I’m only 71kg or 155lbs so the Speedie feels like a bit of a brute over the bumpy roads we have in NZ, even on so called comfort settings I’m regularly out of the seat. Finally getting round to doing something about it, so today I dropped the forks and shock out for respring and revalve: will report back when the work is done
Will post specs of what has been done when I get the parts back but looks like softer springs, including rebound springs, open up compression damping valves and also rebound too. Work being done by an Ohlins shop but I won’t be there unfortunately, it’s a courier van ride away
I am the first owner, went from factory settings to comfort settings in the owners manual after setting the sag. Handles beautifully on smooth roads but quite violent over the bumps
This just my opinion, so feel free to shoot me down in flames if you want, but...…... I also have a RS with just short of 3k mikes on it and are a very similar weight to your self at 71.7 kgs. I'd agree that the standard settings are quite firm, U.K. roads can also be pretty bumpy and I've also been out of the seat on a couple of occasions. However, I've noticed a gradual "breaking in" as I've put miles on the bike. The suspension now feels more fluid in its action, though still just as firm I have also gone hunting for a more compliant setting by playing with the compression and rebound settings. I found they made quite a difference. Maybe you know more about it than I do, but a spring change and re-valve are pretty drastic, fundamental changes. There is lots of effective adjustment in the Ohlins setup. I would have though your time and money would be better spent taking the bike to a specialist who will help you find the best possible set up for you and your riding style without pulling the forks and shock apart T
I’ve noticed it getting a little easier, similar mileage to yours. I’m fairly good at set up but even with everything set up soft it still needs more than a tweak in my opinion; maybe our roads are more bumpy or maybe it’s just personal preference but for me it’s ruining my enjoyment of an otherwise great bike
You are both too light for the RS spring rate. I'm 80kg and my R was way too firm, so comfort settings too for me, plus a took all the preload out of the rear shock but still a bit too firm. Im still amazed that it states in the hand book not to change it, a spring set at 1 preload setting wont be right for everyone! No single spring can work for everyone, and will need changing if you are a different weigh that the bikes are set up to under development.
My bike is a 2012 R with the PVM wheels and has a 100 rear spring, don't know if the later R had different rate. I also have the full Arrow system which is another 7kg off the bikes total weight which would make a difference to the suspension. I have spoken to a company and they think my body weigh is on the lower limit of that spring and may need next rate down, with all the preload taken out I'm on 40mm total sag in riding gear.
I ignored the manual and adjusted rear preload as it only had 20mm total sag on standard setting. Standard rear spring is still 100, recommended for up to 100kg or 220lb.
Ive got a 2014 R with PVM wheels. The std speed triple of that time had a 95 rear spring and 90 fork springs and the R has 100 and 95 so they are a higher spring rate. (I believe this is continued to this day?) When I test rode the std speed triple back in 2014 it was very smooth over the rough. When I took delivery of the R I was shocked by the harsh bouncy ride of the harder springs. I weigh 90kgs with full kit btw. I have considered lowering the spring rate to 95 and 90 for a long time but never done it. I will be very interested to hear how this goes. ATB Taff
You say you adjusted the rear preload, where was the rear preload set before? From the factory mine was wound almost all of the way out with only two threads showing. I’m about 13 stones and find the bike very compliant in the factory road suspension setting. I tried the comfort setting but found it had too much movement when riding aggressively. I find it nearly as compliant in the road setting as It was in the comfort setting. I agree it has become smoother feeling as the miles go on as well. personally I think the revalving may be a little extreme, as lower rate springs should do the trick. I’m interested to hear how you get on with it.
I've found a company not to far from me that offers a "suspension consultation service" for £60inc VAT. If, like me you're finding your RS a bit too firm, a company that offers this type of service may be a good first step. https://md-racing.co.uk/suspension/ T
Same as me, standard set up had virtually no sag when I sat on it. and rear end was way too firm over bumps.
I have just had my S into Maxtons for a re-spring and valve on the front, and a new RT10 for the rear. I did buy an Ohlins shock but all of the local suspension shops cant change the spring due to the shape of the top mount and reservoir.
hi simon p, im in the same ballpark weight wise and have clocked up nearly 5k miles on the rs, and have come to the conclusion that the bikes over sprung for my weight, so im very interested in your outcome. thanks for posting
