I dont think there are any issues with the front end at 100kg, wind on some pre-load. Depends on what the intended use is but dont know why you would spend money on that from the get go.Hi Forum. Considering an AT. I've heard the front spring of shock of this bike is sized for about 165lbs. I'm 200lbs without any gear. Any suspension upgrade options ?
Nurber
Agree with black99s, don't buy anything until you try adjusting the suspension preload as he suggests. I am heavier than you but can get this bike to ride pretty nicely, solo or two up. I find the rear needs loads of extra preload compared to the front. Two up with lots of luggage would be a problem for me though, I would have to invest in the rear at least.The springs handle the mass (weight) of bike and rider. Bike is the largest part at say 540lb; with 160lb rider total 700lb. With 200lb rider total 740lb = 6% total difference despite the rider himself being 25% heavier.
Just set the rider sag with the preload adjusters. 25% of front travel and 33% of rear. Only consider stiffer springs if you can't get proper sag setting with preload maxed out.
Why 25%/35% I've not spotted that recommended on any suspension tuning sites (I'm trying to get aftermarket suspension on an NC750X right)The springs handle the mass (weight) of bike and rider. Bike is the largest part at say 540lb; with 160lb rider total 700lb. With 200lb rider total 740lb = 6% total difference despite the rider himself being 25% heavier.
Just set the rider sag with the preload adjusters. 25% of front travel and 33% of rear. Only consider stiffer springs if you can't get proper sag setting with preload maxed out.
Google 33% rider sagWhy 25%/35% I've not spotted that recommended on any suspension tuning sites (I'm trying to get aftermarket suspension on an NC750X right)
Mike
Ah yes - I can see that you AT guys would be looking at the dirt bike table entries, but for the NC I'm really following the street bike recommendations which are more or less the same for front and back in percentage terms.Google 33% rider sag
Site won't let me post links - not enough posts to qualify?
Look at racetech.com/page/id/30 -- the table is a good summary.
Setting sag correctly allows you to use full suspension travel without bottoming out.
Good luck
I've appreciated your advice on this and the NC forum Griff - particularly your pioneering work in replacing the stock suspension. But Northern Ireland is a helluva trek for me :crying: and probably even further for most people on this AT forum.There is a suspension specialist in Northern Ireland in Greyabbey. He is Clarence Bell at PLR Suspension. Telephone 028 4278 8854
He is a true expert and on occasions when I have visited him there have been motocross bikes on benches having their suspensions fettled. He accordingly knows "soft" suspensions very well. I am sorry I didn't go to him when I was messing around with my NC but the agency for Wilbers was with another individual who does not have the same expertise. We learn. Clarence is one of those who will find a fix for a problem and if he has to manufacture a special part to make something work, he will do so. There is nothing to lose by giving him a buzz. His specialty suspension is Ohlins but he will work with all makes.
I've appreciated your advice on this and the NC forum Griff - particularly your pioneering work in replacing the stock suspension. But Northern Ireland is a helluva trek for me :crying: and probably even further for most people on this AT forum.
The guy I am using near York, sounds like yer man in that he has had to make special bits up to make the Racetech emulators work with this new Showa DBV fork, but when I look at the springs he has used and the weight of oil I think he's leant more towards sportsbike performance handling than off-road softness - which is where I wanted to be. He's going to have a go at shifting it more that way on Wednesday so fingers crossed.
Mike