks and is very happy with them.

I serviced the forks some time ago and will likely stay with what I have there for now, at least until I do the next service. I'll check my retirement account. Fun fact- Andreani USA is located about 20 miles from me in Hendersonville, NC. Never heard of them until now.

Wait, I thought to be a true "fanatic of well-tuned motorcycles" you had to have this...

Having horsepower is good, but being able to get them on the ground and control them is better...

RUN666 said:

Having horsepower is good, but being able to get them on the ground and control them is better...

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I tried to contact EMC at both the French site and the US site. No response from either. They don't seem to interested in selling their product