Hi all first post of the New Year so HAPPY NEW YEAR. Rear suspension help please, 2023 Scrambler 900 I’m short legged and weigh in at 56Kg or around 8 and a half stone. When I sit on the bike it hardly drops at all if factory position 1 settings. does anyone else weigh in at about the same and ride similar, what have you got the rears set at and have you done anything to the front? Thanks in advance Martin.
Sounds like you've got no sag so need to back the preload off, have a look at this https://www.motorcyclenews.com/advice/maintenance/suspension-set-up-sag-rebound-compression/ I used to remember how to do it on my Fireblade but semi active suspension on the ditch pumps has turned me into a lazy git
I assume by "factory position 1" you mean the minimum preload setting on the rear shocks as that's the only adjustment you have. I'm towards the other end of the scale at almost twice your weight and have them set on max but find them underdamped. I think your only option for the rear will be replacement shocks with lighter springs. I also fitted progressive fork springs (TEC) which improved things at the front so you could benefit from them. The forks are not adjustable but have internal spacers which set the preload and shortening them will decrease it but to little will mean excessive dive under braking.
You are just over 70 miles from BG motorsport, they are an Ohlins specialist however it could be worth giving them a shout. They uprated my rear springs and setup my bike to my weight. Absolutely fantastic company to deal with. Also didn’t break the bank too.
Your weight is definitely towards the lower end of the spectrum so I would think a spring rate change may be in order. Don't confuse spring rate, which is a constant designed into the spring, with preload which is a user adjustment to suit the specific application. Manufacturers usually aim for around 70 - 80 kgs rider in my experience.
BG Motorsports are a fantastic company to deal with, they couldn’t sort it straight away but what me to send a shock to them so they can get all the correct strengths and settings to sort it all out. Thanks
If I was planning on spending Ohlins money I'd contact Maxton in Frodsham and have some bespoke shocks made up for my wieght/riding style.
Whilst I did not state a figure when u say Ohlins money I was pleasantly surprised with the cost. Anyway each to their own hope you get sorted with what ever you decide.
