Re: [ST] Suspension upgrade (was: Sprint ABS)

[Blake Sobiloff <sobiloff@xxxxxxxxx>]

On Feb 14, 2006, at 12:02 PM, Emile Nossin wrote:
> I did turn up the preload on the rear a lot, as well as the rebound
> damping.

Yep, the stock ST rear damper increases the compression and rebound  
damping at the same time, but often times the ratio between the two  
damping rates isn't suitable for a particular rider. The ability to  
adjust them independently is important.

Preload should only be used to set the static and dynamic sag  
correctly for the weight of the rider and accessories/passengers. It  
isn't the appropriate adjustment for changing the dynamic handling  
characteristics of a motorcycle. Those are manipulated by changing  
the compression and rebound damping.

> So how does the emulator's effect compare to, for example, a new  
> set of
> progressive springs, in terms of stability etc?

Springs and preload are only used to gain the correct sag settings.

An emulator gives you independent control over both the compression  
and rebound settings on the front forks. It also has different  
settings for high-speed (sharp) bumps versus low speed (gentle  
oscillations) bumps. So, for example, an emulator will let your front  
forks be plush and nicely absorb the impact when you run over a  
pothole, but also be firm when you're aggressively taking turns and  
braking.

The RaceTech FAQ does a pretty good job of explaining some of these  
concepts: <http://www.racetech.com/SubMenu.asp? 
cMenu=4&c=Yes&cSubMenu=11&showPage=street>.

There are more technical articles at <http://www.racetech.com/ 
SubMenu.asp?cMenu=4&c=Yes&cSubMenu=9&showPage=street> as well.

> Where can I get it in
> Europe (or online) and how much is it? I mean a set of fork springs is
> pretty cheap as well (although WP and Hyperpro are both Dutch, that
> might help).

I don't know about European sales, but email RaceTech at  
<distsales@xxxxxxxxxxxx> and I'm sure they'll be able to point you in  
the right direction.
--
Blake Sobiloff <sobiloff@xxxxxxxxx>
<http://sobiloff.typepad.com/>
San Jose, CA  (USA)


_______________________________________________
Triumph Sprint ST/RS mailing list
Send list posts to ST@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Change your list options at www.Triumphnet.com