[learnin4life]

I've been reading posts about altering the stock suspension, and wondered whether it would make much difference for an EX street rider that doesn't push the traction envelope that often (just from time to time). I have yet to tinker with the preload on the rear shock, let alone set the static and dynamic sag. "dad" sounds the like he has lots of suspension experience, and I'm always impressed with his depth of knowledge on the subject. So if there is anyone who was a basic street rider with stock suspension, and made a suspension change that really improved their ride, I would like to know what it was, and whether it was difficult to make. I'm handy enough to perform basic wrenching and interested in whether its worthwhile to make any changes.

Thanks for any tips!

 

[fog]

I'm temped to say no, If you haven't recognized any quirks in the stock setup you might not be able to tell whats better about the better one. That said, you won't ever find out if you never try somthing better. First try to check of set your Sag. Search that topic.
If it's not right and you make it so , and it dosn't make any diffrence, that don't bother to do any more. The Stock setup is at least Balanced. If you screw that up it could get worse.

FOG

 

[MrSciTrek]

I'm just a street riding guy, new to the 500. I'm happy with the bike as it is but my skills are still in the rookie stage.

One posting I read has stuck w/me: something like not just being satisfied with the daily performance of the bike, but knowing that it's ready for an emergency move. For that time when you really need maximum controllable avoidance handling and braking.

My 2005, 3000 mi, has stock tires & pretty major fork dive under hard braking. Experienced folks here tell of the wonders of great tires & more fork control. I trust that perspective, and it matches my years w/ modding cars. I've just never worked w/ forks before (vs shocks or struts). There are topics on-site here about changing the fork oil, getting it at the proper level, and either changing the springs or adding spacers.

Read, try, learn... then share.

 

[maverick9611]

i changed fork oil to a heavier weight and it helped out quite a bit. chk out my thread

 

[OreoGaborio]

If the suspension's way outta whack & you make it right, you very well could feel an improvment. I remember when i got my first bike it wasn't set up properly at all. A friend of mine helped set sag & clicker settings (this was on my ZX so I had many more ways to adjust) and i was able to feel some difference.

I say even if you don't feel a difference right away, you will still benefit from having a suspension that's properly set up for you once your skills improve & you start having fun in the twisties.

key word being "properly".... get with someone who's familiar w/ bike suspension & ask them to help... or do alot of reading & learn all you can before you try to make any changes... and take note of your current set-up so you can return to that if things don't go as planned.

 

[hollywood]

Change the wheels after 3,000 mi there due anyway. Instant difference.