What are little things you do to dial in your bike?

Whip
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England GB
Fantasy
10/23/2025 11:35am

If your rear spring preload is more than 10-12mm your bike is fundamentally flawed 

Static sag is IRRELEVANT. Bring on the downvotes

2
1
mxaniac
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571
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9/9/2019
Location
Airway Heights, WA US
10/23/2025 1:10pm
Whip wrote:

If your rear spring preload is more than 10-12mm your bike is fundamentally flawed 

Static sag is IRRELEVANT. Bring on the downvotes

Does anyone just go by static sag? I thought free and static were always the recommended methodology.

Steve125
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1410
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11/24/2010
Location
CT US
10/23/2025 1:20pm

If my levers aren't set right I pump up quick. I also put an o ring around my fork leg to see how much travel I'm using (i think just about everyone does this no?). Overall Fork height in the clamps is critical, steering stem snugged up good with some drag, I like X Trig bar mounts with the green elastomers. Bars cut 1/2" each side, Pro taper Henry/Reed bend on all my bikes.

10/23/2025 1:39pm Edited Date/Time 10/23/2025 1:40pm
Steve125 wrote:
If my levers aren't set right I pump up quick. I also put an o ring around my fork leg to see how much travel I'm...

If my levers aren't set right I pump up quick. I also put an o ring around my fork leg to see how much travel I'm using (i think just about everyone does this no?). Overall Fork height in the clamps is critical, steering stem snugged up good with some drag, I like X Trig bar mounts with the green elastomers. Bars cut 1/2" each side, Pro taper Henry/Reed bend on all my bikes.

Same here on the levers, do you keep a finger on the lever all the time? Where do you end up liking yours set?

1

The Shop

OwenJakes
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1756
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6/30/2023
Location
sebree, KY US
10/23/2025 2:43pm
Whip wrote:

If your rear spring preload is more than 10-12mm your bike is fundamentally flawed 

Static sag is IRRELEVANT. Bring on the downvotes

So what’s the process?

1. Set sag to desired amount

2. Remove shock and check preload 

3. If preload is greater than 12mm, go up in shock rate?

1
bodycast
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342
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1/18/2020
Location
Monroe, NC US
10/23/2025 3:06pm Edited Date/Time 10/23/2025 3:07pm

Adjust levers.  Ride for 10 hours.  Play with suspension clickers and adjustment ( im the target weight for most stock bikes) until i like it and ride.

TAUTOG
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1644
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1/27/2023
Location
Mohrsville, PA US
10/23/2025 3:36pm
Oldham wrote:

Plumbers tape under clutch and brake lever perches.

Winter riding, electrical tape on levers

Have you tried hockey tape? Better grip.

TAUTOG
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Mohrsville, PA US
10/23/2025 3:39pm
PRM31 wrote:

New bars, cut bars down, grips. 

Gworm wrote:

I always cut my bars down, too  

I’m surprised nobody else mentioned it  


 

Do moto guys do this? I thought it was more of an off road thing? 

I've been cutting an inch and a half off both sides forever and when I ride someone else's bike I fell like I'm going to hit every tree lol

ZinAZ
Posts
316
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10/11/2022
Location
boston, MA US
10/23/2025 5:00pm
Whip wrote:

If your rear spring preload is more than 10-12mm your bike is fundamentally flawed 

Static sag is IRRELEVANT. Bring on the downvotes

OwenJakes wrote:

So what’s the process?

1. Set sag to desired amount

2. Remove shock and check preload 

3. If preload is greater than 12mm, go up in shock rate?

pretty much or try a higher sag number(decrease preload) and see if you are comfortable with it there, 

3
OldTech
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1260
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1/13/2024
Location
Decatur , AL US
10/23/2025 5:09pm
PRM31 wrote:

New bars, cut bars down, grips. 

Gworm wrote:

I always cut my bars down, too  

I’m surprised nobody else mentioned it  


 

TAUTOG wrote:
Do moto guys do this? I thought it was more of an off road thing? I've been cutting an inch and a half off both sides forever...

Do moto guys do this? I thought it was more of an off road thing? 

I've been cutting an inch and a half off both sides forever and when I ride someone else's bike I fell like I'm going to hit every tree lol

Wherever your comfortable doing push-ups is a good place to start.

1
1
10/23/2025 5:11pm
GrapeApe wrote:
Before I even think about riding the bike I install anodized and color coordinated engine plugs, master cylinder caps, clevis, axle blocks, clutch and brake lever...

