From: Barry Hobbs <barryhobbs@...> To: Ducati-sportclassic@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, May 17, 2009 6:28:07 PM Subject: Re: [Ducati-sportclassic] Suspension setup
Just getting the ride height "right" will make any bike better on the street or the track. It's a common myth that there's a huge difference between the starting point for a track bike and the starting point for a street bike when it comes to getting the ride height correct for an individual rider. Track setups are just the same thing, with some compromises made for specific characteristics. Some bikes prefer a certain "range" in the normal setup, particularly new racer-oriented bikes which are edging towards inherent instability even more so now.
For a sportclassic, just get your ride height right(read: right springs and right spacers for said springs), and you're worlds closer to being happier at any speed/intent. One thing to keep in mind wrt suspension: springs only hold the bike up at a given height for a given weight. Without damping forces(friction is one of them, the dampers are pretty much the main one), you really have no "suspension" , you just have "travel", since you have no controlling forces over the behavior.
The height you are trying to achieve sets the rake and trail of the front wheel and the clearance of pegs and the behavior of the bike under braking and acceleration. Most bikes I see, for street or track, are setup to be "super stable", or are just coincidentally that way because of light rear springs or heavy riders, or both.
It's the best way you can spend a couple hundred dollars and really feel a difference in the motorcycle. You can't buy a set of aftermarket levers for $300 any more it seems like, but springs and a setup will run you less, and get you more. A bike that has been setup for your weight provides greater safety through greater control, which will definitely help your tavern riding. And back country rides will be much more relaxing once you aren't fighting the bike just to go where you want it.
Barry Hobbs
http://www.dashzerosystems.com
On May 15, 2009, at 10:35 PM, rich greaves wrote:
Thanks Barry the info was helpful tho not sure what it all means :) I might have added that I dont plan on any track days or road racing. Would the same mods be needed for some mellow back road twisties and some T T riding (tavern to tavern)?
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