Tuning suspension for canyon chasing

[Das MotorRad]

Not sure where you were going with your post mate. What I really think is I look for every scrap of data I can get on how the vehicle is working and I try and do the same things the same way every time. That goes from always trying to ask the same questions when the vehicle pits to always taking tire temps and pressures at the same spot with the same equipment and as close to the pit entrance as is possible. It's even why I always use nitrogen in tires rather than compressor generated air. I do envy the big time pro teams and the personnel that can gather and usew so many data points but also have enough staff to do something with the data. LOL I do find it a wee bit funny that even with all the modern computers F 1 can't seem to sort out how to make the drivers happy with how the electricity generation under braking systems are dictating how the cars are being driven and where passes can be made. Kind of proves that we should be carful of what we wish for because we just might get it.

I think it’s cool someone new to the sport can ask a question and get answers from experts.

 

[bikey]

First off I think you got a we bit confused as to suspension set up. Smooth flat race tracks require firmer suspension while bumps a dips ( on plain crappie tarmac or out in the dirt) need a soft suspension that will follow the surface rather than just bounce off the high points. Kind of why street bikes have 4 or 5 inches of travel while dirt bikes have like 3 X that much.

Rode my R1 into SF while it still had its race suspension profile. Thanks for telling me, I have a small headache from all the big bumps and rough freeway going thru and into the city haha.

 

[bikey]

Not much you can do except springs/ oil weight in the forks. Spring change for the rear. Don't waste money on re-valves, IMO. Likely a fork swap and race worthy shock for best results...but these things can get costly.

The sv650 is a commuter & backup bike, but sometimes i like to ride it to the canyons.

The front fork is stock springs for 07 (0.712 kg/mm) and I replaced the 5W oil with 15W oil because it was too squishy before.

Rear has an MT09 rear shock (unsure what year) but I believe i have at least rebound and preload.

 

[Holeshot]

Coming in late, just saw your answer Bikey. 7.1NM is a soft spring, IMO. Depending on what you weight, I'd change that first. Looks like it's a .95 rear spring on the MT09 shock which should be fine to start with, but that balance seems off; a .70 front and .95 rear (if it's true the MT09 ships with a .95 rear spring). Not sure your weight, but getting the spring rate better matched is a good idea; either softer rear, stiffer front, or both. I suspect the .95 is too stiff and .70, too soft.

 

[bikey]

Coming in late, just saw your answer Bikey. 7.1NM is a soft spring, IMO. Depending on what you weight, I'd change that first. Looks like it's a .95 rear spring on the MT09 shock which should be fine to start with, but that balance seems off; a .70 front and .95 rear (if it's true the MT09 ships with a .95 rear spring). Not sure your weight, but getting the spring rate better matched is a good idea; either softer rear, stiffer front, or both. I suspect the .95 is too stiff and .70, too soft.

Thanks for the detailed answer! I weigh 157. How do you match spring rate to weight?

 

[nakedape]

Thanks for the detailed answer! I weigh 157. How do you match spring rate to weight?

Start here: https://racetech.com/product-search/

157 is sometimes the average rider weight OEMs use to hit a safe middle for initial sales. Front springs are cheap enough to experiment with, and swaps are easy on the SV. Go to a SV specific forum and see if anyone will lend you some, and ask here. the .95 out back may end up being too stiff overall for you at that weight. Run pre-load all the way out and increase incrementally during testing.

Don't be daunted by the process, even if it's time consuming and annoying. Your safety and enjoyment long-term is greatly affected by this set up!

 

[Holeshot]

With the .95 rear (which sounds pretty stiff), I'd run .90 or .85 fronts and see how that works. For your weight, the .95 sounds stiff. I'd drop to a .925 or .90 and .85 front for street duty....and go from there. Mike Canfield may be able to help as well (and sell you springs).