Before I even think about riding the bike I install anodized and color coordinated engine plugs, master cylinder caps, clevis, axle blocks, clutch and brake lever clamps, and oil filter cover. I usually take the opportunity to install color coordinated coolant hoses and vent lines as well. Finish it off with a multi colored ribbed seat cover and decal works graphics stem to stern and she is ready to purr. My budget is usually blown by this point but sometimes I will also replace the heavy aluminum fasteners with titanium.

 

What about the spoke skins?

2
2
OldTech
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Location
Decatur , AL US
10/23/2025 6:11pm
GPrider wrote:
high speed compression adjuster is the single biggest thing I use to find that sweet spot. Most guys are afraid of it and wont touch it...

high speed compression adjuster is the single biggest thing I use to find that sweet spot. Most guys are afraid of it and wont touch it. Its everything to me personally 

I'm that guy - how do you use it and why ??? Cheers

I'll try. High speed compression is not jumping, landing or even a g-out. It effects square edge holes, acceleration bumps or even wheelieing over a tree. If the bike deflects to the side or steps out, try opening it up a little. Always know where you started.

6
Steve125
Posts
1410
Joined
11/24/2010
Location
CT US
10/24/2025 9:25am
Steve125 wrote:
If my levers aren't set right I pump up quick. I also put an o ring around my fork leg to see how much travel I'm...

If my levers aren't set right I pump up quick. I also put an o ring around my fork leg to see how much travel I'm using (i think just about everyone does this no?). Overall Fork height in the clamps is critical, steering stem snugged up good with some drag, I like X Trig bar mounts with the green elastomers. Bars cut 1/2" each side, Pro taper Henry/Reed bend on all my bikes.

Kindasmoky wrote:

Same here on the levers, do you keep a finger on the lever all the time? Where do you end up liking yours set?

If I'm crouched, not sitting, not standing straight up, I have them in line with my shoulders down to hands angle. I try to keep a finger on at all times but as fatigue sets in I get lazy. lol. I'm old. 

Falcon
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12351
Joined
11/16/2011
Location
Menifee, CA US
10/24/2025 10:54am
PRM31 wrote:

New bars, cut bars down, grips. 

Gworm wrote:

I always cut my bars down, too  

I’m surprised nobody else mentioned it  


 

TAUTOG wrote:
Do moto guys do this? I thought it was more of an off road thing? I've been cutting an inch and a half off both sides forever...

Do moto guys do this? I thought it was more of an off road thing? 

I've been cutting an inch and a half off both sides forever and when I ride someone else's bike I fell like I'm going to hit every tree lol

When I was young, I bought a set of Answer steel bars to replace my stock ones. They were intended to be cut to length, but I didn't know that. They must have been 40" wide. I got used to them. They were so wide that the throttle stuck when I turned the bars to the right. Everyone who rode behind me said there was no way they could ever pass, because my hands stuck out to the sides far enough to block their lines. 

4
Zerofear66
Posts
1080
Joined
4/27/2017
Location
Anaheim, CA US
10/25/2025 5:59pm

X trig pre load adjuster

Zeta fork caps

Stiffer springs for my fat ass

Wide pegs

And if the suspension sucks, it goes to Graeme Broughe. 

1
OldTech
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1260
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1/13/2024
Location
Decatur , AL US
10/25/2025 6:12pm
Zerofear66 wrote:

X trig pre load adjuster

Zeta fork caps

Stiffer springs for my fat ass

Wide pegs

And if the suspension sucks, it goes to Graeme Broughe. 

What's up with the fork caps?

10/25/2025 8:17pm
GPrider wrote:
high speed compression adjuster is the single biggest thing I use to find that sweet spot. Most guys are afraid of it and wont touch it...

high speed compression adjuster is the single biggest thing I use to find that sweet spot. Most guys are afraid of it and wont touch it. Its everything to me personally 

I'm that guy - how do you use it and why ??? Cheers

OldTech wrote:
I'll try. High speed compression is not jumping, landing or even a g-out. It effects square edge holes, acceleration bumps or even wheelieing over a tree...

I'll try. High speed compression is not jumping, landing or even a g-out. It effects square edge holes, acceleration bumps or even wheelieing over a tree. If the bike deflects to the side or steps out, try opening it up a little. Always know where you started.

Would you say acceleration chop feeling harsh while sitting, but perfectly smooth while standing is an indication that the hsc is too soft?

Timo
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1430
Joined
1/9/2021
Location
Wichita, KS US
10/25/2025 10:18pm
Whip wrote:

If your rear spring preload is more than 10-12mm your bike is fundamentally flawed 

Static sag is IRRELEVANT. Bring on the downvotes

OwenJakes wrote:

So what’s the process?

1. Set sag to desired amount

2. Remove shock and check preload 

3. If preload is greater than 12mm, go up in shock rate?

I race off-road, not moto, but I've actually found I like a lighter spring with more preload. 

