| 1. General | | | | For the shock, lift the bump stop up periodically |
| Getting your suspension dialled in for your riding | | | | with a screwdriver and wash under the bump |
| style is one of your first priority's when you take | | | | stop. This is a common area where shock shaft |
| your new bike out on the track. However, it is an | | | | corrosion starts. If the flap that protects the |
| on going process. What worked today might not | | | | shock becomes damaged, replace it or the roost |
| suit the next track conditions you encounter next | | | | off the rear wheel will damage the shaft. |
| week. Therefore, you have to take on the role | | | | 2- Fork Adjustments |
| of test rider yourself and learn to identify problem | | | | Compression (C) clicker or adjuster is usually at |
| areas. Never stop testing and thinking about what | | | | the base of the fork; sometimes covered by a |
| your bike is doing. Here are some practical tips for | | | | rubber plug, just flick it out with a screwdriver. |
| making your bike as good as it can be, stock or | | | | (Compression clicker is on top for SHOWA twin |
| modified. | | | | chamber forks. |
| Spring Rates | | | | Rebound (R) is the top clicker for all forks other |
| There is again no way a manufacturer can know | | | | than twin chamber forks |
| what you weigh. The "average" target weight for | | | | Clickers, check the clicker settings are at the |
| a full size motorcycle is a 75kg rider. Therefore, if | | | | suggested positions. If in doubt, 10C and 10R is a |
| you have a MX or current technology enduro | | | | good place to start. |
| bike, chances are the spring rates will be close for | | | | After riding, raise the front wheel off the ground |
| you. Of course, you will need to check and adjust | | | | and release the air that builds up in the forks. |
| your sag to be sure. | | | | Triple clamps; Wipe the clamps out with a solvent, |
| There are some expectations. If you ride in sand | | | | they must be clean and oil free. Use a |
| or mud a lot, you might want to do heavier | | | | "scotchbrite" pad if you need to remove any hard |
| springs. Pro class riders on four strokes will go for | | | | deposits. Feel the steering head bearings while you |
| stiffer rates, as will x-treme jumpers. | | | | are at it do they move freely? |
| Clickers | | | | Axle; Check the axle for any nicks or burrs. |
| Often I will call a client on Monday after a race to | | | | NEVER HIT YOU AXLE WITH ANYTHING |
| see how he (or she) went. Occasionally I am met | | | | HARDER THAN BRASS OR PLASTIC. If your |
| with the response of "it was too soft" or "it was | | | | axle cannot centre in the axle foot, you will have |
| to stiff" my next question is "What clicker position | | | | a harsh feeling fork that you cannot remedy with |
| did you start out at and where did you end up? | | | | clicker adjustment. |
| Did the adjustments you made help?" | | | | Install the forks and torque the triple clamps to |
| "I DIDN'T TOUCH THEM, I LEFT THEM RIGHT | | | | manufacturers specification. Over tightening will |
| WHERE YOU PUT THEM" | | | | cause binding in the upper tubes. |
| Anyone who knows a suspension tuner will realise | | | | Set the fork projection through the top clamps to |
| how much this drives them nuts. Please adjust | | | | the stock position. If you have a projection |
| your clickers yourself. One adjustment at a time | | | | preference and have not changed fork settings, |
| so you know what it is doing. Keep a note of | | | | set it to your previous figure. |
| where you started form, so if you get lost you | | | | Lubricate the axle with thin oil or WD40, run it |
| can go back. Read your owners manual, it's full of | | | | through the feet and wheel bearings to ensure it |
| good stuff. Here is some more information that | | | | is smooth. |
| may help both revalved and standard suspension. | | | | Install the wheel and the axle, but leave the pinch |
| Washing | | | | bolts loose. |
| Wash your bike after every ride so you can | | | | After all the other assembly, work is done, drop |
| inspect the fork chrome tubes for knicks or | | | | the bike off the stand, hold on the front brake |
| scratches that will lead to seal failure. For upside | | | | and "pump" the forks several times to centre the |
| down forks keep the chrome tubes free of dry | | | | axle and the fork legs. Tighten the pinch bolts with |
| mud that the dust scrapers will not be able to | | | | the bike still sitting on the ground. THIS STEP IS |
| dislodge. | | | | CRITICAL. |