How To Check Motorcycle Suspension Sag | MC Garage

--

[MajorDrama]

Fantastic - Clearest most thorough explanation of sag setting Ive ever seen in years of riding! Top work and greatly appreciated guys

[bigdaddyschin]

Easily the most clear cut no BS video out there. Thank you

[Concordeagle]

Note that for 2016 and newer FGRT Ohlins forks, the manual calls for 15-30mm (front) and 10-20mm (rear) of free sag. With "rider on" (what Ohlins calls "Ride Height") the sag numbers are 25-40mm (front) and 35-50mm (front). So you can see it's a wide range and it varies between front/rear. The principles for measuring sag in this video are spot on, just check with your suspension manufacturer on sag ranges; there is no one size fits all sag number or ratio.

[GTSuzukaTimeTrials]

I love that there are no dislikes. This channel is a godsend for motorcycle enthusiasts.

[karlmaust]

0:32 1/3rd to 1/4th of total distant travel
L1, no load measurement
L2, load with rider pushed down showing upword drag
L3, load with rider pushed up showing downword drag
2:20 Sag = L1 ((L2+L3)/2)
Desired Sag = L1 * .33 to L1 * .25
.295 ( ± .075 ) * L1 = L1 ( ( L2 + L3 ) / 2 )

Just taking some notes

[StuartMcFarlane]

Another great video guys. I should get my local Ducati shop to watch this 'cause I took my bike there a few months ago to get a suspension adjustment. They hadn't a clue what they were doing.

[ryanwhitman]

Keep these coming! You guys are awesome at these videos!

[maciejasz]

The second case from 3:56 should be: "If you pulled all the preload out and you still have too little sag..." not "... too much sag..."

[kbartlett]

these "how to" videos are class! keep them coming!

[ernestocastellanos]

If youve maxed out preload, it's a sure sign to lose some weight buddy

[yourfastlife]

This is really good information! Thanks!

[harryWRC]

This is a very interesting topic, congratulations on covering it thoroughly. Plus, the clarification concerning SAG and spring stiffness was well put at the end of the video. Having said that, I have some questions. In a video from D.Moss, evaluating Suzuki's DL650 suspension, he mentions that, because most of rider weight falls at the rear suspension, changing front spring preload will not have a difference in the measurements despite evaluating different weight riders. Instead, he advises on using a ziptie at the fork to evaluate suspension movement during use, so as to assess whether preload is needed or not. Does body position on the motorcycle play such a significant role in measuring SAG? Can the measurements be thrown off completely due to different bike ergonomics? Lastly, since the rear suspension seems to support most of rider's weight (in the case of the DL and other rear-heavy motorcycles), should measurements be made to the rear first and then adjust the front, considering that preloading a spring will tend to give rise to the suspension of the corresponding end?
Thanks!

[stevericci]

now I understand better, I had an idea but the L1 & L2 measurements made it easy thanks

[vicpnut]

Averaging is a nice twist of being precise I haven’t seen in other suspension how tos 👍🏼✌️

[GRWHITEC]

Outstanding video. At the beginning you said adjusting suspension is one of the very first things you should do to a bike. One thing I may have missed is, why is this so important? Is this specifically to determine if your springs are right for rider weight? (rake, trail, ride height are "in the right range"?) So then, in a sense, when bikes are sold with stock springs, this is to cover the masses, not a specific individual? And this rider sag measurements are critical to identify if the spring you have is right for you as the individual rider, not the masses? Sorry, suspension is very new to me.

[DearMajesty]

Excellent intro about why setting the sag is so important. Bravo!

[ThatGuyFromNantucket]

Awesome tech tip Ari! I doubt my K bike will have much for adjustment up front. My rear suspension however is aftermarket that the previous owner installed. Progressive is the manufacturer. Hopefully I can adjust it properly for a better ride.

[aGTRplayer]

Sag is so important! Hey Ari...have you seen the Motool slacker sag setter. It's great for those of us who can't get an extra person and explain to them what to do!
I check sag more often know! Keep doing awesome vids!!

[AlanLuangrath]

Awesome video ari!! Very easy to understand and do

[andyroo]

this is just brilliant . even has a mathematical formula...eternally grateful