[NorcalBoy]

There is a simple worksheet you can use to help when adjusting suspension. So let's start with that.

Front Suspension

F1. Bike on Stand with Suspension Fully Extended

F2. Bike on Ground Without the Rider

F3. Bike on Ground with Rider and Gear

Rear Suspension

R1. Bike on Stand with Suspension Fully Extended

R2. Bike on Ground Without the Rider

R3. Bike on Ground with Rider and Gear



OK Now that you know what F1-3 and R1-3 mean we'll proceed....

A. Place your bike on the centerstand

B. Raise the the bike so that the tires, front and rear, are off the ground and the suspension is fully extended.

C. Measure the distance from a chosen point immediately above the rear axle ( I mark the location on the rear cowl with a piece of tape) to the rear wheel axle nut. Make sure the wheel is off the ground. (This is R1)

D. Do the same thing on the front measuring from the lower triple clamp to the front axle. Make sure the wheel is off the ground. (This is F1)

E. Take the bike off the center stand and allow the bike's weight only to apply load to the springs, front and rear. (This is F2 and R2)
Retake the measurements at the exact locations as you did in step C & D

F. Now take a third measurement with you on the bike with all of your gear, sitting in the position you normally sit when riding. It is best to have a couple folks to steady the bike and to take the measurements when you're on the bike. (This is F3 and R3)

The spring preload should be adjusted, front and rear, so that you achieve the following:

Without Rider - Static Sag

Rear (R1-R2) should be between 10-20mm
Front (F1-F2) should be between 15-30mm

With Rider - (Ride Height)

Rear (R1-R3) should be between 25-40mm
Front (F1-F2) should be between 35-50mm

You adjust the rear spring preload via the collar located at the top of the spring. This will require a spanner wrench to be adjusted. If the preload cannot be adjusted to hit these parameters, you have the wrong spring(s) for your weight.

You adjust the front spring preload via the flathead screw at the top of the fork.

The only other damping adjustments available on the stock VFR components is the rebound adjustment at the shock. The harshness you are feeling during initial compression is due to shitty factory valving that has too much high speed compression damping and cannot be fixed by turning screws. The forks and shock will have to be revalved to eliminate this problem.

For rebound the standard rule of thumb is:

Increase Rebound for:

Unstableness
Looseness
Bouncy action

Decrease Rebound for

Shock action feels hard
Ride is bumpy

This adjustment is done via the screw located at the bottom of the shock on the chain side. Remember clockwise increases the damping and counter clockwise decreases the damping. I hope this help.