Suspension Tuning: Getting the Perfect Sag

The Foundation of Handling

You can have 200 horsepower and the best tires in the world, but if your suspension isn't set up correctly for your weight, the motorcycle will handle horribly. Suspension tuning is the most cost-effective modification you can perform—because in most cases, it only costs your time.

The most critical setting to get right before touching anything else is the 'sag'.

Setting the Preload (Sag)

Sag is the amount the suspension compresses under the weight of the rider fully geared up. Proper sag ensures the suspension sits in the middle of its stroke, allowing it to extend into dips and compress over bumps without bottoming out.

For street riding, aim for about 30-35mm of total sag in the front, and 25-30mm in the rear. Use the preload adjusters on your forks and rear shock to dial this in with the help of a friend and a tape measure.

Damping: Rebound and Compression

Once the preload is set, you can begin adjusting the damping. Compression damping controls how fast the suspension compresses when hitting a bump or braking. Rebound damping controls how fast the suspension extends back to its resting position.

If the bike feels like a pogo stick and wallows in corners, increase rebound damping. If the bike feels excessively harsh over small bumps, reduce compression damping.

"Suspension is a dark art to many, but it is purely physics. Dial it in, and the bike will feel like an extension of your body."