10/26/2025 6:12am

New tires asap and remove the stupid stock band on the rim and duct tape twice around, I think this helps greatly with keeping water and dirt out and also keeps spoke nipples from turning and loosening.

OldTech
Posts
1260
Joined
1/13/2024
Location
Decatur , AL US
10/26/2025 8:57am

I'm that guy - how do you use it and why ??? Cheers

OldTech wrote:
I'll try. High speed compression is not jumping, landing or even a g-out. It effects square edge holes, acceleration bumps or even wheelieing over a tree...

I'll try. High speed compression is not jumping, landing or even a g-out. It effects square edge holes, acceleration bumps or even wheelieing over a tree. If the bike deflects to the side or steps out, try opening it up a little. Always know where you started.

Would you say acceleration chop feeling harsh while sitting, but perfectly smooth while standing is an indication that the hsc is too soft?

What I can say is don't be afraid to make a change. As long as you know where you started a quarter turn is a decent change, a half turn is pretty major. As a general rule, the smoother and perfectly groomed the track, the more you turn in.

1
Zerofear66
Posts
1080
Joined
4/27/2017
Location
Anaheim, CA US
10/26/2025 7:50pm
Zerofear66 wrote:

X trig pre load adjuster

Zeta fork caps

Stiffer springs for my fat ass

Wide pegs

And if the suspension sucks, it goes to Graeme Broughe. 

OldTech wrote:

What's up with the fork caps?

Screenshot 20251026-194855 Chrome

 

Just makes it easier to adjust compression. 

4
PigLover
Posts
64
Joined
9/8/2019
Location
Ellensburg, WA US
10/26/2025 11:49pm
Donk122 wrote:
Unfortunately I'm a damn princess so renthal half waffle softs. Fat bar, but I've noticed I prefer different bends on different bikes / different clamp and...

Unfortunately I'm a damn princess so renthal half waffle softs. Fat bar, but I've noticed I prefer different bends on different bikes / different clamp and bar mounts. I run my perches in quite far. My front brake lever is very, very close because not only am I the princess but I have the hand size of 7 year old girl. Which brings me to... preferring my throttle tube trimmed down on the lathe to lessen the overall diameter. My throttle tube and cables need to be smooth and clean and have the butter feel. I can't stand (no pun intended) when my footpegs are sloppy, I like to have the tight sturdy new feeling. I pop the pins out and clean them often and replace springs, pins and mounts (non austrian) once or twice a summer. 

I enjoy the challenge of making the bike work better for me every time I ride. Regardless if its the same track or not, usually conditions are different and require different adjustments. 

If you're new to the bike, or just got suspension done... first thing is learning the balance of the bike, how it pitches under braking and accelerating, straight line, lean angle, etc. There are many ways to adjust the balance and each way branches off and affects the next thing differently. Therefore there are an infinite number of possibilities that's why teams are literally always testing. 

Sag. For the love of god don't be afraid of adjusting this. There is no magic number. Anything a susp shop tells you is generally your baseline. Regardless of the number, its just a starting/reference point. There are many shops that have proven data that shows their setting/package works best at xxxMM but dont be afraid to adjust a half/full turn on the collar one way or the other, based on results go on, or return.

Fork height, same shit. baseline is usually 5mm. Up or down a few mm makes a huge difference. 

Using an appropriate spring rate for the weight applied is far more important than anything. 

To understand the concepts, over exaggerate it in your head...Do you want the bike "choppered out" (light weight on the front and heavier weight to the rear) or do you need more "stink bug" (more weight on the front and rear end higher) Finding the happy medium, then learning to control the action with damping . Clickers / adjusters on the outside, and valving, bleeds, restrictions in certain spots vs others, etc. Some valving may require heavier springs to work better, and vice versa. Again, start to understand the infinite possibilities here. Thats why it annoys me when people immediately shit talk a suspension company. Most have zero clue how intricate this stuff is, and how generalized suspension settings are for the general public.

 Every input (bump, braking, acceleration) is driven into the chassis and the energy needs to dissipate somewhere, controlling that, for an individuals preferences is the tough part. But I love it. Not sure if you can tell 🤓🤓🤣

Not trying to be rude, but what is turning down the throttle tube achieving that a thinner grip couldn’t? Genuinely curious as to how much material is being removed and how your grips are staying put on throttle side, as well as how you’re chucking the throttle tube up. 

