In this episode, we discuss motorcycle suspension sag. Suspension sag refers to the amount a motorcycle's suspension compresses under certain conditions, such as the bike's weight alone or the combined weight of the bike and rider. It is a critical setting in motorcycle and vehicle suspension tuning, directly affecting handling, comfort, and stability.
Why Suspension Sag is Important:
- Handling: Proper sag ensures the suspension is in the optimal range of travel for absorbing bumps and maintaining traction.
- Comfort: Reduces harshness over bumps and prevents excessive bottoming or topping out of the suspension.
- Control: Maintains balance between the front and rear suspension, providing predictable handling in turns and on uneven surfaces.
Suspension preload refers to the initial compression applied to a motorcycle's suspension springs before any external forces, such as the weight of the bike or rider, are applied. It adjusts the suspension's starting position, influencing how much it compresses under load. Preload doesn't change the stiffness (spring rate) of the spring itself; it only alters the amount of force required to compress the spring further.
How Preload Works:
- More Preload: Compresses the spring further, making the suspension stiffer initially. This reduces sag and raises the ride height.
- Less Preload: Reduces spring compression, making the suspension softer initially. This increases sag and lowers the ride height.
Tools we use to adjust suspension sag:
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