Suspension Settings - Dialing It In

Discussion in '7th Generation 2010-Present' started by Tpoppa, Sep 25, 2014.

  1. Tpoppa

    Tpoppa New Member

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    **Edit**
    These are my current settings:
    Rear PSI 42. Front PSI 36. (I usually run less pressure than this on my other bikes, but lower pressure lets the carcass flex too much with the weight of the VFR)
    Front rebound: 9 clicks out from full stiff (6 is the OEM setting)
    Front preload: 3 lines showing (2 is the OEM setting)
    Rear rebound: 1 1/4 turns out from full stiff (3/4 is the OEM setting)
    Rear preload: 8 clicks from full soft (11 is the OEM setting)
    ------------------------------------



    I weigh about 175lbs and tend to ride a quick pace on mostly twisty backroads....

    The recommended suspesnion settings from the owners manual seem to be OK for a moderate pace on smooth roads. But when the pace gets quicker and I get the bike leaned further over and the pavement gets bumpy (pretty typical for Ohio) I get this "rocking back and forth" feeling that I don't get on other motorcycles. My CBR, for example, feels a lot more planted on those same bumpy Ohio curves.

    The stock settings on the VFR are much stiffer than on my CBR. I've played with the suspension settings quite a bit and have gotten it pretty close. Softening the front and rear rebound seems to give the best results, here is what I am usung now:
    Front rebound: 9 clicks out from full stiff (6 is the OEM setting)
    Rear rebound: 1 1/4 turns out from full stiff (3/4 is the OEM setting)

    This feels a lot better than stock. Next, I'll be softening the preload to get a little more suspension travel. What settings have worked for you???
    http://www.sportrider.com/suspension-tuning-guide-suspension-troubleshooting-symptoms
     
    Last edited: Oct 10, 2014
  2. Floydy

    Floydy New Member

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  3. Tpoppa

    Tpoppa New Member

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    I agree with some of the things that he says..."The default rear rebound damping is set at the maximum level... WAY too heavily damped for rough roads, or any roads for that matter. "

    But...the stock suspension settings he mentions are different from what is in my manual. Do the UK and US versions have different suspension components?
     
  4. Floydy

    Floydy New Member

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    My UK model 2010 DCT was set up way to hard at the rear as default, I found that backing everything off and going up one click at a time to suit after a test ride
     
  5. f3racer

    f3racer New Member

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    i used sport riders settings as well and the bike feels good. probably will never feel as good as my cbr6 did but thats because its not a sport bike. ill get the forks done soon enough.
     
  6. Tpoppa

    Tpoppa New Member

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    The Sport Rider settings for the non-DCT version are almost exactly from the owners manual and leave a lot to be desired. To me those settings feel undersprung and over damped and create an uneven feeling.

    I softened fornt and rear preload today and then blasted through some bumpy corners. It's starting to feel a lot more composed...not CBR good, but pretty close.
     
  7. Tpoppa

    Tpoppa New Member

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    I had a chance to road test with some quick cornering. I think I finally have the suspension dialed in.

    If you are thinking about upgrading suspension bits, or just not happy with the stock settings you may want to give these a try (VFR1200F US Model):

    Rear PSI 42. Front PSI 36. (I usually run less pressure than this on my other bikes, but lower pressure lets the carcass flex too much with the weight of the VFR)
    Front rebound: 9 clicks out from full stiff (6 is the OEM setting)
    Front preload: 3 lines showing (2 is the OEM setting)
    Rear rebound: 1 1/4 turns out from full stiff (3/4 is the OEM setting)
    Rear preload: 8 clicks from full soft (11 is the OEM setting)

    These feel soooo much better. No more rocking back over bumps. The front and rear are much more planted. I can corner noticaebly quicker.
    Traction accelerating out of corners is better.
    Also, it's less fatiguing on the hands and wrists.
     
  8. kurtfriedrich

    kurtfriedrich New Member

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    Troppa, how tall, how much do you weigh? with bags on or off?

    thanks
     
  9. Tpoppa

    Tpoppa New Member

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    I go about 175lbs, which is about 190lbs in riding gear.

    I have bags, but they are usually not on the bike. With loaded bags I may increase the rear preload by a click, but I'd leave the rest as is.
     
  10. jonmarsh

    jonmarsh New Member

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    Thanks for sharing your experience and settings.
     
  11. Tpoppa

    Tpoppa New Member

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    I thought I'd be eventually coughing up the cash to buy an Ohlins shock for the VFR, but now I think the stocker will do fine for aggressive street duty.

    For anyone that tries these settings, post your feedback or refinements here. I'd be interested in your weight, riding style, road conditions, and even what tires you're using. Btw, I am using Pirelli Angel GTs.
     
  12. jonmarsh

    jonmarsh New Member

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    Intersting, as the Angel GT's are what I was planning for my first tire replacement. Thanks again!
     
  13. Tpoppa

    Tpoppa New Member

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    I changed the rear tire and had to adjust the rear rebound to compensate. I went form a Pirelli Angel GT to a Pirelli Angel GT A Spec (stiffer carcass for ST bikes).

    Rear PSI 42. Front PSI 36.
    Front rebound: 9 clicks out from full stiff (6 is the OEM setting)
    Front preload: 3 lines showing (2 is the OEM setting)
    Rear rebound: 1 1/2 turns out from full stiff (3/4 is the OEM setting)
    Rear preload: 8 clicks from full soft (11 is the OEM setting)

    This feels really close to 'correct' at up to peg dragging corner speeds. I fully tested it on several runs through the Dragon and the Cherohala Skyway :sneakiness:

    Instead of softening rebound, I could have dropped the rear psi by 3-4 lbs, but I like the longer tire life of higher pressure.
     
    Last edited: Jun 25, 2015
  14. Tpoppa

    Tpoppa New Member

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    Bumped to answer a question.
     
  15. IGB

    IGB New Member

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    Tpoppa, I have recently purchased a low mileage 2010 VFR1200F in Australia. I had the similar issues your described with the standard suspension settings and was very unhappy with the feeling of the bike when I picked it up on anything but smooth roads. I am 25 pounds more than you but the settings you provided have proved ideal for me. They have transformed the handling of the VFR making it a pleasure to ride. Thanks for taking the time to share them.
     
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