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2 up suspension set up help

3K views 18 replies 9 participants last post by  bikesforme 
#1 ·
Not had my zx12r A1 long and wont to set my bike up for me and my pillon. 1 weigh 16stone (224 lbs) and my partner weighs 14 stone (200 lbs ).Can anyone give me some idea of what settings i should be using for this weight and will the standard spring be ok. Many thanks
 
#2 ·
Suspension setting is different for each rider as its a feel thing and also what tyres and pressures your running.

Get it set up by some one who knows what there doing as its easier that way.

I got mine done by John at Home hes South Side of Leeds not far off the motorway so only an hour away. I'm not saying it will be absolutely perfect, it might be, but if not it will be very close and will still make a massive differance.

It will be the Best £25 you'll ever spend on your bike.

He rides a zx12 as well.
 
#4 ·
Na. I run 2 up at about that weight all the time. Hell, sometimes more...:lol: Just a note...the sub frame weight limit is 417lbs....so, while it is possible you could bend it riding over that, I've not had it happen hauling some healthy women around for several years.

Turn that rear shock all the way up and still expect a somewhat mushy ride. It is not desinged for that weight no matter where you set it, so you're gonna wanna max it out. Trust me. Anything less and your bike will sag like crazy and be almost unrideable. Make sure your rear tire is at 41PSI as well. If you do these 2 things, while it will be a bear at times, the bike will be just fine.
 
#6 ·
I don't remember the rebound/damp I used...but I cranked the spring all the way up to max. It doesn't sag but maybe 2-3 inches with over 400lbs on it. Riding solo, it's a little stiff, but I have gotten used to it. It's not spine busting stiff tho. Handles great solo, and even better with a pillion giving me a bigger footprint. You'll just have to mess around till you find what works for you, but remain in a "good" setup. But, the stock spring is barely strong enough to handle that much weight. She is kinda bouncy when ya hit dips or bumps, and you will still drag the lower fairings on the ground over speed bumps if you're not careful.
 
#7 ·
I've run two up with the standard spring and setup and it scared the shit out of me. The front goes so light at slow speed it's flappy bar time.

As a quick fix you could just up the pre load on the rear ("C" spanner and compress the spring more on the shock. Bit of trial and error required depending on how tired you shock is.

In the end I opted to go for a new shock with remote preload.
 
#8 ·
I don't alter the suspension setting on mine when riding two up, its a little on the firm side solo but I let the tyre pressure go down to 41 psi instead of 42 psi standard.
My setting won't help you as I've put 2x5mm washers under the top of the rear shock, and kTec springs in the front.

When was the last time the front fork oil was changed as our bikes are getting old now and the oil should be changed every 10,000 miles or every few years if you want them to stay working well. Rear linkage and swingarm bearings need cleaning spinning and re greasing every few years two.

Like I said earlier see John at Alpha Suspension. He sometimes spends a day at bike shops or squires cafe. We've booked him a couple of times on zx-9r.net forum when we have our yearly get together.
 
#11 ·
All I can say is...don't be afraid the spring ain't tough enough. Turn the preload up and go. It will be alright both 2 up and solo. While I have gone as high as about 475lbs 2up (very squishy ride and a little light in the front) for what you stated, you won't have much a worry. 400lbs will make the front light, but that all depends on weight distribution. If your passenger is heavier than you, yep, you gonna go a little light in the front. If you're about the same, no problem. If you're heavier, even better. Even if you go light in the front, you'll figure it out and it will be fine. Just don't hit the gas too hard. It will wheelie easier. You can still turn like a hero. No need really to replace the spring unless you really want to. You might end up with a really stiff solo bike.

I know a guy, who is 550lbs if he is an ounce. He sat on my bike once. I cringed, but, all it did was sag about 3 inches or so. You'd bend your subframe before you run outta spring.
 
#12 ·
Stock rear spring is good for a solo rider up to 240lb
With a Pillion, theres no point changing the spring, as above, just crank up the preload. Which is a pain in the arse with the stock adjuster collars.

The front end definitely needs heavier springs installed - the stock ones are to suit an 187lb rider
 
#13 ·
Ok many thanks,i will leave the standard spring and crank it up until i have the money to replace it with a nitron shock. Might just get it serviced and re-gased.
What is my best bet on front springs, what weight should i use. Also what is the best weight oil to use in the forks. Many thanks for your help.
 
#15 ·
:lol: Swear to god. There is one for every topic.

Dude weighs 220lbs. He gonna squish it down just fine solo. It will sag about 1 3/4 inch. Not ideal, but close enough. He weighs about the same I do, and I do plenty of "real solo riding" all the time.....:crackup:

Not everyone is trying to drag elbows on the street.
 
#19 · (Edited)
Cheers for all your help and veiws,need to start saving for this nitron shock. My bike is only used on the road , so i was thinking of getting the entry level nitron sport shock with a remote adjuster so its easy to change settingings when 2 up.
Has anyone got one of the entry level nitron shocks and can give there views. Thanks.
 
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