Zeke27G
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1405
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11/8/2011
Location
Ascot Park, CA US
10/27/2025 8:04am

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1
Andy7
Posts
493
Joined
2/24/2017
Location
Venado Tuerto, Santa Fe AR
Fantasy
10/27/2025 9:25am

Grease every single pivot point.
Tighten the rear suspension bolts in the next sequence, to the specified torque, with the bike on the ground, not on the stand.
463376139 1219101072703505 3611855740416331214 n
Set the fork height on only 1 fork tube. Remove the front wheel, and loosen the clamp bolts on the other fork tube. Remount the axle, and start moving it through both axle lugs, and move the loose fork up and down, until you feel the axle moving freely. Tighten clamps bolts, no matter if the forks are level above the triple clamps or not, this is the correct fork height setting technique.


With all pinch bolts loose, thighten the axle. Then tighten the pinch bolts on the nut side. At this point compress the forks a little, up and down, so as to make the other fork leg self aline. Then tighten the pinch bolts.

I sometimes upload a couple tips on my instagram page BTI SPORT, feel free to follow (Instagram translation feature will do the work lol) 
 

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2
Timo
Posts
1430
Joined
1/9/2021
Location
Wichita, KS US
10/27/2025 9:31am
Andy7 wrote:
Grease every single pivot point.Tighten the rear suspension bolts in the next sequence, to the specified torque, with the bike on the ground, not on the...

Grease every single pivot point.
Tighten the rear suspension bolts in the next sequence, to the specified torque, with the bike on the ground, not on the stand.
463376139 1219101072703505 3611855740416331214 n
Set the fork height on only 1 fork tube. Remove the front wheel, and loosen the clamp bolts on the other fork tube. Remount the axle, and start moving it through both axle lugs, and move the loose fork up and down, until you feel the axle moving freely. Tighten clamps bolts, no matter if the forks are level above the triple clamps or not, this is the correct fork height setting technique.


With all pinch bolts loose, thighten the axle. Then tighten the pinch bolts on the nut side. At this point compress the forks a little, up and down, so as to make the other fork leg self aline. Then tighten the pinch bolts.

I sometimes upload a couple tips on my instagram page BTI SPORT, feel free to follow (Instagram translation feature will do the work lol) 
 

Do you install rubber bushings in the linkage and swingarm? That's why autos have to have the weight on them before tightening....

10/27/2025 9:41am
Zerofear66 wrote:

X trig pre load adjuster

Zeta fork caps

Stiffer springs for my fat ass

Wide pegs

And if the suspension sucks, it goes to Graeme Broughe. 

OldTech wrote:

What's up with the fork caps?

Zerofear66 wrote:
 Just makes it easier to adjust compression. 
Screenshot 20251026-194855 Chrome

 

Just makes it easier to adjust compression. 

I've been thinking about grabbing a set when I get my fork revalved. How much were they? Also wonder if the caps from a CRF450WE would work on my RMZ since they're both Showa 49's

lumpy790
Posts
11405
Joined
9/18/2007
Location
York, SC US
10/27/2025 10:02am Edited Date/Time 10/27/2025 10:10am

1st thing is change handlebars to a bend that I like. I always cut the bars to fit my body comfortably. 

Do a few pushups and measure the inside of where your palm to palm and that is basically the measurement from the inside of the grips.

1
Andy7
Posts
493
Joined
2/24/2017
Location
Venado Tuerto, Santa Fe AR
Fantasy
10/28/2025 4:06am
Timo wrote:

Do you install rubber bushings in the linkage and swingarm? That's why autos have to have the weight on them before tightening....

Not really, but they do have play, otherwise how do you think they allow rotation? And unless your bike working position is with both wheels on the air, you want to tighten them under its own weight. Just take a look at the SX pits, you would be surprised when you see a factory mechanic compressing the rear wheel with a tie down, prior to tightening all the shock and linkage bolts....

Timo
Posts
1430
Joined
1/9/2021
Location
Wichita, KS US
10/28/2025 2:05pm
Timo wrote:

Do you install rubber bushings in the linkage and swingarm? That's why autos have to have the weight on them before tightening....

Andy7 wrote:
Not really, but they do have play, otherwise how do you think they allow rotation? And unless your bike working position is with both wheels on...

Not really, but they do have play, otherwise how do you think they allow rotation? And unless your bike working position is with both wheels on the air, you want to tighten them under its own weight. Just take a look at the SX pits, you would be surprised when you see a factory mechanic compressing the rear wheel with a tie down, prior to tightening all the shock and linkage bolts....

The bearing is able to rotate 360 degrees, the linkage is the limiting factor of movement. You're still thinking about bushings that have a limited travel because the rubber is bonded and would be damaged if it's over rotated. 

10/28/2025 4:44pm

I throw on super low bars and dial in my lever position with an angle finder. I like to weight the front end and having the angle of my levers being out of whack throws everything off so these changes give me both. I'm also a stickler for setting my front brake to where I can wrap my index finger around it at all times.

1

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