Sag

Rear preload adjusting using Progressive Suspension 3/8 drive pin spanner. It is better used at 99deg to the ratchet, as it allows better purchase in the slots.

 

Got my Suzuki Bandit 1250 booked in for a suspension setup with this guy for this Saturday 11th at 11:30am as I'm off to France on Mon 13th. What clinched it was your comment "taken the hard shocks out of bumps". I'm fed up of getting that electric shock back pain every time I go over a serious bump. I've been meaning to set the preload to a softer setting myself but for £40 I might as well get it done professionally. I had intended going to France on my own on my Triumph America but an old friend is coming on his BMW 1200 GS so I think we'll be better matched if I go on the Bandit.
I'm hoping the suspension setup will improve the comfort.

 

let us know how you get on Andy

 

Yes Andy, i too would like to know how you get on. sure you will be pleasantly surprised.
talk with him, tell him what you want and he will tailor the suspension to your requirements.

 

Went to TW Suspension in Preston this morning for a "suspension setup". First thing was I had far too much sag. The other thing was the bike was too high at the rear and there was in effect no cushioning if you get my drift. That's why it was so harsh over bumps and why I was getting the electric shock back pain when riding over bad bumps. Going to the front, he did say the springs were weak so maybe over the winter a fork rebuild might be in order. It's all done with your weight, a calculator and a ruler. So I then took the bike out for a test run and the difference was apparent straight away. It felt more planted on the tarmac, surer on bends, no skitishness and much smoother over bumps. So went back and paid my £40 gladly then rode the 40 odd miles home in the pizzing rain. The rain was fairly heavy so it's hard to judge but the bike felt very sure. The test will come next week when I go to France. I'm not a quick rider. What I'm hoping for is an improvement in comfort. No or less numb bum and no or less back pain. Judging by the ride back from Preston I'd say the chances of less back pain look very very good.

 

Finally ordered the Progressive spanner that Victor recommended and it arrived today. I added 1.5 turns of pre-load to the rear shock and went fro 44mm of sag to 33mm. The front stayed the same at 33mm (wasn't sure if effectively shifting the CG forward would noticeably impact front sag). Part of this may be in my head, but the difference in handling and feel seems quite a lot more noticeable than I expected.

Should have done this sooner!

Now it's time to mess about with compression/rebound damping and tire pressures.

 

Mmm, time to adjust rear sag I think. I've got about 45mm from my rudimentary measurements which is too much.