I gained 10kg (22lbs) in an instant and now my bike handles better!

[lazlokovacs]

Calling all guzzi suspension gurus

Was riding with two heavy duty bike lock chains (combined weight 10kgs) around my torso a few days ago and my lemans handled better than ever.

I have fully adjustable front suspension, straight spring 1kg/mm

and adjustable damping and pre on the rear

I weigh about 140lbs/ 65kgs

are there any simple suspension modifications I can make to replicate the effect of wearing the chains??? (that sounds weird! )

Ride felt softer, with more give, but just perfect for me .... (I understand that preload doesn't affect spring rate)


Add preload?


Lessen damping? Rebound or comp?


Lighter spring of same length?



Open to any suggestions of a good place to start....



cheers

[pmillar]

Since adding weight should increase the sag, I would think you want to back off the preload, not increase it in an effort to duplicate the effect of the chain weight. Basically, measure the sag with the extra weight, then back off  the preload without the weight until you get to the same sag measurement.

Once your sag is set, maybe try backing off your damping in small increments. Ride it after each adjustment, taking notes after the ride and see what you like.

[Lannis]

Perhaps it's not a real effect due to extra weight affecting the suspension in a positive way (although it's worthwhile to try it.)

Maybe it's a "perceived" thing, like wearing ankle weights half the day, then taking them off and feeling like you can bounce 3 feet high .... ?

Or it made you feel more "planted" in the seat, giving an impression of stability?

At any rate, you'd better stock up on ice cream, bacon, moussaka, and french toast with syrup, and lock in those benefits so you don't have to carry chains around!   

Lannis

[twowings]

A dozen doughnuts a couple of times a week and you can leave the chains at home...

[pressureangle]

You're very light. I'm 150lbs and had to back off on all my dampening and rear preload considerably. I have no idea how much the PO weighed, but unless he was literally racing this thing at 170# it was too stiff.

[lazlokovacs]

Since adding weight should increase the sag, I would think you want to back off the preload, not increase it in an effort to duplicate the effect of the chain weight. Basically, measure the sag with the extra weight, then back off  the preload without the weight until you get to the same sag measurement.

Once your sag is set, maybe try backing off your damping in small increments. Ride it after each adjustment, taking notes after the ride and see what you like.

good advice cheers

[kingoffleece]

Too much spring for your weight is a real possibility

[tris]

You're very light. I'm 150lbs and had to back off on all my dampening and rear preload considerably. I have no idea how much the PO weighed, but unless he was literally racing this thing at 170# it was too stiff.

I had to do the same with mine.

I suspect that there is a belief that to be a "racer" you need the preload maxed out

[Chuck in Indiana]

Too much spring for your weight is a real possibility

Sure. Getting the "sag" right is the first thing in suspension adjustment.